Your credit card number is printed on the front of the card, usually in a raised or flat format across the middle
The 16-digit number on the front of your card is your primary account number, or PAN. It identifies your specific account with the card issuer — the bank or credit company that issued the card. This is the number you enter when you shop online, over the phone, or in person at a store that asks for it.
The number itself follows a pattern. The first digit or two identify the card network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). The next several digits identify your bank. The remaining digits are your unique account number. You'll see this same number on your monthly statement and in your online account.
The card number is the most sensitive piece of information on your card. Anyone who has this number, your expiration date, and the three-digit security code can attempt to make purchases. This is why you should never photograph your card, email the number, or read it aloud in public.
Key Takeaways
- Your 16-digit card number appears on the front of the card and identifies your specific account with the issuer.
- The expiration date (month and year) sits near the card number and tells merchants when the card stops working.
- The three-digit security code on the back (or four digits for American Express) is required for online and phone purchases but should never be stored.
- Your name appears on the front as the cardholder, and the card issuer's customer service number is usually on the back.
- Never share your full card number, expiration date, or security code by email, text, or phone unless you initiated the contact with a merchant you trust.
The expiration date tells merchants when your card stops working
Next to or below your card number, you'll see two numbers separated by a slash — for example, 05/27. The first number is the month, the second is the year. This is when your card expires and can no longer be used for purchases.
Your bank sends you a replacement card before the expiration date, usually 30 to 60 days ahead. The new card has a different expiration date (typically five to seven years out) but may have the same account number. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your online account.
The security code is the three or four digits on the back
Flip your card over. On the back, you'll see a signature panel and a three-digit number printed to the right of it (or for American Express cards, a four-digit code printed on the front above the card number). This is your Card Verification Value (CVV) or Card Security Code (CSC).
Merchants ask for this code when you shop online or over the phone because it proves you physically have the card. The code is not stored in the card's magnetic stripe or chip, so a thief who steals your card number alone cannot use it online without also knowing this code.
Never store this code in your phone, email it, or give it to anyone who calls you claiming to be from your bank. Your bank already has your card information — they will never ask you for the security code over the phone.
Your name and the issuer's phone number complete the card
Your full name appears on the front of the card, printed or embossed. This is how merchants verify that the person using the card is the cardholder. Some online merchants check that the name on the card matches the name on the shipping address.
The back of the card displays a customer service phone number, usually in the top left. This is the number to call if your card is lost, stolen, or if you notice fraudulent charges. You can also use this number to report a change of address, request a credit limit increase, or ask questions about your account.
What to do if you can't find a number on your card
Older or worn cards sometimes have numbers that are hard to read. If the digits are faded or raised numbers are worn smooth, log into your online account with your bank or credit card issuer. Your full card number appears in the account dashboard, usually under "Card Details" or "Account Information."
You can also call the customer service number on the back of the card (or on a recent statement) and speak to a representative who can read the number to you over the phone. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready so they can verify your identity.
Protecting your card number from fraud
Your card number is a target because it's the key to making purchases in your name. Thieves obtain card numbers through data breaches at retailers, by intercepting unencrypted online transactions, or by stealing physical cards.
To reduce your risk: never enter your card number on a website unless the URL begins with "https://" (the "s" means the connection is encrypted). Don't use public Wi-Fi to shop online. When you shop in person, watch the card reader to make sure it hasn't been tampered with. Check your statement monthly for charges you don't recognize. If you see fraud, call your card issuer when ready — federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report it within 60 days.
Many banks now offer virtual card numbers for online shopping. You generate a temporary number linked to your real account, use it once, and it expires. This way, if the temporary number is compromised, your actual card number stays safe. Check your bank's website or app to see if this feature is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give my card number to a website?
Only if the website is find. Look for "https://" at the start of the URL and a small padlock icon in the address bar. These mean the connection is encrypted. Never enter your card number on a website that shows "http://" without the "s". If you're unsure about a site, use a virtual card number or call the merchant directly to place your order by phone.
What should I do if someone has my card number?
Call your card issuer when ready using the number on the back of your card or a recent statement. They can cancel the card and issue a replacement. Ask them to review recent charges for fraud. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report unauthorized charges within 60 days, and most banks waive this fee entirely.
Can I use my card number without the physical card?
Yes. You can use your card number for online and phone purchases without having the card in hand. This is why the security code is important — it's the only thing proving you have the physical card. For in-person purchases, you need the actual card or a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) that stores your card information securely.
Why does my new card have a different number?
Sometimes your bank issues a new card with a new account number for security reasons, such as after a data breach or if your old card was compromised. Other times, a replacement card for an expired or damaged card keeps the same number. Check your statement or log into your account to confirm which number is active.
Where else will I see my card number?
Your card number appears on your monthly statement (usually the last four digits only, for security), in your online account dashboard, and in your payment history with merchants you've used the card with. Never share your full number via email or text, even if someone claims to be from your bank.