Understanding Your Credit Card: Key Numbers Explained

Credit cards contain several important numbers that serve various functions, from identifying the issuer to enhancing security. Here's a breakdown of the key figures you'll find on your card:

1. Credit Card Number (Permanent Account Number - PAN)

Often referred to as the "long number" on the front of your card, this is typically 16 digits but can be up to 19. More formally, it's known as a Permanent Account Number (PAN).

This isn't a random sequence; it's unique to you and contains vital information about your account, the specific card, and the issuing entity.

• First Digit: Identifies the card provider:

  • Mastercard: Starts with a 2 or 5.

  • Visa: Starts with a 4.

  • American Express: Starts with a 3.

• First 6 Digits (Issue Identifier Number - IIN): These digits help identify the card issuer.

• Subsequent Digits: Relate specifically to your individual account.

• Last Digit (Check Digit): This crucial digit helps verify that the full credit card number has been provided correctly and in the right order during transactions.

2. "Valid From" and "Expires End" Dates

These numbers indicate the month and year your card was issued and when it will expire (e.g., 06/20 would be June 2020).

• Credit cards are typically issued for 2 to 4 years and are renewed just before their expiry date.

• You might notice the "expires end" date is often a month or so after the "valid from" date, providing a brief grace period to transition to your new card.

• Once expired, your old card will no longer be usable. It's advisable to start using your new card as soon as it arrives to prevent inconvenience.

• If your card is re-issued (e.g., for a lost card replacement), your new card will naturally have updated "valid from" and "expires end" dates.

• For security, always cut up and carefully dispose of old, expired cards.

3. Security Number (CVV, CVC, CVN, CVV2)

When making online purchases, you'll often be asked for a "security number," which might be labeled as CVV, CVC, CVN, or CVV2. These all refer to the same thing: a Card Verification Value (or code).

This number is requested to verify that the physical card is in your possession, as it is only printed on the card itself and not stored electronically with your primary card details.

• Visa and Mastercard: The security number is found on the back of your card. It's the last 3 digits of the number printed in the top right-hand corner of the signature strip.

• American Express: The security number is a 4-digit number printed on the front of the card, usually just above and to the right of the main credit card number.