Card Elements

The logo of the financial institution.

The integrated circuit (IC) is for data storage and processing capability

The hologram is an anti-fraud measure; its inclusion makes it far more difficult to forge a card with a realistic appearance

The Primary Account Number (PAN) is usually referred to as the card number and can be from 12 to 19 characters in length. On most payment cards the PAN is embossed

The card scheme logo identifies the card scheme. The most well known card scheme logos are for Visa and MasterCard but other examples include American Express and Diners Club

The expiry date has the following format: 'MM/YY'

The name of the person to whom the card is issued.

The magnetic stripe comprises three separate tracks: Tracks 1 and 3 contain information such as the cardholder's name and bank account details and Track 2 contains card data, such as start date, expiry date and issue number

The integrated circuit (IC) is for data storage and processing capability

The signature strip carries the signature of the cardholder

The Card Security Code (CSC) comprises two codes: CVV1 and CVV2 (Cardholder Verification Value). CVV1 is encoded on a card's magnetic stripe. CVV2 is a three or four digit value printed on the card or signature strip and used therefore to verify that a cardholder has the card in their physical possession. The term CSC is commonly used to refer to CVV2.