Parts of a credit card: CVV, EMV chip and more

Most people don't think about the details of their credit card. They tap, swipe or enter their card information online for purchases and move on. However, there are some important benefits to knowing the parts of a credit card.

You'll need to understand your card details to make online purchases and payments, set up recurring payments or troubleshoot issues with transactions. Your credit card also includes important security features that you should be aware of. Let's break it down so you can better understand how your card works, use it more effectively and keep your information safe from fraud.

Front of the card: Bank information

Your credit card displays the logo of the bank that issued it on the front of the card. This is the financial institution that you send your payments to.

You'll also see a logo for the credit card company that processes your transactions, like Visa™, Mastercard®, American Express® or Discover®. This information determines where your card will be accepted. For example, if your card has the Mastercard logo, it will be accepted by millions of merchants around the world that accept Mastercard.

Front of the card: EMV chip

You may have noticed a small, metallic square on the front of your credit card. That's the EMV (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) chip. This tiny chip generates a unique, one-time code every time you use your card, which makes it much harder for criminals to clone it. Even if someone steals your card information, they can't duplicate the chip, which means they can't use the information to make additional purchases.

Most credit cards are hybrids that allow you to tap to pay and have both a magnetic strip and a chip for convenience. Although tapping to pay is the most secure way to use a credit card, using a chip reader is more secure than swiping your card when making a purchase. To use a chip reader:

1. Insert your card into the payment terminal
2. Leave the card in place until you are prompted to remove it
3. Enter your PIN or sign if required
4. Remove your card when instructed

Back of the card: Credit card number, CVV and other key features

The most important parts of your card involve your account information. It's transmitted electronically when you swipe your card, place your card in a card reader or make contactless payments. This information is usually included on the back of your card and includes your:

• Name: Your name, which identifies you as the cardholder.
• Account number: The 15- or 16-digit number, which identifies your specific account.
• Expiration date: The date that indicates when your card becomes invalid. Credit cards expire every few years to update security features. Your credit card issuer will automatically send you a new card a few weeks before your current card expires.
• CVV (Card Verification Value) code: This 3-digit code is located on the back of the card. The CVV is an important security feature that helps prevents thieves from making unauthorized purchases with just your card number.
• Signature strip: The white strip on the back of your card is for your signature. Be sure to sign your card immediately after receiving it. Without a signature, your credit card isn't valid, and merchants may reject it.
• Hologram: A hologram on a credit card is a small, three-dimensional image embedded into the card's surface that changes appearance when viewed from different angles. It serves as a security feature to help prevent counterfeiting and fraud.
• Bank information: On the back of your card, you'll see a toll-free phone number for customer service, which goes to the bank that issued your card. Call this number if your card is lost or stolen, you have a question or you need to report a fraudulent charge. Keep this number in a safe place so you can still contact your card issuer if your card is missing.

When making online purchases, the information you enter must match the information on the credit card. If the name, account number or other information you enter doesn't match, the transaction will be declined.

Keeping your account information secure is essential for preventing fraud. Always make sure a merchant is legitimate before giving them your credit card information. When purchasing online, make sure the network and website are secure. Also, be sure to monitor your statements for unfamiliar charges. If you spot anything, report it immediately to your credit card issuer.

Back of the card: Credit card magnetic strip

On the back of your credit card, you'll see a black or brown magnetic strip that stores your account information. When you swipe your card to pay for something, the card reader obtains your account information from this strip. Take care of your magnetic strip to ensure it continues to work properly. Avoid exposing your credit card to magnets or anything that might scratch it and be sure to store it in a wallet.

Magnetic strips are not as secure as a newer technology that uses a chip embedded in your card. Some criminals use devices called skimmers that are attached to card readers to steal the information on magnetic strips. That's why "swiping" your card is being replaced with EMV chip technology.

Credit card tap to pay and contactless payment

Many credit cards now let you make purchases without swiping or inserting your card into a payment terminal. Just look for the contactless symbol on the front or back of your card to see if it has this feature. The symbol looks like four vertical, curved lines that get bigger from left to right, like the Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side.

Contactless payments are quick and easy. First, locate the contactless payment symbol on the payment terminal when checking out. Then, hold your card one to two inches from the terminal until you hear a beep or see a confirmation on the screen.

Contactless payments use encrypted EMV chip codes, which makes them a secure way to pay. Also, because the card never leaves your hand, there's less risk of criminals stealing your card information or accidentally leaving your card behind.

How Citizens leads the way in credit card accessibility

More than 2.2 billion people have a near or distance visual impairment, affecting people of all ages. These impairments can make everyday tasks, like grasping a credit card or using a keypad, much more difficult.

To help make banking more accessible for everyone, Citizens has partnered with Mastercard to create credit cards for people who are blind or partially sighted. These cards feature a distinctive notch design that makes it easier to find when needed. This design change will have a big impact for those who face challenges with traditional card designs and smooth edges like the rest of their cards.

Know your credit card

Your credit card includes important safety features. Knowing how to use them helps to protect you from fraud. Understanding the parts of a credit card and how they all work also helps you take full advantage of all the benefits and features it offers.

Ready to find a card that protects your information and fits your lifestyle? Explore Citizens' selection of credit cards to find the one that's right for you.