Where is the card number on a plastic card?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Today, bank cards have become a familiar payment instrument for each of us. In the wallet of any person today there are a couple of bank cards that perform different functions. In addition, they have a number of parameters that serve to make secure payments. We will talk about one of these parameters - this is the card number. Where this information is located and how it can be found on any type of payment card, we will tell in this article. Let's also talk about security in payments.

What is the card number?

So, the unique identification number of such a means of payment as a bank plastic card consists of 16 (and sometimes 18) digits. If you look at the card number (we will tell you where it is located a little later), you will not see patterns in the numbers that it consists of. Most likely, it will even seem to you that this number is completely random. But it's not.

Actually, card numbers consist of numbers arranged in a completely logical, conventional order. In particular, the first 6 characters are the payment system (Visa, MasterCard) that services card transactions; and also the codethe bank that issued the plastic carrier. Thus, knowing these numbers, you can get information about the issuing bank and the processing system for the card.

Next, in fact, are the numbers that are generated in such a way as to make it unique. Although, if you look at two cards issued together, you can see that their numbers are adjacent and in order.

Where is the bank card number?

So how do you know what your card number is, where it is and how to find it? We will tell in this section. So, everything is very simple - you just need to pick up your card and turn it face to face. So you will see what is shown on it from the “main” side (meaning the opposite side to the one on which there is a magnetic tape). On it you will see the stamped numbers that create the card number. They are located in fact right in the center, and it is very easy to find them.

With this number you can make transactions with your card - accept money from other people and pay for your purchases (including on the Internet). Therefore, in fact, the card number (where it is, we assume you understand) is a piece of confidential information, knowing which, you can spend funds from this payment instrument.

Find out the card number in other ways

By the way, you can get information about your card number in other ways, including without her physical presence. Such data to youmay be needed, for example, in case of loss of the card. Then, so that no one can withdraw money from your account, you can call the bank and ask to block it, while giving her number.

So, answering the question of where the Maestro card number is, let's call Internet banking, which today works with many banks. By logging into it under your account, you will immediately see a list of cards linked to you and your phone number. There, in particular, there will be information about the number.

An alternative option is to contact the bank office. Thus, employees of any department have access to the electronic database of their customers. There will be information about your accounts and cards. Knowing where the Mastercard (or Visa) card number of their customers is located, any bank employee will help you and inform you. Just don't forget to show some kind of document to identify yourself.

In addition, the card number can be seen in the agreement that you signed with the bank.

Bank account number

If you are looking for where the Sberbank card number is, please do not confuse this indicator with the account number.

This is a completely different data that is linked to your bank account as to another means of payment that allows you to accumulate and spend money. In fact, a plastic card is tied to an account and is an electronic key to access it. But the card and account numbers will be different.

Besides, if you lose your card, you will get a new one with an updated number. However, the account numberwill remain the same. Seeing where the card account number is located is a little trickier. More on this in the next section.

How do I find out the account number?

So, the ways to find out your bank account ID are about the same as in the case of a card. Only on the plastic card itself, of course, such a number will not be indicated - this is unreasonable.

You can see it in the bank account service agreement that you sign when you apply to a financial institution for the first time. It can also be found in some Internet banking (as a rule, these are the most advanced banking institutions).

Why do I need a card number?

You ask: "Why know the card number?" We answer: "To perform all operations with it." Simply put, there are two types of transactions - accruals and write-offs. Accordingly, according to the card number (as well as the account, by the way), the client can receive funds from his counterparties. Only in this way, by a unique number, you can find it and send money.

As for the withdrawal of funds, here the procedure is somewhat more complicated. In this case, of course, the number also serves to identify, however, in addition to it (and you already know where the Sberbank card number is), you also need to provide other security parameters. This is the CVV code (not all plastic carriers have it) and the date until which the card is valid. Knowing these three parameters, you can withdraw any amount of funds, even from someone else's card. Therefore, you must understand their importance.

CVV code –a three-digit number, which not every card has, but is located on the back of the plastic (under the magnetic tape). The expiration date is four digits separated by a slash. They show until what time the asset card. This characteristic looks, for example, like this: 02/23. This means that the card is valid until February 2023.

Be safe

Thus, when describing the parameters of bank cards (including the card issue number, where it is located, as well as other parameters and their locations), do not forget their main purpose - access to the funds on the account! Accordingly, if you leave this data somewhere and it falls into the hands of scammers, do not be surprised when you suddenly lose all the funds that are on the card!

Be careful in everything. Starting from simple sites of online stores and services where you can pay with a card, to calls from supposedly "Your bank's security service" - be vigilant. Of course, in fact, the security service will not call you and ask for card details; and as for services and sites, we recommend using only the most reliable and authoritative ones, those on which data cannot be leaked “to the side.”