Debit and credit cards are convenient ways to make purchases. Still, it's easy to ignore the wealth of information contained within each piece of plastic. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your cards on the front and back to make the most of them.
A Debit/Credit Card's Front
- The bank's image: Your card issuer is listed in this section. Cards usually have your lender's name on them, but they may also include a logo for a specific program. Some cards, for example, are imprinted with the names of reward programs or retailers.
- Card number: One of the most crucial aspects of your card is the card number. It's the digits you'll need to enter when making purchases online or over the phone because it identifies your account with the card issuer. It's usually 16 digits; however, some manufacturers use as little as 14 or as much as 19.1 digits.
- Cardholder's name: This is the name of the individual who has permission to use the card. That person didn't necessarily open the account; they may merely be an "approved user" with permission to spend from it. Only authorized card users can make transactions using a debit or credit card, and shops are encouraged to ask for identification before accepting card payments.
- Smart chips: Compared to classic magnetic-stripe-only cards, smart chips make cards more secure. Thieves will have more difficulty using stolen credit card numbers with chips.
- Expiration date: You must change your card regularly. Banks issue new cards for various reasons, including transitioning to brighter cards. Banks usually send out new cards about a month before the old ones expire. Knowing your expiration date is vital because suppliers may require it when you purchase online or over the phone.
- Payment network logo: Knowing your card type is critical. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are just a few examples. When paying online, you'll usually be asked to choose which network your card belongs to from a drop-down menu. Merchants frequently post stickers or placards indicating which credit cards they accept. These logos are also helpful if you plan to pay for goods or services with your card. You can always inquire about extra cards.
A Debit/Credit Card's Back
Stripe, signature, security code, and other characteristics on the back of the card, as well as bank contact information Pritchard, Justin Making payments entails more than just reading a card number. Additional critical features can be found on the back of a debit or credit card.- Magnetic stripe: This black strip stores information about you and your card, which is gathered by specialized machines called card readers. You run your card's magnetic stripe through a card reader every time you swipe it at a merchant to deliver your payment information. Your name, card number, expiration date, and other information are all printed on magnetic stripes. If that information is taken (whether by hackers or by a dishonest retailer running your card through a card skimming device), the thief can use it to construct a fake card with the same magnetic stripe as yours.
- Hologram: Some cards have a hologram, which is a mirror-like area that shows a three-dimensional image that moves as your viewing angle changes. Holograms are security features that assist businesses in determining whether or not a card is legitimate. Holograms are tough to imitate, and technology is advancing all the time. Holograms may appear on the front of your card at times.
- Contact information for your bank: If you need to contact your bank, use the information on the back of your card. This is a simple and convenient method of preventing fraud. You know you're talking to someone from your card issuer when you utilize the contact information on your card. This is especially crucial if you receive a call or email from what appears to be your bank but is a con artist. Rather than returning the call or email using the information they supply, call the number on the back of your card to ensure you're speaking with a natural person.
- Signature panel: It must be signed before using your card; therefore, write your name here. It'll be challenging to fit a signature in that small box, but try. While signing your card used to be a vital component of the credit card verification procedure, the signature panel is no longer as important as it once was because cards are now safeguarded electronically. Some card issuers need signatures, but not all of them.
- Security codes: Cards have an additional code put on them to help guarantee that anyone using the card number has a genuine, original card. Merchants often require more than just the card number and expiration date from the front of your card when making payments online or over the phone. Hackers who may have obtained your card number through merchant systems or with a skimmer will have an additional challenge thanks to the security code on the back.
- Network logos: Extra network logos may be on the back of your card, usually in the lower-right corner. These logos can assist you in determining which ATMs are free to use. Of course, you can use other ATMs, but you'll undoubtedly have to pay a fee to the ATM operator. Additionally, if you use out-of-network ATMs, you may incur additional fees from your bank or credit card provider. Remember that if you belong to a credit union, you may be able to access hundreds of other credit union locations around the country.
What Can Your Card Be Used For
Your card is a simple payment method, but you can do more with it than take it shopping. Get cash: Debit and credit cards can also be used to get cash, although it's recommended to use a debit card for cash withdrawals. Cash advances made with a credit card are expensive, and you also pay much interest. If you require more than what an ATM enables you to withdraw, visit a branch to obtain additional funds. Purchases made online can be made in a variety of ways. Using a credit card rather than a debit card while purchasing online (or in-person) is probably safer. Consumers are more protected when they use credit cards. Using them for online purchases, perhaps more crucially, protects your checking account from difficulties and fraud. To prevent interest costs, pay up your credit card every month. Send money to friends and family: You can use your card to send money to friends and family if you need to pay your portion of the rent or meals or if you're supporting someone. You can use debit and credit cards to fund payments through various apps and services. Cash App stands out since it allows you to send and receive money using your debit card for free. Other options include Venmo and others. Pay bills: Cards are helpful for immediate payments or if you prefer to pay all of your bills from one or two accounts. You can pay by mail, online, or over the phone. Credit cards, once again, can assist you in preventing a domino effect if there's a problem with your payment, so they're potentially safer than debit cards.Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is it necessary to sign a credit or debit card back To verify your identity, credit card providers may ask you to sign the back of your card. Because cards are now secured electronically, not all card issuers demand signatures; however, if your card has a signature panel, you should sign it. Merchants must compare your signature on the receipt to the signature on your card to verify that you are the legal owner of the card. How can I update my credit or debit card's expiration date A month or two before your current card expires, your card issuer will typically send you a new card with a new expiration date. If you need a new card for any reason, such as a lost or stolen card, your replacement may have a different card number and expiration date. What should I do if my credit or debit card is lost or stolen If you lose your debit or credit card, contact your card issuer immediately and request that your account be frozen, and a replacement card be issued. The faster you complete this, the more likely you will avoid fraud.