How to recognise Visa cards

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

Existing Visa 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.
Embossed or printed account number
Embossed numbers feel raised, whilst printed numbers feel flat. Account numbers are up to 16 digits, begin with a 4 and are grouped in four groups of four numbers. Printed cards may have a partial account number.
Ultraviolet “dove” element
When placed under an ultraviolet light, a dove printed in ultraviolet ink will be visible in the centre of the card.
Visa 3D dove hologram
Square 3D hologram contains a dove, which moves when you tilt the card.
Visa logo
Blue-white-and-gold Visa flag logo appears in either the top or bottom right-hand corner. It has a dotted microtext security border used for forensic security purposes.
Embossed “V” security character
Appears next to the expiration date on embossed cards.
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 must appear on the back of the card. The panel bears the “Visa” name repeated.

New Visa 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.
Embossed or printed account number
Embossed numbers feel raised, whilst printed numbers feel flat. Account numbers are up to 16 digits, begin with a 4 and are grouped in four groups of four numbers. Printed cards may have a partial account number.
Visa logo
Blue-and-gold logo on a white background. 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 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 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.
Visa 3D dove hologram
Contains 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.
A 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 hologram is never present on the back of a card.
Visa holographic magnetic stripe
Visa holographic magnetic stripe with doves in flight replaces the square 3D hologram on the front of the card.

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

Refreshing the Visa brand

How to recognise Visa Electron cards

How to recognise V PAY cards