Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
A Visa card number is the 16-digit number on a Visa credit card, debit card or gift card. The first digit of a Visa card number is always 4. The next 5 digits after that indicate the bank that issued the card. The 7th digit through the second to last is the cardholder’s personal account number. The last digit of each Visa card’s number is a security measure for verification purposes.
The Visa card number is typically embossed on the front of the card, but some banks issue Visa credit cards with the card number laser printed on the back.
Other Visa Card Numbers You Should Know
Other Visa card numbers include the month and year of expiration (e.g., 01/25 for January 2025). This is the date through which your card is valid. On the back of your card is a 3-digit security code and you’ll need it to confirm your card is genuine when making transactions over the phone and online.
If your Visa credit card is ever lost or stolen, you will get a new Visa card number so no one else will be able to use the old one.
Ultimately, Visa card numbers aren’t too different from any other type of card number. Most credit cards, regardless of the major network they belong to, have numbers that typically consist of 16 digits and can be located on either side of the card, depending on the issuer.
