What is the difference between a payment card and a bank card. Types of bank plastic cards and their features. Contact and contactless plastic cards

More and more people use payment cards. No wonder - they are easy to use and make life much easier. They allow you to make non-cash payments in stores and on the Internet, withdraw money from an ATM, and also have many useful features (bonus program, access to discounts, access to online banking). However, do you know how this small piece of plastic works, and what information should be on the front and back of a bank card?

All payment cards, regardless of which bank issues them - must be made of flexible plastic, have an identical format and contain certain elements.

Bank card sizes

Standard card sizes were defined in 1985 by ISO (International Organization for Standardization - Eng. International Organization for Standardization). In accordance with the ISO/IEC 7810 standard, each payment card must be 53.98 mm high, 85.6 mm wide and 0.76 mm thick (this is the so-called ID-1 format). The card must have rounded edges with a radius of 3.18mm.

Various details presented on the map and the location of some elements are also subject to standardization. In addition, the ISO standard defines a method for recording data in a magnetic stripe or a microprocessor (chip) built into a card.

Obverse - the front side of a bank card

In accordance with ISO standards, the following data must be indicated on the front (front) side of a bank card:

Name and brand name (logo) of the card issuing bank

This data is placed at the top of the map: in the center or in the left corner.

Card number

The card number is located in the central part of the card and is a sequence of 16 digits written in 4 blocks of 4 digits. Contains information about the cardholder's account, the bank that issued it and payment system to which the map belongs.

First digit informs about the industry affiliation of the financial organization that issued the card.

For instance:

• 1 and 2 reserved for airlines
• 3 - for club cards T&E
• 4, 5 and 6 - for financial institutions such as Sberbank
• 7 - for a network of fuel sales points
• 8 - for telecommunication networks

Four, five and six indicate the payment system in which the card works. 4 - VISA, 5 - for MasterCard plastic, 6 - for regional payment systems.

Next 5 digits determine the financial institution that issued the card to us.

First six digits is a BIN (Bank Identification Number), sometimes referred to as a "prefix".

next nine digits– identifier of the account number of the client who is the cardholder.

Last sixteenth digit- this is the so-called check digit, which is calculated based on the Luhn algorithm. It allows you to check the correctness of the entered sequence of numbers.

The check digit performs an important function, especially during online transactions. When we enter the card number, our algorithm-based computer makes instant calculations and validates the entry. An identical operation is performed by the computer receiving the data (ie, the merchant's computer).

Due to the fact that the check digit is an additional form of protection for Internet transactions over non-cash payment- we are not able to "fake" the card number in such a way that the payment is debited from the account of another person.

Important! The card number does not match the bank account number.

The most common mistakes made when entering numbers are:

• one error: a instead of b (60%-95% of all errors)
• skipping or adding a number (from 10% to 20%)
• swap adjacent numbers - the so-called Czech error (from 10% to 20%)
• twin errors: aa entered as bb (0.5% to 1.5%)
• substitution of adjacent digits: acb entered as bca (0.5% to 1.5%)
• twin spaced digit errors: aca as bcb (below 1%)

Card expiry date

The expiration date of the card is indicated by embossing at the bottom, under the card number. The current recording format is MM/YY (sometimes prefixed with VALID THRU). On the cards of some banks, the starting date of the card may also be indicated.

The validity period of payment cards is determined individually by each financial institution. Most often this is a period of one to 3 years, however, there are longer periods.

The card can be used until the last day of the month in which it expires - after this period the bank issues new card before the old one expires.

Organization logo and hologram

As a rule, the logo and hologram are located in the lower right corner of the card ( although recently some members place a hologram of the organization that issued the card on the reverse rather than on the front side).

A hologram can be a pattern or text that is laser-etched onto a very thin, metallic film and which, depending on the tilt of the card, gives the impression of two or three dimensions.

For the first time, the hologram was used by the MasterCard organization, and now all payment systems use it. A three-dimensional dove is placed on VISA cards, MasterCard hologram contains the MasterCard inscription and the symbol of the connected globes. Holographic ones do not allow falsifying a card using simple copying methods, therefore they are an important element in the protection of bank cards.

Microprocessor (chip)

It has the shape of a square or rectangle located to the left of the card, under the logo and name of the bank. The module is embedded using a special adhesive that reacts chemically with the plastic of the card, making it impossible to remove it without damaging the plastic.

Name and surname of the cardholder (optional)

The name and surname of the cardholder are placed in the lower left corner of the card. In the case of business cards on personal card instead of the name and surname of the owner, the name of the company can be placed.

Designation of the region of validity of the map

Map local (national)– can only be used in the country where the publisher is located. Bank sets then on the front side special information, for example, "Valid only in Russia".

Sometimes cards marked EUROCARD / MasterCard or VISA may be of the local type, intended only for use in the territory of a given country. Local cards cannot be used abroad, because when you try to pay, the bank automatically blocks it.

An international card is used to make transactions both in the country in which the issuer is located and abroad. Can be used at any point of sale or ATM that displays your card logo.

Card type

Each payment system provides payment cards designed for different types of customers (gold, prestige, business, etc.). As a rule, these cards differ from the rest in graphic design, for example, the gold background color is reserved for Gold cards, silver for Silver cards. Sometimes, however, the type of card is also indicated on the front side in the form of letters.

Additional elements

The following elements may also be placed on the front side of the card:

• photo of the owner (optional);
• special characters such as contactless payment symbol;
• protection element, visible only in ultraviolet rays.

Reverse - the reverse side of a bank card

The reverse contains much fewer elements. The most important of them are:

magnetic stripe

The magnetic strip has dimensions of 12×86 mm and contains an encoded set of data about the cardholder and his account, as well as a personal an identification number PIN. It consists of three parallel magnetic strips, information from which is read through a magnetic head installed in an ATM or terminal.

The first page contains the name and surname of the cardholder and data on the country and bank that issued the card. On the second track, the card number, its expiration date and the service code necessary for the proper execution of the transaction are recorded. And the third lane is used to store the bank's own information.

The magnetic strip is additionally protected against forgery by means of microprinting, as well as elements visible only in ultraviolet rays.

Signature field

The signature field, that is, the silicone layer on which the cardholder leaves his signature. The course is also protected by design elements that are invisible to the eye or can only be seen under ultraviolet light.

In addition, a thin layer of transparent white paint is placed on the field, which forms the substrate for the signature. An attempt to remove the signature for the purpose of re-drawing entails the removal of the base, then the inscription "card expired" will appear in this place.

Code CVC2 / CVV2

The three-digit code CVC2 / CVV2 is indicated directly in the signature field. It provides security for remote transactions in which it is not possible to enter a PIN code. It is indicated on the map, and also saved in information system jar. It must not be disclosed to third parties!

• CVC2 code (Card Verification Code 2)– used to confirm remote MO/TO transactions on MasterCard cards.
• CVV2 code (Card Verification Value 2)– a three-digit code that allows you to identify the cardholder of the Visa Electron and Visa Gold cards.
• American Express Cards– a four-digit code is indicated on the front side of the card.

MO/TO mail order/telephone order/internet order) – transactions without physical use of the card. Confirmed by entering the card number and other unique bank card data (owner's name, expiration date, CVC2 or CVV2 code).

Information about the card issuer (bank data)

The reverse side of the card also contains the address details of the card issuer and the phone number by which the card can be blocked.

Evolution of manufacturing and functionality of payment cards

Modern payment cards perform more and more functions and have a more complex design. At present, most of them have an integrated chip containing memory and a processor, which allows you to store a larger amount of data than a magnetic strip, and guarantees high level safety during operations carried out by the user.

Development of modern information technologies makes it possible to implement innovative solutions, such as a card with a display that allows the user to check the account balance and generate one-time passwords.

Another interesting idea is a card that allows you to use several bank accounts (the choice can be made by pressing the button on the card). Biometric cards with a built-in fingerprint reader and cards that offer a dynamic (time-varying) verification code have also been successfully tested.

Time will tell if the novelties will be recognized by users. One thing is for sure - multifunctional payment cards can still surprise us with innovative solutions.

Information updated: 01/30/2020

The payment system is an important parameter of a bank card, it determines where and how it will be used. It is indicated by a logo, usually located in the lower right corner of the card. In this article, #AllLoansOnline will tell you about how bank card payment systems work and about the features of the most popular systems in Russia.

Many features of the payment system, such as the technical device or regions of presence, may affect how you use the card. Often the system offers its customers various additional features and bonuses. The reliability and security of your payments depends on its work.

Generally speaking, a payment system is a set of rules, processes and equipment through which money is circulated between people and organizations. This complex should provide uninterrupted, safe, reliable and efficient money transfer processes on common terms for all participants. Most often, such a system is independent - does not belong to any financial institutions- and is engaged only in conducting monetary transactions.

In a narrower sense, this term is often understood as a system for the circulation of bank cards. This system includes the cards themselves of various types, tools for their issuance and maintenance, and rules for their use. The payment system can work independently of other organizations or through intermediaries - most often, banks act in their role.

According to the volume of distribution, payment systems are divided into international and local. International covers several countries at once and cooperates with many organizations within these countries. Local usually does not go beyond one country or one organization.

In addition to bank cards, the payment system can use other instruments, such as paper checks, electronic wallets, or options.

From the history of bank card payment systems

The first payment card system was Diners Club, which appeared in 1950 in the USA. In the same year, the system issued the first ever credit cards. At the same time, the company was not a bank, but a kind of club, which included people interested in the idea of ​​​​paying their expenses at any time without cash on hand.

The first Diners Club credit cards were used to pay for meals in restaurants. They were paper and were, in fact, a document confirming the solvency of the owner. Once a month, club members received statements on accounts paid in this way, which then had to be paid.

Actually bank cards appeared later, and initially unified system for their release and maintenance was not. Each bank issued its own cards, which could only be used within it. Long Island Bank, a small New York bank, was the first to issue its bank cards in 1951.

The first interbank system was the Interbank Card Association (future MasterCard), which appeared in 1966. At the same time, American Express in the USA, Eurocard in Europe and JCB in Japan are actively developing.

In parallel, technologies for making payments and storing information about them developed. The cards themselves turned from paper to plastic, magnetic stripes appeared on them, and later - electronic chips that store account information. Computer systems began to be used to process transactions. The development of the Internet has made it possible to carry out all real-time transactions online.

In the USSR, their own payment systems based on bank cards almost did not develop. Foreign cards were available only to a very narrow circle of people and were not used everywhere. VAO Intourist and Vnesheconombank were responsible for accepting and servicing the cards. In 1988, Vnesheconombank became the first Soviet bank to issue a card in a foreign payment system. By the end of the 20th century, Visa and Europay (subsequently included in MasterCard) were the most active in our market.

First domestic system bank cards became STB, which was created by Stolichny Bank in 1992. However, it was not widely used and is no longer used. In 1994 appeared gold Crown which has become more popular. Now it is better known for money transfers, and bank cards are less common in it.

In 2012, the PRO100 system appeared, which was developed by Sberbank based on MasterCard technologies. The cards of this system were supposed to combine a payment instrument and an identity document. An attempt to create such a tool was not very successful, and, despite a certain prevalence, by 2017 the system was curtailed. It has been replaced by a system.

Members of the system

At the heart of any payment system is a processing center - an organization or its subdivision, which provides technical interaction between the participants of this system. Usually such centers are created at large banks. For example, VTB also has them. In order for the processing center to work in the system, it must obtain permission and a license from it. In Russia, the center must also undergo additional checks by the FSB.

Other important participants are issuers - organizations that issue and service cards, and acquirers that organize the acceptance of cards for payment. In our country, banks usually become issuers and acquirers. The issuer is obliged to issue cards, open and maintain accounts linked to them. The acquirer organizes the acceptance of card payments and service at ATMs.

The same bank can be both an issuer and an acquirer at the same time. For interaction between different banks settlement and clearing centers are being created. All of these organizations need equipment and permits from the payment system to conduct their respective operations.

Finally, the system includes bank card holders - individuals and legal entities who use them. The issuer who issued it always remains the owner of the bank card. It also includes organizations that use the services of acquirers to accept payment for their goods and services using bank cards.

All participants are controlled by the head office. It sets general rules participation in the system, organizes the development of technologies used in it, owns the rights to the trademark.

The work of payment systems in Russia is determined by the federal law No. 161-FZ "On the national payment system". Their work is supervised by the Central Bank. All information about the systems operating in the country is entered in a separate register.

Principle of operation

When using the card - for example, when paying for purchases - the holder confirms the operation, and the acquirer reads the card information and sends a request to the processing center. The center processes the request and, if it finds such a card in the system, sends the information to the issuer. The issuer checks the status of the card account and, if there is enough money on this account, blocks the required amount on the account and sends the corresponding request through the processing center to the acquirer. He confirms the fact of payment, informs the cardholder and the store where the purchase was made.

Later, a list of completed payment transactions is created, which is transmitted through the acquirer to the processing center. It generates a register of payments and sends messages to issuers, acquirers, and the clearing house. Based on the message, the clearing center sends a request to the issuer, which writes off the payment amount and transfers it through processing to the acquirer, and the acquirer sends it to the organization where the purchase was made. The acquirer and issuer inform their customers of successful transactions.

Other transactions are organized in a similar way, such as money transfers between cardholders and cash withdrawals from an ATM. Now all these operations work in real time and fully automatically. From a request for payment to a withdrawal of money, it can take from a few seconds to one day.

Within the payment system, all transactions are carried out in one currency. The issuer and acquirer can use any currency. If the issuer and the acquirer work in the same currency, then there is no need to additionally exchange money. If they use different currencies, then the amount of the payment or transfer is converted from the issuer's currency first into the system's currency, and then into the acquirer's currency.

For example, a Visa cardholder with a ruble account wants to pay for a purchase in Thailand. During the payment process, the amount that is debited from the account is first exchanged into dollars - the main currency in Visa - and then into Thai baht. The exchange rate depends on the conditions of the issuer and acquirer.

A separate record is created for each card, which contains the name of the issuer that issued it, the type and status in the system, information about the holder and other information. Each card is assigned a unique number by which it is associated with the record. The number is always printed or extruded (embossed) on the front side.

Systems are constantly working on the speed, reliability and safety of all operations.

Payment systems of bank cards in Russia and their features

The most common in our country are the international payment systems Visa and MasterCard. Cards of these systems are issued by almost all banks, they are most often issued and accepted almost everywhere. The national payment system MIR is less widespread, mainly due to the transfer of pensioners and state employees to it. Other systems - American Express, UnionPay, JCB and others - are found and serviced much less frequently.

Consider the features of each payment system separately.

Visa

Visa is the largest international payment system operating in more than 200 countries around the world.

The system was created in 1958 by a major American Bank of America. Then it was called BankAmericard. By the beginning of the 80s of the last century, it absorbed a number of other American payment systems and entered the world market. Then she changed her name to Visa. By the end of the 80s, the system came to the USSR. The first Soviet bank to join it was Sberbank. At the end of the 20th century, the system was one of the first to introduce chip cards (originally they were called smart cards).

Visa, together with other systems, has developed international standard EMV, which establishes a unified procedure for conducting card transactions.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Visa became the most popular payment system in our country. In addition, for a long time it was the Russian turnovers in it that accounted for almost half of the total volume in the Eastern European region of the system's influence.

The Visa payment system provides all the main types and categories of bank cards and uses a variety of tools for making payments on them. The main currency in the system is the US dollar. All cards are chip or magnetic chip cards. Contactless payment using PayWave technology is often available for them. To protect payments, the CVV2 security code and payment confirmation with a 3D Secure PIN code or SMS password are used.

Visa is headquartered in the United States, in Foster City, California. The company's CEO since 2016 is Alfred F. Kelly Jr. The main settlement center of the payment system in Russia is VTB Bank.

In Russia, almost all banks issue credit and debit cards of different status categories in this system. They are accepted for payment at all outlets where cashless payments are available, including on the Internet. The table shows the main types of cards in the Visa system and examples on Russian market:

Name	Card Status	Examples
	American Express One of the oldest payment systems in the world, it is widely used in the USA. American Express was founded in 1850, initially it was engaged in the transportation of valuable goods. She later switched to Money transfers and travelers checks. The system issued the first payment card in 1958, since that time it has been very actively involved in financial services. American Express came to Russia back in 1887, when it offered money transfers to residents of our country. In 1969, the USSR began to accept cards of this system for payment - mainly in shops and establishments serving foreign tourists. Currently, Russian Standard Bank is a key partner of American Express in Russia. The system focuses on the quality of its services, not popularity. Therefore, her cards are distributed among a fairly limited circle of people, mainly travelers and wealthy people. Benefits such as a travel insurance program, a discount program and a travel management service are available to all of its clients. Basically, AmEx issues credit cards of different status categories. The main currency in the system is the US dollar. The system also has its own ExpressPay contactless payment technology, but cards with it are not issued in our country. American Express is headquartered in New York. The General Director of the system is Kenneth Chenot, who has been working in his position since 2001. The settlement center of the payment system in Russia belongs to Russian Standard Bank. The table shows examples of American Express cards that can be issued in Russia: UnionPay A large payment system from China, operates in 157 countries around the world. The system appeared in 2002, it was created by National Bank China. Subsequently, it began to spread in the countries of East Asia, and in 2007 it came to Russia. In 2013, some banks in our country began to issue cards in this system - Gazprombank, Lightbank and Russian Standard were among the first. By 2016, in terms of turnover, the system reached the same level as Visa and MasterCard. Union Pay uses the same technologies as international payment systems. Credit and debit cards of all major status categories are available in the system. The main currencies are the yuan in China and the US dollar in other countries. UnionPay's contactless technology is called QuickPass, but cards with it are rarely issued outside of China. The Chinese payment system does not participate in international sanctions and therefore can work in Crimea. But there are very few outlets where such cards are accepted for payment in Russia. UnionPay is headquartered in Shanghai. The company's CEO, Shi Wenchao, has been with the company since its inception. Settlement center of UnionPay in Russia - JSCB "Bank of China (Elos)". The table below shows examples of Union Pay cards issued in Russia: Which payment system to choose? Which system you choose will determine where and how you can use your card. Each system has its own characteristics, such as contactless payment or its own discount programs, its pros and cons. This parameter determines the main currency in which some transactions will be carried out - for example, payment for purchases abroad. Typically, the systems in which the card is issued are always indicated on the offer page at the bank. If the card is available in several variations at once, then the desired one can be selected during the registration process. If you did not find the information, then you can clarify this issue in the bank's support service. Consider in what situations certain cards will be useful. The golden mean is a Visa or MasterCard card. It is quite versatile, it can be used to pay for purchases in any stores or to withdraw cash. It will be accepted for payment not only in Russia, but also abroad. At the same time, Visa is more suitable for the USA, and MasterCard is more suitable for Europe. MIR is more suitable for those who rarely travel outside of Russia. For comfortable use within the country, it has everything you need. You can also apply for a MIR card if you live or often vacation in Crimea - only the national payment system works there Cards of other systems will be suitable for narrower use. American Express is useful for travelers, and UnionPay is useful for those who work or rest in China. They can be designed as basic and as additional All the main conditions of the card - issuance, maintenance, the size of the limit for a credit card or interest on the balance of a debit card, as well as possible bonuses and cashback, depend, to a greater extent, on the bank that issued it. You can choose either a card with suitable conditions in the system you are interested in on our website. Questions and answers How is a Visa card different from a MasterCard? Both Visa and MasterCard provide credit and debit cards of various statuses. They can pay for purchases in any stores and on the Internet. The systems maintain a high level of transaction security. PayWave and PayPass technologies for contactless payment are compatible with each other. Differences appear only when traveling to other countries and issuing a premium card. In Russia, both systems retain approximately equal influence. Abroad, Visa is more active in the US, Australia, America and Southeast Asia, MasterCard - in Europe and Africa. The first system makes settlements in dollars, the second - in dollars and euros. Both payment systems offer different privilege programs for status card holders. MasterCard has discount programs and special offers from partners in major cities peace. Visa has medical and legal support, concierge service, purchase protection and others. The higher the status of the card (gold, platinum, premium or elite), the more privileges are available. What is the security code for Visa or MasterCard? The security code is placed on the back of the bank card. It is three-digit for Visa, MasterCard and MIR cards, and four-digit for American Express. This code is used to confirm the authenticity of the card when paying for purchases via the Internet. The security code is not written on the chip or on the card strip, is not displayed on the receipt, and cannot be changed like a PIN code. How is MIR different from other payment systems? When used within Russia, the MIR card does not differ from international cards. It is accepted in many retail outlets throughout the country, including in the Crimea. Many MIR cards from major banks support contactless payments. The system supports its loyalty program with cashback for purchases from partners. WORLD does not depend on external factors - with a possible tightening of sanctions, the system will continue to work. Only MIR co-badged cards work abroad, which are issued jointly with international payment systems. Also, the system does not yet have its own program of privileges for premium card holders. Can a card work in two payment systems at once? Maybe. There are cards that are issued in two payment systems - usually international and local. Such cards are called co-badged. The processing center of each system that participates in the release defines the card within the system as "their own". A co-badged card can be distinguished by the icons of the two systems on the front side. For example, co-badged cards are issued by MIR jointly with Maestro, UnionPay and JCB. Can a state employee or a pensioner refuse a MIR card? From July 1, 2017, all budget payments (including pensions and salaries of state employees) are paid only to MIR cards. However, you can issue an additional card in a foreign payment system (for example, Visa) and transfer money to it. MIR cards for pensioners and state employees usually have free or inexpensive service, so you can keep any amount of money on the card. Also, you can not issue a MIR card if you receive budget payments to an account that is not linked to cards. You can transfer payments to such an account upon application to the FIU. After that, you will be able to freely draw up any cards on standard terms. Why does a chip card need a magnetic stripe? Conclusion In many situations, choosing the right payment system with a bank card is just as important as convenient conditions or bonus program. Some systems will suit everyone who needs a card, while others will be convenient only in some situations. Therefore, before issuing a card, learn more about the system and what it offers to its customers. In any case, we advise you to have at least one Visa card or MasterCard, credit or debit, primary or secondary. In addition to it, you can issue a MIR card, preferably with free service - in case international systems impose new sanctions. So, a payment system is a rather complex complex, behind which there are a large number of organizations, processes and technologies. But it is more important for the holder to find out in which system it is better to issue a card for their needs. It all depends on your goals or needs: You need a universal payment instrument that will be accepted anywhere in the world - Visa or MasterCard will do Are you afraid of sanctions, rarely travel outside of Russia or are going to visit the Crimea - a MIR card in one of the major banks will do If you want to emphasize your status or take advantage of additional privileges while traveling, an American Express card will do. Looking for an alternative to the usual payment systems or you need a card for settlements in China - you can get a UnionPay card In addition to the payment system, the conditions of the card you want to issue are also important. Our site will help you choose a profitable one or a card for your purpose. infographics Did you find answers to all your questions in this article?

Guys, we put our soul into the site. Thanks for that
for discovering this beauty. Thanks for the inspiration and goosebumps.
Join us at Facebook and In contact with

We use bank cards daily. Withdrawing money from an ATM, non-cash payment for purchases and bills, settlements with friends - this is just a short list of the usual financial transactions. But there are a few little things associated with bank cards that we don’t even think about.

site talks about the little secrets of bank cards that will increase your financial literacy.

1. Decipher the card number

• Most cards have a 16-digit number (rarely 13 or 19 digits). The first digit is the payment system identifier (4 - VISA, 5 - MasterCard). The next 5 digits identify the issuing bank. So, knowing only 6 digits, you can find out about the type of card, payment system and the bank that issued it. Check it out yourself.
• The next 9 digits are useful only to the bank, as they identify a specific cardholder. It is much more interesting to check the card for authenticity by number.

2. Check number and the magic of numbers

• The card number is directly determined by the numbers from the 9th to the 15th. They are assigned by a special algorithm. The probability of matching all 7 digits of the number on two cards is negligible, since the number of possible variations of the number of 7 digits is greater than the number of inhabitants on Earth.
• The last digit (check number) is calculated mathematically based on the Luhn algorithm. It is she who prevents unintentional errors that occur during manual entry. The Luhn algorithm is easy to check on your own bank card.

3. Card under UV light

• Few people know that bank cards are protected in the same way as ordinary money. For example, one way to protect is to apply authenticity marks that can be seen under ultraviolet radiation. On the Visa cards- the letter "V", on MasterCard - the letters "M" and "C", on American Express - the image of an eagle.

4. Credit or debit?

• The card can be credit or debit. Their main difference lies in whose money is on the card - the client or the bank. Credit cards are often issued in addition to debit cards. Most importantly, remember that the bank is not entitled to issue a credit card for you without your knowledge.
• Overdraft cards are a compromise between credit and debit cards. An overdraft card allows for overdrafts, but is usually lower than credit limits.

5. Technical overdraft

• There is a concept of "technical overdraft", when an amount exceeding the available spending limit is debited from the card. The debt can be formed when paying in a currency in another country (due to exchange rate differences) or if the account was replenished with money from a card of another bank, and immediately after replenishment, they were withdrawn.
• There is no need to be afraid of a technical overdraft: it is paid off automatically after the money is credited to the account, and interest is not charged on it.

6. Reverse side of the card

• On the reverse side of the card is another guarantor of the safety of your money - the CVV code (for VISA) or CVC (for MasterCard). CV in both cases stands for Card Verification. This code assigned to your card verifies that it is genuine.
• CVV allows you to make payments without physically presenting a card and is required, for example, when shopping over the Internet. With it, you can make a purchase remotely (knowing other card details). Like the PIN code, it is better not to show or tell anyone, especially if someone insistently asks you to voice it.

Security rules when using cards

• If you make purchases via the Internet, make transactions only on trusted sites, make sure that the site uses the https protocol for financial transactions. This will protect data from leakage.

Types of bank cards and their features are of interest to many owners. To ensure the safety of your money, you should not rely only on the bank.

Payment cards are gaining popularity every year for making payments between people and organizations. After all, it is very convenient to carry a small rectangle with you and not put money in your pockets. Credit card holders get more options than cash lovers.

Currently, there is a wide variety of plastic cards and payment systems.

Plastic cards first began to be used in the United States in the mid-1950s. They came to replace uncomfortable checkbooks. The magnetic strip, from which information about the account and its owner was read, appeared from the 60s, and the chip from the 90s.

In 1987, in the USSR, one of the private banks issued the first credit card and presented it to Mikhail Gorbachev. Individuals wishing to become owners of an innovative product had to pay $20,000.
According to statistics, every day around the world, virtual scammers steal about $ 2.5 million from plastic cards. To protect their customers, banks are developing security programs. But scammers are always one step ahead.

A tiny chip in a bank card stores information about the owner, all transactions made. New types even contain fingerprints and the shell of the eyes of their owner.

Main differences

Types of bank cards differ in the following characteristics.

Depending on the type of funds (own or borrowed) in the account:

1. Debit card. It contains the owner's own money. If he needs to make a payment for a completed purchase, then this will be possible only with a positive balance. This type of cards is in most cases ordered by employers for transfer wages to their employees.
2. Credit. This is plastic with the money that the bank provided to its client for temporary use. It has a limit and you can't go beyond it. Usually, banks issue cards of this type with an interest-free period (on average 2 months), during which you can deposit a debt into your account without overpayment.
3. Overdraft. With this credit card, the owner has the opportunity to pay off the bill, even if he does not have enough money. The bank that issued the card allows its client to spend more, subject to a return of funds at a certain percentage.

The MIR payment system was released recently, but is already gaining popularity in the Russian Federation

By class, the types of payment cards differ mainly in the level of service and the privileges provided:

• classical– the most common cards with standard conditions;
• virtual- are not handed out, are used for electronic payments, as well as making purchases via the Internet;
• golden- these cards are provided on favorable conditions. By paying with them, you can get a discount or the provision of services as a matter of priority;
• platinum- issued for selected depositors and have a large set of bonuses: service by a personal manager, the ability to pay worldwide, booking tickets, etc.;
• black- the most privileged cards issued by a small number of banks. Their holders are the richest clients. It is known that having a black card in hand, you can get access to a private event, the right to enter the airport recreation area for business clients. In this case, no one will ask about the category of the ticket.

Payment systems of bank cards are divided into several types. Their difference is in the geography of use. Some can be paid almost all over the world, others - only in one country:

• VISA– focused on making transactions in dollars;
• master card– on the products of this PS you can transfer money in $ and €;
  Many Russians do not know what are the differences between these types of cards. But in fact, MasterCard unites approximately 1,000 more banks for settlements than VISA;
• Maestro- developed in Russia and it operates only on its territory;
• American Express- cards of this type are accepted all over the world, but are practically not used by Russians;
• PEACE- the youngest of all existing ones, designed to replace foreign payment systems. Cards with this PS have just begun to be issued.

You can easily find out which payment system a credit card belongs to, despite the logo placed on the front side. If the card number starts with the number 3 - to American Express, 4 - Visa, 5 - MasterCard, 6 - Maestro, 2 - MIR.

3D-Secure technology allows maximum protection of the card from fraudsters

To attract more depositors, banks are innovating and coming up with additional opportunities for cardholders:

• co-branded- are issued by the bank jointly with the partner company. The essence of the action lies in the fact that when calculating with such cards, depending on the amount spent, points are accumulated on the account. As they become available, they can be exchanged for goods or services of a bank partner;
• cashback- the point is to return a certain percentage of purchases back to the cardholder.

The main issue that is constantly being addressed by bank security services is the degree of protection for credit cards:

• microchip– to pay for goods or services, the card must be inserted into the terminal and the PIN code must be entered;
• pay pass- this protection allows you to pay with one touch of the card to the cashier's reader. Payment up to 1000 rubles will not require the introduction of a PIN code;
• 3D Secure- a special type of protection that helps to protect the cardholder from fraudsters as much as possible. Its essence lies in the fact that when making payments on the Internet, on mobile phone an SMS message arrives with a code that must be entered in a special window for successful payment.

Payment scheme

Many of the owners of bank cards thought about how the system of cashless payments works. The principle is the following:

1. The seller, accepting the plastic from the buyer, inserts it into the terminal, which checks its authenticity by the credit card number.
2. The bank that performs all non-cash transactions through this terminal (acquiring bank) checks the information on the card with the database. If there are no discrepancies, then a request is submitted to the payment system.
3. The PS, in turn, contacts the bank that issued the card (issuing bank) to obtain information about the balance on the account or about the possibility of buying using loan funds. If the money is available, then they are transferred to the seller's bank account.
4. The terminal prints two checks with data on the completed transaction, then the seller puts his signature on them. The first copy remains with the cashier, the second is taken by the buyer.
5. At the end of the day, all information about non-cash transfers is sent to the acquiring bank, which recalculates with the store.

Instant processing of information allows you to quickly make transactions on the account

How not to fall for the tricks of scammers

Almost every Russian thought about the security of his account. Many are scared off by the idea that money can be used by attackers and use credit cards only for cash withdrawals.

To protect funds stored on plastics, you need to know their features and follow the following rules:

1. It is forbidden to disclose the PIN code to unauthorized persons, even bank employees. When entering at ATMs and terminals, you need to close the keyboard with your hand. Password information should be hidden not only from nearby standing people but also from CCTV cameras.
2. There is a CVV code on the back of the card. It can be used to pay online. Often in SMS mailings and social networks they are asked to provide this code, which is absolutely impossible to do.
3. Fraudsters come up with new ways to steal money from cards. One of them is a special overlay for the ATM keyboard. Before entering the PIN code, it is worth checking if it rises. If you find an extra part, it is recommended to calmly leave the store and report it to the police by phone. As a rule, the overlay is guarded by a couple (or trinity) of dubious personalities standing nearby.
JavaScript must be enabled in your browser settings for the survey to work.

What is a bank card? This is a modern payment instrument, without which it is impossible to imagine financial system. A small piece of plastic with a chip, magnetic stripe and the owner's initials as a key provides access to the account. With its help, you can withdraw cash, replenish your account, make transfers, pay for services, control your balance, save money and increase your savings.

A plastic bank card lives in almost every Russian wallet, and often not in a single copy. Only some use all the cards at once, really out of necessity, while others keep them “just in case”, “left from an old job”, etc. In order for your cards to be useful to you, you need to at least know a little about their purpose and varieties.

Types of bank cards

There are many criteria and signs by which bank cards can be classified:

• By type of account: credit or debit.
• By the name of the payment system: Visa, Mastercard (Maestro), MIR.
• By tariff and co-branding: "Social", "Aeroflot", M-Video bonus, etc.
• By class: the lowest lines of the economy segment are occupied by Visa Electron and Maestro cards from Mastercard, and at the top of the list are platinum and premium cards.
• By type of protection and content of information: chipped, with a magnetic stripe.
• By personalization: nominal and Noname.
• According to principle material carrier: virtual or real.
• By the name of the issuer's bank (the bank that issued the card).

Credit and debit cards

A debit card is an account for storing your own money: receiving salaries, replenishing for the purpose of making settlements, savings. A debit account cannot have a negative balance (except for the service).

Credit card gives access to the bank's money, limited by a certain limit: this is an account that can have a negative balance. The credit card has a renewable limit: having issued it once, you will not have to think about it for 3-5 years. Banks attract customers with additional amenities in the form of grace period, accrual of interest on a positive balance.

Any card has its own service tariff, which depends on the list of connected services, the type of account and the issuing bank. According to the tariff, the client pays the bank for servicing the card - from 0 to 15,000 rubles per year. Free service characteristically debit cards lower class and cards issued at special rates. The highest price will have to be paid for a premium segment card, stuffed with insurance and additional services.

Tariff and Co-branding

Separate tariffs and cards issued jointly with another company have gained particular distribution and popularity. For example, almost everyone has a free “Social” card from Sberbank, or as it is also called a “daisy card”: child benefits, pensions, compensations, and scholarships are issued for it.

Those who save up for vacations and often fly by air opt for maps from famous airlines: for example, Aeroflot.

Many also use cards that simultaneously perform the function of bonus and debit cards: for example, Tinkoff Aliexpress, M-video Bonus from Alfa Bank, Malina card, etc.

Payment system type

The vast majority of bank cards use payments through Visa or Mastercard processing centers. However, in Russia, recently, its own has appeared, designed to replace foreign counterparts.

If you plan to use the card only on the territory of Russia, it does not matter which payment system you prefer. you will feel only when making payments in countries with a different currency.

Map class

• The lowest class - VisaElectron, MasterCardMaestro (characteristically inexpensive service, a minimum set of incoming services);
• Middle class - VisaClassic, MasterCardStandard (optimal range of services, affordable service price);
• The highest class - silver Silver, golden gold, platinum Platinum (cards for status clients with a wide range of services and relatively expensive service);
• Premium class - black Premium cards (the highest level - for wealthy customers: the maximum range of services, expensive card content).

The maximum daily limit for transactions and cash withdrawals also depends on the class of the card. Don't be surprised if you can't withdraw from an ATM a large amount with Maestro or Electron: for such cards, the daily limit is limited to 15-50 thousand.

Type of protection and information content

Customer data is recorded on an embedded chip or magnetic stripe. A map can have both resources at the same time. The chip protects information better: if you simply swipe the terminal with a magnetic stripe to pay for the purchase, then when using a chipped card, you will need to enter a pin code.

New generation cards are equipped with PayPass technology - "one-touch payment".

Personalization

It is customary to see your name and surname in Latin transcription on the map - this is evidence of a name card. But often there are empty cards with the inscription Noname or Cartholder: this is a specially issued plastic to the client's account - such cards were invented for this. So that the client can immediately use banking services. As a rule, an unnamed card is issued for the period until the bank issues full-fledged plastic.

material carrier

It is not necessary to have a piece of plastic in your hands to make calculations. If you mainly shop online, this is for you. virtual card. Most often, it is opened in order to secure cash on the main card and do not show its data in unverified online stores.

Issuing bank

It is more common for users to distinguish cards by the name of the bank that issued it: Sberbank, Alfabank, VTBshnaya, etc. The name of the bank does not characterize the card in any way, but nevertheless, this type of classification is also used by the people.