How to recognise Visa Electron cards

In September 2005, new Visa Electron cards with a new logo and updated security features appeared in the marketplace. Existing Visa Electron cards are still valid and will remain in circulation until July 2011. Here is how to recognise the existing and new Visa Electron cards.

Existing Visa Electron cards – until July 2011

Optional chip
The information stored on a chip is protected by encryption. The chip works together with the cardholder’s signature or PIN number to create more secure payment.
Printed account number
Printed numbers feel flat. Visa Electron cards have either the full 16-digit account number or the last four digits of the number at a minimum.
Visa Electron logo
Blue-white-and-gold Visa Electron logo appears in either the top or bottom right-hand corner. It has a dotted microtext security border used for forensic security purposes.
Expiration date
Every card must have an expiration date as a minimum.
Cardholder name or identifier
Cardholder’s name or description such as “Club Member”, “Gift Card” etc. are optional and may appear on the front of the card.
Printed first four digits of account number
Appear beneath the account number. Match the first four digits of the account number, if shown on the card or printed on the retailer’s receipt.
Numeric security feature (CVV2)
The numeric CVV2 security feature may appear on the signature panel.
Signature panel
The signature panel appears in a lower position on the back of a Visa Electron card. The panel bears the “Visa” or “Electron” name repeated.

New Visa Electron cards

Optional chip
The information stored on a chip is protected by encryption. The chip works together with the cardholder’s signature or PIN number to create more secure payment.
Printed account number
Printed numbers feel flat. Visa Electron cards have either the full 16-digit account number or the last four digits of the number at a minimum.
Visa Electron logo
Blue-and-gold logo on a white background with the word “Electron” printed underneath. More logo placement options and vertical orientation of the card and logo are now possible.
Ultraviolet “V” element
When placed under an ultraviolet light, a “V” printed in ultraviolet ink will be visible over the Visa Electron logo.
Expiration date
Every card must have an expiration date as a minimum.
Cardholder name or identifier
Cardholder’s name or description such as “Club Member”, “Gift Card” etc. are optional and may appear on the front of the card.
Printed first four digits of account number
Appear beneath the account number. Match the first four digits of the account number, if shown on the card or printed on the retailer’s receipt.
Numeric security feature (CVV2)
May appear either on the signature panel or to the side.
Signature panel
The signature panel may appear in a lower or upper position on the back of a Visa Electron card, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the mini 3D Visa dove hologram.

The visible pattern on the signature panel may be customised but it will always bear the “Visa” name repeated in ultraviolet ink and visible under ultraviolet light. Signature panel length will vary depending on card type.
An optional Visa 3D dove hologram
An optional square 3D hologram containing a dove, which moves when you tilt the card. Instead of a dove hologram being present on the front a mini dove hologram may be present on the back.
An optional mini Visa 3D dove hologram
May appear on the reverse of the card and can be located anywhere within the indicated area. A standard sized Visa dove design hologram is never present on the back of a card.
Visa holographic magnetic stripe
Use of the Visa holographic magnetic stripe with doves in flight is optional. You may see this magnetic stripe or a traditional one on a Visa Electron card.

Other pages on the topic of 'recognising valid cards' are:

Refreshing the Visa brand

How to recognise Visa cards

How to recognise V PAY cards