Your credit card number is on the front of the card, usually in a row of 16 digits
The primary account number — the 16-digit code printed or embossed on the front of your card — is what most people mean when they say "credit card number." This number identifies your specific account and is the first thing you'll need when you make a purchase online, over the phone, or in person with a card reader.
The number appears in one of two ways: raised digits you can feel with your finger (embossed), or flat printed digits. Both are equally valid. If your card is damaged and the number is hard to read, you can find it on your billing statement or by logging into your card issuer's website or mobile app.
Never share this number with anyone except the merchant you're paying. Scammers and thieves specifically hunt for this number because it's all they need to make fraudulent charges.
Key Takeaways
- Your 16-digit card number is printed or embossed on the front of your card, usually in the center or lower portion.
- The expiration date (month and year) appears on the front, typically in the lower right corner.
- The CVV or CVC security code is a 3-digit number on the back of the card, separate from your main account number.
- Your cardholder name is printed on the front, and you should never use a card with a name that doesn't match your ID.
- If you can't read your card number clearly, your billing statement and online account both show the full number.
The expiration date tells you when your card stops working
The expiration date appears on the front of your card, usually in the lower right corner. It shows a month and a two-digit year — for example, 05/26 means the card expires in May 2026.
Your card stops working on the last day of that month. If your card expires on 05/26, you can use it through May 31, 2026, but not on June 1. Most card issuers send a replacement card 30 to 60 days before expiration, so you'll have time to update any recurring payments or subscriptions.
When you enter your card information online, you must type the expiration date exactly as it appears. A merchant's system will reject the transaction if the date is wrong or if the card has already expired.
The CVV is the three-digit security code on the back
The CVV (Card Verification Value) or CVC (Cardmember Identification Code) is a three-digit number printed on the back of your card. American Express cards have a four-digit code on the front instead. This number is not embossed — it's always printed flat on the card.
Merchants ask for the CVV when you pay online or over the phone because it proves you physically have the card in your possession. The CVV is not stored in the card's magnetic stripe or chip, so a thief who steals your card number alone cannot use it for online purchases without also knowing this code.
Never type your CVV into a website unless you're actively making a purchase. Legitimate merchants never ask you to provide your CVV in an email or text message.
Your cardholder name must match your government ID
Your name is printed on the front of the card, usually below or to the side of the card number. When you use the card in a store, a cashier may ask to see your ID to confirm the name matches.
If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — contact your card issuer to request a replacement card with the correct name. Using a card with a name that doesn't match your ID can cause merchants to refuse the transaction, and it may trigger fraud alerts on your account.
If you've received a card with the wrong name printed on it, call the card issuer's customer service number on the back of the card or on your statement. They will cancel the incorrect card and send a corrected one.
Where to find your number if your card is damaged or lost
If your card is unreadable, cracked, or missing, you can still see your full card number in two places: your monthly billing statement and your online account.
Log into your card issuer's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Card Information," or "Manage Your Card." Your full 16-digit number will appear there. On your paper or digital billing statement, the card number is usually shown at the top or bottom of the page, sometimes with the last four digits highlighted and the rest masked for security.
If you cannot access your online account, call the customer service number on the back of your card or on a recent statement. A representative can read your card number to you over the phone after verifying your identity. Request a replacement card at the same time — most issuers send one free of charge within 7 to 10 business days.
What the other numbers and codes on your card mean
Your card may have additional numbers printed on it. The issue number (if present) is a single digit that tracks which version of your card was issued — it changes when you get a replacement. The sort code or routing number appears on some cards and is used for bank transfers, not card purchases.
Some cards display a PIN (Personal Identification Number) on the back or in a separate mailing. This is different from your card number and is used only at ATMs or when you withdraw cash at a bank. Never confuse your PIN with your CVV — they are separate security codes for different purposes.
If you see numbers or codes on your card that you don't recognize, check your card issuer's website or call customer service. They can explain what any unfamiliar marking means.
How to protect your card number from fraud
Your card number is the most valuable piece of information on your card. Thieves can use it to make online purchases, create fake cards, or sell it to other criminals. Protect it by treating it like cash.
Never photograph your card or store a photo of it on your phone. Don't write your card number down or leave it visible on a desk. When you enter your number online, make sure the website URL begins with "https://" (the "s" means the connection is encrypted). Avoid entering your card number on public WiFi networks.
If you notice charges you didn't make, contact your card issuer when ready. Most cards offer fraud protection, meaning you're not responsible for unauthorized charges if you report them quickly. The sooner you call, the sooner the issuer can cancel your card and send a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give my card number to a merchant over the phone?
It's generally safe if you initiated the call to a merchant you trust — for example, calling a store to place an order or a utility company to pay a bill. Never give your card number to someone who called you first, even if they claim to represent your bank or card issuer. Legitimate companies never ask for your full card number unsolicited.
What should I do if I see my card number on a website or in an email?
Do not use that card. Contact your card issuer when ready and report the breach. Request a replacement card with a new number. Your issuer will monitor your account for fraudulent charges and can cancel the compromised card before a thief uses it.
Can someone use my card number without the CVV?
In a physical store, yes — a thief with just your card number can swipe or insert the card and complete the transaction. Online, most merchants require the CVV, so a thief with only your card number and expiration date will be blocked from many purchases. However, some older websites or subscription services may not ask for the CVV, so never assume you're safe just because the CVV wasn't requested.
Do I need to memorize my card number?
No. You only need to remember your PIN (if you use an ATM) and your CVV for online purchases. Your card number is printed on the card itself, so there's no reason to memorize it. In fact, not memorizing it is safer — if you never write it down or say it aloud, there's less chance someone will overhear or see it.
Why does my replacement card have a different number?
When your card issuer sends a replacement card — whether because yours expired, was damaged, or was compromised — the new card gets a completely new account number. This is a security measure. The old number is deactivated so it can't be used, even if a thief has it. You'll need to update any recurring payments or subscriptions with the new number.