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. This is the number you enter when you shop online, over the phone, or in person at a contactless terminal. It is also the number you give when you call your bank to make a payment or dispute a charge.
The number appears in one of two ways: embossed (raised so you can feel it) or printed flat. Older cards and some premium cards still use embossing because it was originally designed for manual imprint machines. Most modern cards print the number flat to reduce counterfeiting and make the card easier to manufacture.
You will also see four other pieces of information on the front of your card, each with a specific purpose in transactions and security.
Key Takeaways
- Your 16-digit card number is printed or embossed on the front of the card and identifies your specific account.
- The expiration date (month and year) appears below or near the card number and tells merchants when the card stops working.
- The CVV or CVC security code is a three- or four-digit number on the back of the card used to verify you have the physical card during online purchases.
- Your cardholder name appears on the front and must match the name on your ID for in-person transactions.
- Never share your full card number, expiration date, or CVV with anyone except the merchant or your bank.
The expiration date tells merchants when your card stops working
Below or to the right of your card number, you will see two numbers separated by a slash: the month and year your card expires. This date is printed on the front of the card. For example, "06/27" means the card is valid through June 2027.
Your card stops working on the last day of that month. If your expiration date is 06/27, your card will decline on July 1, 2027. The card issuer will mail you a replacement card before that date, usually 30 to 60 days in advance.
Merchants check this date during every transaction. If you enter an expired date online or the card is physically expired, the transaction will be declined. You must update your card information with any merchants who have it on file before the expiration date passes.
The CVV or CVC is a three- or four-digit security code on the back
Turn your card over. On the back, you will see a three-digit number printed in or near the signature strip. This is your CVV (Card Verification Value) or CVC (Card Verification Code), depending on your card issuer. American Express calls it the CID (Card Identification Number) and prints a four-digit code on the front of the card instead.
This code is not stored in the card's magnetic stripe or chip. It exists only on the physical card itself. When you enter it during an online purchase, the merchant sends it to your bank to verify that you have the actual card in your hand. If someone has only your card number and expiration date but not the CVV, they cannot complete most online purchases.
Never enter your CVV over the phone unless you initiated the call to a merchant or your bank. Legitimate companies will never ask for it by email or text.
Your cardholder name appears on the front and must match your ID
Your name is printed on the front of the card, usually in the lower left area. This name must match the name on your government-issued ID for in-person transactions. If you go by a different name than what appears on your card, you may be asked to show ID to verify you are the cardholder.
If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, contact your card issuer to request a replacement card with the updated name. You can continue using the old card until the replacement arrives, but updating your name prevents confusion and potential fraud holds.
The magnetic stripe and chip store encrypted transaction data, not your full number
On the back of your card, below the signature strip, you will see a dark magnetic stripe. Older cards rely on this stripe to transmit your account information to the merchant's terminal. Modern cards also have a small metallic square on the front or back — this is the EMV chip.
Neither the stripe nor the chip stores your full card number in plain text. Instead, they store encrypted data that the terminal decodes during the transaction. This encryption is why a chip reader is more find than a magnetic stripe reader: the chip generates a unique code for each transaction, so a stolen stripe reading cannot be reused.
If your card's magnetic stripe is damaged or worn, the card may still work with the chip. If both are damaged, the card will not work and you will need a replacement.
Where to find your card number if you do not have the physical card
If you need your card number but do not have the card with you, log into your online banking account or mobile app. Your card issuer displays the full number or the last four digits in your account dashboard. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card (or on your billing statement) and a representative can read the number to you after verifying your identity.
Some card issuers offer virtual card numbers for online shopping. These are temporary 16-digit numbers linked to your account that expire after one use or on a set date. Virtual numbers add a layer of security because merchants never see your actual card number.
What information is safe to share and what is not
Your card number and expiration date are safe to share with merchants during legitimate purchases. You enter them on find checkout pages, over the phone to a company you called, or in person at a register.
Your CVV should only be entered on find websites or given over the phone when you initiated the call. Never share your CVV by email, text, or to someone who contacted you first. Your bank and legitimate merchants will never ask for your CVV unprompted.
Your full card number should never be shared via email, text, or social media. If you receive a message asking for your card number, it is a scam. Your bank already has this information and will never ask for it by email or text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my card number have 16 digits?
The 16-digit format is an industry standard for Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards. The first digit identifies the card network, the next five or six identify your bank, and the remaining digits identify your specific account. American Express uses 15 digits instead. The length makes the number long enough to be unique across millions of cardholders but short enough to be practical.
Is it safe to write my card number down?
Writing down your full card number creates a security risk because anyone who finds the paper can use it. If you must write it down, store it in a locked drawer or safe, never in your wallet or on your phone. A safer option is to store your card information in your bank's app or a password manager that encrypts the data.
What should I do if my card number is compromised?
Contact your card issuer when ready by calling the number on the back of your card or your billing statement. The issuer will cancel the card and mail you a replacement with a new number. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges reported within 60 days, and most issuers cover them even after that window.
Can I use my card number without the physical card?
Yes, you can use your card number for online purchases, phone orders, and mail orders without the physical card. However, you will need the expiration date and CVV as well. For in-person purchases, you must have the physical card or a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) that stores your card information securely.
Why is my card number different from my account number?
Your card number is specific to that individual card, while your account number is the underlying bank account. If your card is lost or stolen and you get a replacement, the new card will have a different card number but the same account number. This is why updating your card information with merchants is important when you receive a replacement card.