Safety elements on MasterCard cards

1. Logo.

The MasterCard logo is in the form of two red and yellow semicircles crossing each other. It is located in the top or bottom right corner of the card. On MasterCard Electronic and Maestro the inscription looks like this: and .

2. Card number.

All MasterCard cards numbers start from 5 (Maestro starts from 6). The letters must be pressed accurately, observing general size and interval. The card number on the face side must coincide with the 16-digit number printed on the signature band. On the Maestro and MasterCard Electronic card, the number is mainly not pressed (embossed), as on other Visa cards, but is printed and may not be indicated on the signature band. The Visa Electron number may contain only the first 4 or the first 4 and last 4 digits. The card number must coincide with the number printed on the cheque.

3. Customer name and surname.

The customer name and surname must coincide with the name and surname printed on the cheque. On some cards, the name and surname may be omitted.

4. Card validity term.

The dates of card entering into force and expiration are located below the number. The validity term is defined as starting date and ending date, e.g., 03/04, 03/05 (month/year). This means that the card is valid from 00:01 March 1, 2004 to 24:00 March 31, 2005. Sometimes the validity term may contain an expiration date only. The validity term of such card must coincide with the one printed on the cheque. The card may be accepted for service only during its validity term.

5. Digits printed on the card.

Four digits typographically printed on the card above or below the card number must coincide with the first four digits of the card number.

6. Stylized sign .

On the MasterCard cards issued before June, 2006 the stylized sign must be present, located on the same level with the card validity term, to the right. On the MasterCard cards issued before June 1, 2006, the stylized sign must not be present. On Maestro cards this sign is also absent.

7. Signature band.

The signature band on the reverse side of the card contains the repeated word MasterCard (on the Maestro card it may be missing), printed at a 45-degree angle in different colors. After the 16-digit (13-digit) number, the 3-digit reverse slanted card verification code (CVV) is placed, which serves for goods and services payment without the physical presence of the card. On MasterCard Electronic and Maestro cards this code is absent, the presence of the 16-digit number on the signature band is not obligatory. The signature band is erasure-sensitive. If it was scratched or erased, the word VOID appears on it. This card cannot be accepted for payment. .

8. All cards must be signed before use.

After receiving your card, please put your signature on the reverse side on the special panel. Please keep in mind that during settlements in a trade outlet, the signature on your card will be compared with the signature on the cheque. If the card is not signed, you will be asked to present a passport to compare name and surname. If there are no name and surname on the card, you will be asked to present a passport for your signature identification. An unsigned card will not be accepted for payment.

9. Presence of the chip.

Some MasterCard cards have a chip. The presence or absence of a chip on two cards with the same design does not mean that the card is fake.

10. Hologram.

A hologram is present on all cards except for Cirrus/Maestro. The image of two crossed semicircles on the card must be tridimensional and move when you change the position of the card. The word MasterCard shall appear below the hologram. The last digits of the number should be placed on the hologram. A micro-engraving of the MC letters is made around the circles.