1. Bank card identification:

1.1. Identify the Bank card presented for payment (hereinafter also referred to as the "card"), perform an external examination of the card in order to determine its authenticity and validity.
1.2. Do not service cards that have not yet expired or have not yet expired (the expiration date of the card is indicated on its front side). The validity period of the card reflects the start date of the card and the date of its expiration (for example, 07/00 07/02). Sometimes the validity period of the card may contain only the date of its expiration. The start and end dates of the card validity period are located below the number embossed (embossed in a special way) on the card. The card is valid from 00:00 on the first day of the month indicated on it (in our example: - from 00:00 on July 1, 2000) until 24:00 inclusive on the last day of the month indicated on it (in the example: - until 24:00 inclusive on July 31, 2002 ).
1.3. Do not serve local cards, i.e. cards that indicate that they are valid only in one country, with the exception of Russia: if the card is local, the country of its validity is indicated on the front side ("Valid only in [country name]" - "Valid only in [country name]") . The exception is cards that indicate "Valid only in Russia" - "Valid only in Russia". Such cards must be accepted for payment.
1.4. Determine by the logo that the Holder's card belongs to one of the serviced payment systems: VISA, MASTERCARD, DINERS CLUB / DISCOVER.

2. Determination of authenticity bank card:

2.1. Make sure that there are no signs of counterfeiting or damage to the card (bends, melted areas, traces of changing the card number, holes and other obvious surface damage, etc.).
2.2. Make sure that the Holder's signature is present on the reverse side of the card and that there are no signs of forgery of the signature strip itself. In case an attempt was made to change the signature on the panel, the word "VOID" (invalid) will appear on the panel. If the signature on the signature strip differs from the signature on the slip/check, be sure to ask the Holder to sign again or present an identity document, the details of which must be entered on the slip or on the front side of the terminal check. If there is no signature on the back of the card, invite the Holder to sign the card and present an identity document containing a sample of his signature. The card can be accepted for payment only if both signatures match, otherwise it can be withdrawn.
2.3. Having determined that the card belongs to one of the payment systems, make sure that the following mandatory elements are present:

2.3.1. For VISA cards:

on the front side
- "VISA" logo in the form of a tricolor flag (blue, white, gold): "VISA" is written on the white stripe.
- the logo is located in the upper or lower right corner of the card;
- along the contour of the "VISA" logo in the form of a continuous frame, microprinting of the code and BIN of the bank (bank identification number) of the card issuer is applied;
- a hologram (volumetric image) in the form of a flying dove, pressed into plastic; when the card is turned, the dove "flaps its wings";
- on the front side there may be a contact group (so-called chip or smart card) located above the first four digits of the card number;
- VISA card number starting with "4" and consisting of 16 or 13 digits: "4ХХХ ХХХХ XXXX ХХХХ" or "4ХХХ XXX XXX XXX" while the last group of digits must be in the hologram field;
- the first four digits of the embossed card number must match the four digits of the bank's BIN, printed in a typographical way, under the card number;
- the validity period of the card can be embossed starting and ending, for example, 10/96 - 10/98, or only the end, for example, 10/98; the card can be issued for a period of 1 month, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years;
- after the expiration date of the card, there must be a special security symbol "V", embossed on the card in a special font "flying italic" (with an inclination to the right side);
- an image of a flying dove in the center of the map, visible in ultraviolet light (purple or red glow);
- personal data of the Cardholder (name, surname) are applied by embossing;
- there may be a photo of the cardholder and / or a photocopy of his signature (see picture).

A card with the owner's photo and a photocopy of his signature on the front.

On the reverse side
- a magnetic strip soldered into plastic, not glued;
- if there is a contact group (chip or smart card), the signature strip should not go into the area where the contact group is located;
- on the signature panel there must be a distinct (not worn, not smeared) signature of the Cardholder;
- on the signature panel, the slanted text of the repeated words "VISA", written in blue and gold colors;
- in the upper right corner of the signature panel, the card number (or the last 4 digits of the card number) and three digits of the CVV2 security code are printed with an inclination to the left;
- there may be a photo of the cardholder and / or a photocopy of his signature.

ATTENTION!!! Since 01.01.2006 new design VISA cards have been put into circulation.
The following changes have been made for VISA cards of the new design:

on the front side

The hologram with the image of a flying dove - on the right side of the Card above (or below) the VISA logo, may or may not be present on the new sample Cards (the hologram may also be present on the reverse side of the Card).
The last four or three digits of the number are embossed on the hologram.
- The validity period of the Card is embossed under the Card number. It may include a start and end date.
- The Card Number starts with the number "4".
- The new VISA logo can be located in the lower right, upper right and upper left corner.
- There is an ultraviolet element on the logo - the image of the letter V (in the same format as on the logo).
- In the event that the information on the Card is not embossed, but printed, there must be a note "electronic use only" on the front side (only for use in a POS-terminal).

On the reverse side:

The three-digit CVV2 code can be located both on the holder's signature strip and on a separate field located immediately after the signature strip.
- The Cardholder's signature strip contains an ultraviolet element - the repeated word VISA (there are no VISA typographical inscriptions, a number of stripes are applied).
- The magnetic strip can be standard, it can be holographic (with the image of a flying dove).
- The three-digit CVV2 code and the Card number on the Cardholder's signature strip are printed in left-slanted italics.
- Chip VISA Cards of the new sample can have a vertical arrangement of information.

We will consider the main features of determining the authenticity of cards of a number of payment systems:
-Visa International;
-MasterCard Worldwide;
-American Express;
-Diners Club International.
The data that will be given may not be the most up-to-date, but they give general information about the question. All bank cards have a standard size of 86? 54 mm. The bank card must not be damaged (cracks, chips, cuts, etc.). You cannot service cards that have not yet expired or have not yet expired.
Some signs of fake Visa and MasterCard cards:
- the name of the issuing bank and the logo of the payment system are printed in poor quality, the colors can be blurred and erased;
- the first four digits of the card number (“prefix”) printed under the embossed (embossed) number or above it are erased or missing;
- the hologram is pasted, may peel off at the edges;
- the card number is embossed in the center of the hologram;
- errors in the microprinting of the Visa logo (a solid blue line is applied instead of the manufacturer's code and the first four digits of the card number);
- there is no image visible in ultraviolet light;
-there is no protective special symbol on the cards;
- the magnetic strip is glued, not soldered into plastic;
- the magnetic strip is located unevenly relative to the horizontal edge of the card;
- the card number (the last four digits of the card number) on the signature strip does not match the card number (the last four digits of the card number) on its front side;
- the card number (the last four digits of the card number) and the three-digit security code on the signature strip are printed without tilting to the left or are absent on those cards where they are required;
- changes have been made to the embossed details of this card;
- the number on the front side of the card does not match the number on the terminal receipt.
The main distinguishing features and characteristics of Visa cards. The old design was valid until January 1, 2006. Cards of the old design continue their circulation until June 30, 2011.

"Visa" logo in the form of a tricolor flag (blue, white, gold): "Visa" is written on the white stripe; the logo is located in the upper or lower right corner of the card;
- along the contour of the Visa logo in the form of a continuous frame, microprinting of the code and BIN (bank identification number) of the card issuer is applied;
- a hologram (volumetric image) in the form of a flying dove is soldered into plastic; when the card is turned, the dove “flaps its wings”;
- Visa card number, starts with "4" and consists of 16 digits: "4ХХХ XXXX XXXX XXXX"; in this case, the last group of numbers should be in the field of the hologram;
- the first four digits of the embossed card number must match the four printed BIN digits;
- the initial and final validity period of the card can be embossed, for example, 10/06-10/08, or only the final one, for example, 10/08;
- after the expiration date of the card, there must be one of the symbols: "V", and this symbol must be embossed on the card in a special font - "flying italics";
- an image of a flying dove in the center of the card, visible in ultraviolet light;
- personal data of the cardholder (name, surname) are applied by embossing.

- on the signature panel, text written in italic blue and gold colors, from the repeated words "Visa";
- laser-etched card number or part of the card number and three digits of the security code (CVV2).
The new card design is valid from January 1, 2006.

- the hologram is pressed into the plastic of the card;
-3D image in the form of a flying dove;
-when the card is rotated, the impression of a flutter of a dove's wing is created and the image of the dove changes colors;
-on a white background trademark"Visa" is written in blue, part of the letter "V" in the word is highlighted in gold;
- "Visa" written in blue on the white stripe;
- the color of the inscription "Visa" must match the color of the upper blue stripe;
- microprinting is applied along the contour of the Visa logo on a white continuous frame, which consists of BIN and bank code;
- the card number always starts with the number "4" and consists of 16 digits grouped as "4-4-4-4";
- the last group of the card number is in the lower field of the hologram;
- the validity period of the card can be specified initial and final, for example 10/06-10/08 (month/year), or only final, for example 10/08; the card is valid until 24:00 on the last day of the specified month;
- after the expiration date, the security letter “V” may be embossed in the form of the letter “V” in the word “Visa”;
-UV protection: the letter “V” is displayed in the area of the logo or an image of a blue or red flying dove visible in ultraviolet light is placed in the center of the card; the whole image should glow; when the card is placed under ultraviolet illumination, the image of a flying dove is visible only from the front side of the card;
-Visa Int. recommends issuing cards for a period of 1 month, for
1 year, 2 years and rarely 3 and 5 years;
-regional cards have the inscription "Valid only in ..." ("Valid only in ..." (the country is indicated further) and are serviced only in the specified country.
Reverse side:
- a magnetic strip in which the information present on the front side of the card is laid;
-when carrying out the operation, be sure to compare the number on the front side of the card with the number on the receipt, which will be printed by the electronic terminal;
- on the signature panel at an angle of 45 °, the text of the repeated words “Visa” is applied in blue and yellow colors or a pattern of alternating lines of yellow and blue colors is applied;
- on the signature panel there must be a distinct (not worn, not smeared) signature of the cardholder;
- the card number (in full or only the last four digits) and three digits of the security code (CVV2) are laser printed. For example: 4277 0000 0000 0025 108 or 0025 108;
-when you try to erase, the word “Void” appears on the signature panel;
- there may be a photo of the card holder in the lower left corner of the Visa card.
Main distinguishing features and characteristics of Visa Electron cards. The old design was valid until January 1, 2006. Cards of the old design continue their circulation until June 30, 2011.
Front side:

- "Visa Electron" logo in the form of a blue field with the inscription in white letters "Visa Electron" and a yellow stroke between the words "Visa" and "Electron"; the logo is located in the lower right corner of the card;
- along the contour of the “Visa Electron” logo in the form of a continuous frame, the inscription “Electron” is microprinted;
- there is no hologram;
- personal data of the cardholder (name, surname), card number and expiration date are laser-printed, printed or embossed;
- the first four digits of the card number must match the four printed BIN digits above the card number; must be applied under the first group of numbers;
- Visa Electron card number, starts with "4" and consists of 16 digits, while the last group of digits must be in the hologram field;
-since 1997 the use of eight-digit card numbers is allowed - the first four must be printed in a typographic way, the last four - printed in the hologram field;
- text "Electronic Use Only" ("Only electronic use").
Reverse side:
- the magnetic strip is soldered into the plastic, not glued;
- on the signature panel, a distinct (not worn, not smudged) signature of the cardholder;
- on the signature panel, the text is slanted from the repeated words "Electron", written in blue, red and gold colors.
All cards listed below are variations of existing Visa products, contain all standard security features, and are subject to the general rules for accepting Visa cards.
There are also social cards Visa Electron (Visa Electron Social Cards), Visa Electron instant issue (Visa Electron Instant Issue).

Visa Electron Instant Issue cards were first released to the Russian market in 2002. Their distinctive feature is the absence of the surname and name of the holder on the card.
The procedures for taking them are described below.
Merchants must accept Visa Electron Instant Issue cards for payment in the same way as any other Visa Electron product. All transactions must be carried out in real time and go through the process of authorization by the issuing bank. If the cashier has doubts, it is necessary to verify the cardholder's signature with an identity document.
Front side:
- the inscription "Electronic Use Only" (may be in other languages);
- the Visa Electron symbol must be present in the upper or lower right corner on the front side of the card;
- microprinting including the word "Electron" must be visible around the Visa Electron symbol;
- the first four digits of the number must be printed on the front side of the card, the last four digits must also be present;
- some issuing banks indicate the full card number on the front side; the cashier must check that the number indicated on the card matches the number printed on the receipt of the electronic terminal;
-dove hologram/card expiration date/cardholder name (this information is optional and may not appear on the Instant Issue card).
Reverse side:
- the signature strip must be filled with the repeated word "Electron", printed diagonally, when you try to erase it, the word "Void" appears on it;
-signature; if the cashier is not sure whether the signature on the card matches the signature on the check, you should ask the cardholder to present an identity card (with a signature) and verify the signature again.
These cards do not contain the name of the client, so the phrase "Electron Visa Cardholder" is placed on the magnetic strip in the first track instead of the name of the cardholder.
The new design is valid from January 1, 2006.
The Visa International payment system issues cards of the Visa Electron standard. Any transaction on the Visa Electron card, regardless of the amount, must be authorized only electronically. Acceptance of Visa Electron cards is possible only at service points equipped with electronic terminals. There is no voice request for a confirmation code.
Front side:
- new design of the "Visa" logo: on a white background, the trademark "Visa" is applied in blue, where part of the letter "V" in the word "Visa" is highlighted in gold, under the logo is the inscription "Electron";

-there is always an inscription "Electronic Use Only";
- the card number always starts with the number "4" and consists of 16 digits grouped as 4-4-4-4; the number can be applied in full or in part (on the receipt of the POS-terminal, the card number must be indicated in full); data is applied by laser or by embossing;
- under the first group of digits of the card number or above it, a four-digit BIN must be printed, repeating the first group of digits of the card number;
- the validity period of the card can be specified initial and final, for example 10/02-10/04 (month/year), or only final, for example 10/08; the card is valid until the last day of the specified month;
- the protective letter "V" is not applied.
-hologram and UV protection are optional elements of the card.
Visa Electron card can be of two types:
1) personalized, with the name of the cardholder and the expiration date on the front side;
2) non-personalized, without the name of the cardholder and the expiration date on the front side.
Reverse side:
- a magnetic strip in which the information present on the front side of the card is laid; when performing a transaction, be sure to compare the number on the front side of the card with the number on the check printed by the POS-terminal;
- the panel for the signature can be of several types: the word "Electron" is repeatedly applied (in blue, red and yellow) with an inclination of 45 °; the word “Visa” is repeatedly applied (in blue and yellow colors) with an inclination of 45 °; applied a pattern of alternating lines of yellow and blue;
- on the signature panel, the card number and security code can be duplicated, applied by laser;
-regional Visa Electron cards have the inscription "Valid only in." (hereinafter the country is indicated) on the front side of the card;
- there may be a photo of the card holder in the lower left corner of the Visa Electron card.
Microprocessor cards Visa and Visa Electron can be placed vertically. In this case, the information must be printed on them with an indent seal.

Visa and Visa Electron cards can be either standard size (86 x 54 mm) or reduced (66 x 40 mm), approximately 2/3 smaller than the standard size.
Main distinguishing features and characteristics of MasterCard cards.
Front side:
- the "MasterCard" logo, which is two intersecting circles of red and yellow colors with the inscription "MasterCard" on their background;
- "MasterCard" hologram in the form of intersecting earth's hemispheres, a three-dimensional image of the continents against the background of a repeating multi-colored text "MasterCard" visible to the naked eye; no meridian grid;

-rings around the hemispheres are made of microletters "MC";
- the number of MasterCard cards is always embossed, starts with the number "5" and consists of 16 digits, grouped as 4-4-4-4;

- under the first four digits of the card number, the BIN of the issuing bank must be printed, repeating the first four digits of the card number;
- the embossed card validity period can be initial and final, for example 10/05-10/06 (month/year), or only final, for example 10/06;
- after the expiration date, a security letter may be embossed:

- the name and surname of the cardholder are also applied by embossing:

- in ultraviolet light, the letter "M" (in the lower left corner of the card) and the letter "C" (at the location of the card's expiration date) are visible in large print;
-regional cards have the inscription "Valid only in ..." (the country is indicated) and are serviced only in the specified country.
Reverse side:

- on the signature panel at an angle of 45 ° there is a text from the repeated words "MasterCard", written in red, yellow and blue colors;
- on the signature panel, with an inclination to the left, the card number (or its last four digits) and three digits of the security code (CVC 2) are printed;
-if the signature panel has been cleaned or erased, the word "Void" will appear under it;
- the bank code (ICA) in the form of four digits is printed with printing ink in any free field of the card.
Main distinguishing features and characteristics of MasterCard Electronic cards. The MasterCard Electronic card is specially designed for servicing with an electronic terminal, the card cannot be serviced with an imprinter.
Front side:

- "MasterCard Electronic" logo: two intersecting circles of red and yellow colors with the words "MasterCard" ( white color with a blue shadow) and "Electronic" (blue);
- under the logo there is a white inscription "100% Electronic";
- MasterCard hologram;
-card number, holder's name and expiration date can be indented or laser engraved;
- the name of the cardholder may be missing;
-BIN (first four digits of the number) must be typed;
- the card number starts with the number "5" and consists of 16 digits; only the last four digits of the number can be printed on the card;
- the inscription "Valid only where MasterCard Electronic is accepted" ("Valid only where MasterCard Electronic is accepted").
-regional cards have the inscription "Valid only in." (country specified) and serviced only in the specified country.
Reverse side:
- the magnetic strip must be soldered into the plastic, not glued;
- the panel for the signature has a drawing of the repeated words "MasterCard" in red, blue and yellow colors;
- on the panel, with an inclination to the left, the card number (or its last four digits) and a three-digit security code (CVC 2) are applied.
Main distinguishing features and characteristics of Maestro cards.
Front side:

- "Maestro" logo - two intersecting circles of blue and red colors with the inscription "Maestro" in white, printed on their background; the logo is placed in the upper or lower right corner of the card;
-card number, holder's name and expiration date can be embossed or indented;
- the card number can consist of 16-19 digits, starts with the number "50" or another number in the ranges 56-58, 60-69;
- BIN is typographically printed under the card number, repeating the first four digits of the card number;
- the validity period of the card is always indicated as the final one: month/year (00/
00); on Maestro cards issued by European banks, the expiration date may be indicated, for example 12/49;
- the name and surname of the card holder are written in Latin letters; if they are written in Cyrillic, then the card should indicate “Valid only in Russia” (“Used only in Russia”);
-Maestro card can be of two types: personalized (with the cardholder's name and expiration date) and non-personalized (without the cardholder's name and expiration date);
-regional cards have the inscription "Valid only in ..." (the country is indicated) and are serviced only in the specified country.
Reverse side:
- the magnetic strip must be soldered into the plastic, not glued;
- signature panel - a white field, which, at the discretion of the issuing bank, may contain an ornament or text;
- on the signature panel there may be a card number (or its last four digits), applied with an inclination to the left;
- at the bottom of the card there may be logos of service systems, for example "Cirrus", "Edc".
The optional security features on the front of the Maestro card are:
-BIN - a four-digit number repeating the first group of digits of the card number, typographically printed in contrast to the background of the card itself under or above the first group of digits of the card number;
-hologram (the issuing bank applies a hologram pattern at its discretion);
- an image visible in ultraviolet light (the issuing bank applies at its discretion).
In connection with the signing of a global cooperation agreement between Diners Club International and MasterCard International, a new card product of these companies has been developed. Cards issued in the US and Canada are almost standard Diners Club card designs with the MasterCard logo and hologram on the front. The card has a 16-digit number (begins with the number "5") and a special symbol MC. The reverse side features the "Cirrus" logo, a signature strip with the repeated word "MasterCard". The described card is accepted for service on the terms and rates developed for MasterCard cards.
Diners Club card issued in the USA and Canada:

A joint product of MasterCard Europe S.A. and Diners Club International payment systems, which is currently issued outside the USA and Canada. This card has the MasterCard logo on the reverse side. The card number consists of 14 digits (starts with 36). The owners of these cards can only be served in banks that work with cards of the Diners Club payment system.
Diners Club card issued outside the USA and Canada:

Distinctive features and main characteristics of Diners Club cards.
Front side:
-to map a silvery color with gray wavy lines, an unfolded map of the world is applied in contrast;

- the "Diners Club" logo is located in the upper left corner, on the right side of it is the inscription "Diners Club International";
- the presence of the ® icon is mandatory;
- all data on the front side of the card is embossed;
- the card number starts with "30", "36", "38" or "39" and consists of 14 digits grouped as 4-6-4; Diners Club cards issued in Russia start with "36";
- card validity period - always initial and final;
- before the expiration date, two digits must be embossed - the mark of membership and the year the holder joined the club;
- abbreviation "DC";
-franchise code, consisting of two letters, which are assigned to each country by Diners Club; if the card was issued in Russia, then these are the letters "VR";
- after the expiration date, the Diners Club logo is embossed; it may not be available on cards issued in Russia (VR);
- over the embossed logo, a security code consisting of two letters of the Latin alphabet is applied with typographic ink;
- in the center of the card there is an image of the Diners Club logo in blue, visible in ultraviolet light.
Reverse side:
- a magnetic strip, where the information present on the front side of the card is stored; when performing a transaction, be sure to compare the number on the front side of the card with the number on the check printed by the POS-terminal;

-signature panel: repeating blue Diners Club logo printed in one or three lines;
- at the bottom of the signature panel, the card number and three digits of the security code are lasered;
- on the front side at a certain angle, a mirror image of the numbers applied by the laser is visible;
- a hologram with the image of the DC logo and an unfolded world map is located in the lower left corner of the map, against the background of iridescent colors of the world map, the inscription "Diners Club International" appears; this inscription should not go beyond the background of the world map;
- embossed "DC" logo and card expiration date must be in the hologram field.
The regional map differs from the international map by the absence of the word "International". On the front side of the card there is an inscription "Valid only in ..." (the country is indicated), on the reverse side, instead of the words "Valid Worldwide", "Valid only in." is applied.
The Diners Club International joint card has a standard appearance. The name and logo of the partner are applied in the upper right corner. Sometimes the partner's logo can be placed in a color or gray image instead of an expanded map of the world.
Distinctive features and main characteristics of American Express cards.
Front side:

- "American Express" logo;
- an image of a Roman legionnaire: on personal cards in the center, on corporate cards - in the upper left corner; on Optima cards, the image of a warrior occupies the entire right side;
- all data on the front side of the card is embossed;
- the card number always starts with "34" or "37" and has 15 digits grouped 4-6-5;
- the validity period of the card is always initial and final;
-after the expiration date - the "member since" field: date of issue of the first card;
- after the date of issue of the first American Express card - product code: letters A.X. or O.S.;
- on corporate and personal cards, a four-digit digital security code (batch code) is on the right above the number, on Optima cards - on the left;
- name and surname of the card holder;
- under ultraviolet light are highlighted: AM - the image of a Roman soldier - EX;
- in the lower right corner of the card - the mandatory text "@AMEX".
Reverse side:

- a magnetic strip, where the information present on the front side of the card is stored; when performing a transaction, be sure to compare the number on the front side of the card with the number on the check that will be printed out by the POS-terminal;
- a panel for the cardholder's signature;
-card number duplicating the embossed number on the li-…….
front side, located on the signature panel or below it;
- "American Express" logo;
- above the magnetic strip, the mandatory text "This card is the property of the issuer and must be returned upon request" ("This card is the property of the issuer and must be returned upon request").

Plastic cards occupy a significant place in the settlement system of many industrialized countries. In recent years, various types of plastic cards have been used in Russia.

plastic card- is a plate of standard sizes (85.6 mm, 53.9 mm, 0.76 mm), made of a special plastic that is resistant to mechanical and thermal stress. From the above, it is clear that the main function of a plastic card- ensuring the identification of the person using it as a subject.

Classification of plastic cards of banks

There are many features by which plastic cards can be classified.

According to the material from which they are made:

paper (cardboard);
plastic;
metal.

At present, almost ubiquitous spread of plastic cards. However, paper (cardboard) cards sealed in a transparent film are often used to identify the cardholder. These are laminated cards. Lamination is a fairly cheap and easily accessible procedure, and therefore, if the card is used for payments, then in order to increase security against counterfeiting, a more advanced and complex technology for making plastic cards is used. At the same time, unlike metal, plastic can be easily heat treatment and pressure (embossing), which is very important for personalizing the card before issuing it to the client.

For general purposes:

identification;
informational;
for financial transactions.

This division is not mutually exclusive. For example, a large company may issue a card to each of its employees that:

is a pass allowing access to certain areas of the enterprise (identification function);
on the same card, any important information about the cardholder - information function;
in addition, such a card can also be used for settlements in canteens and shops of this company - a settlement function.

System using multifunctional cards really exists abroad, and it is obvious that combining many functions in one plastic card is promising, since such a multifunctional card is convenient for the issuer and for the holder.

Based on the calculation mechanism:

bilateral systems— arose on the basis of bilateral agreements between participants in the settlements, under which cardholders can use them to purchase goods in closed networks controlled by the card issuer (department stores, gas stations, etc.);
multilateral systems- provide cardholders with the opportunity to buy goods on credit from various merchants and service organizations that recognize these cards as a means of payment. Multilateral systems are led by national bank card associations as well as travel and entertainment card companies (such as American Express).

By type of calculations:

credit cards, which are associated with the opening of a credit line in a bank, which enables the owner to use the loan when buying goods and when receiving cash loans. A special card account is opened for the owner of a credit card and a credit limit is set for the loan account for the entire validity period of the card and a one-time limit for the amount of one purchase; within the one-time limit, payment for the purchase can be made without authorization;
debit cards designed to receive cash from ATMs or to pay for goods with settlement through electronic terminals. The money is debited from the cardholder's bank account. Debit cards do not allow you to pay for purchases in the absence of money in the account.

Some authors single out payment cards as a special category as a type of credit cards. The difference is that the total debt when using payment card must be repaid in full within a certain time after receipt of the statement without the right to extend the loan.

By category of clientele the issuer is targeting:

ordinary cards;
silver cards;
golden cards.

Ordinary cards are intended for an ordinary client. These are Visa Classic, Eurocard / MasterCard Mass (Standard).

Rice. 14. Visa Classic and Eurocard/MasterCard Mass

Silver card (Silver, Business) is called a business card and is intended for individuals, employees of companies authorized to spend their company's funds within certain limits.

Rice. 15. Visa Business and Eurocard/MasterCard Business

Gold card (Gold) is intended for the wealthiest wealthy clients.

Rice. 16. Visa Gold and Eurocard/MasterCard Gold

There are cards in VISA and Europay systems that can only be used in ATMs for cash withdrawal and in electronic terminals: Visa Electron, Cirrus/Maestro. They are valid within the limits of the account balance, as a rule, they do not provide credit to the cardholder, and therefore they can be issued to any client, regardless of his level of security or credit history.

By nature of use:

individual card, issued to individual bank customers, can be standard or golden;
family card issued to family members of the person who has entered into the contract, who is responsible for the account;
corporate card issued legal entity, on the basis of this card, individual cards can be issued to selected persons (managers, chief accountant or valuable employees). They open personal accounts linked to a corporate card account. Responsibility to the bank for a corporate account belongs to the organization, and not to individual owners of corporate cards.

Rice. 17. Cirrus/Maestro and Visa Electron

By affiliation with the issuing institution:

bank cards issued by a bank or a consortium of banks;
commercial cards issued by non-financial institutions: commercial firms or a group of commercial firms;
cards issued by organizations whose activities are directly the issuance of plastic cards and the creation of an infrastructure for their maintenance.

By area of use:

universal cards are used to pay for any goods and services;
private commercial cards are used to pay for a specific service (for example, cards of hotel chains, gas stations, supermarkets).

By territorial affiliation:

international, operating in most countries;
national, operating within a state;
local, used in part of the territory of the state;
cards valid in one specific institution.

By time of use:

limited by any time period (sometimes with the right to prolong);
unlimited (unlimited).

According to the method of recording information on the card:

graphic record;
embossing;
bar coding;
magnetic stripe encoding;
laser recording (optical cards).

The earliest and simplest form of recording information on a card was and remains graphic image. It is still used in all cards, including the most technologically sophisticated ones. Initially, only the surname, first name of the card holder and information about its issuer were applied to the card. Later, a sample signature was provided on universal bank cards, and the surname and name began to be embossed (mechanically squeezed out).

Embossing— drawing data on the card in the form of embossed characters. This made it possible to process a card payment operation much faster, making an imprint of a slip on it. Information embossed on the card is instantly transferred to the slip. The method of transferring information embossed on the card is mechanical pressure. Embossing has not completely replaced the graphic image.

bar coding- recording information on a card using barcoding was used before the invention of the magnetic stripe and was not distributed in payment systems. Cards with barcodes, similar to those applied to goods, are quite popular in special card programs where no calculations are required. This is due to the relatively low cost of such cards and reading equipment. At the same time, for better protection, barcodes are covered with a layer opaque to the naked eye and read in infrared light.

Magnetic cards have the same appearance as ordinary plastic cards, only there is a magnetic stripe on the back of the card, and a photograph of the holder and a sample of his signature are also possible.

See below:

It is clear that the magnetic stripe no longer provides the necessary level of information protection against fraud and counterfeiting. Experts began to look for a more reliable way to record information. It turned out to be chip(from the English chip - a crystal with an integrated circuit) or a microcircuit. Chip cards are also often referred to as smart cards.

See below:

In 1981, J. Drexler invented optical card. Optical memory cards have a larger capacity than memory cards, but data can only be written to them once. These cards use WORM (Write Once, Read Many) technology. Recording and reading information from such a card is performed by special equipment using a laser (hence another name - a laser card). The technology used in cards is similar to that used in laser discs. The main advantage of such cards is the ability to store large amounts of information. Such cards have not yet been received in banking distribution technologies due to the high cost of both the cards themselves and the reading equipment.

Requisites and means of protection of international bank cards

			EUROCARD/MasterCard		SBERBANK - MAESTRO
	old design	New design	old design	New design	old design	New design
Front side
Payment system logo (emblem)	In the upper right or lower right corners, a tricolor rectangle consisting of horizontal stripes of blue, white and yellow with the word VISA in blue on the white stripe. Along the perimeter of the logo there is a microtext containing the first four digits of the card number and the code of the issuing bank (may consist of letters and numbers)		EUROPAY INTERNATIONAL: A stylized letter E with a red tongue instead of the middle element and the inscription EUROCARD below it, enclosed in an oval. Truncated version: EUROCARD inscription only INTERNATIONAL: two intersecting circles in red and yellow with MasterCard written in white over the circles		In the lower right corner under the hologram is the Maestro logo in the form of two intersecting circles of blue and red colors with the Maestro inscription made in white paint
Hologram	On the right side of the map in the center is a three-dimensional mirror image of a flying dove. When the card is turned from right to left, the left wing of the dove increases, the right one falls (the dove flaps its wings)		Against the background of horizontal lines containing the word MasterCard, made in microtext, three-dimensional images of the hemispheres of the globe, on which, when the map is rotated, the grid of parallels and meridians changes to the outlines of the continents	Two intersecting flat circles with three-dimensional images of moving continents against the background of horizontal lines containing the word MasterCard. The contours of the circles are made with microtext containing repeated MasterCard symbols	Three-dimensional image of the brand name of the Security Council of the Russian Federation with the inscription Sberbank of Russia in white over it against the background of alternating horizontal lines consisting of the inscriptions Sberbank of Russia and Sberbank
Issuing bank logo	top of the card in the right or left corners the inscription SBERBANK in black printing ink				In the upper right corner of the card, the inscription SBEBANK RUSSIA in black printing ink
Number	Starts with a number 4, divided into 4 groups, consists of 16 numbers (4-4-4-4) or 13 (4-3-3-3) with the last group of numbers on the hologram		Starts with the number 5, divided into 4 groups, consists of 16 numbers (4-4-4-4) with the last group of numbers on the hologram		Consists of 18 digits divided into 2 groups (810 digits) with the last 4 on the hologram
Term data actions	Embossed start date and end date of the possible use of the card in the format month/year or month/day/year (10/02 or 10/15/02)				Only the expiration date is embossed in month/year format (12/02)
Information about the bank that issued the card	On VISA (Classic, Cold), Sberbank-Maestro cards, 8 or 9 digits are embossed in the XXXXYYYYY format (XXXX is the branch number, YYYYY is the branch number). This line is missing on VISA Business, Eurocard/MasterCard Business cards
Holder data	The name and surname of the card holder are embossed (it is possible to apply the personal data of two persons) in Latin script. On corporate cards, the name of the organization can be embossed in Latin letters.				The name and surname of the cardholder are embossed (IVAN PETROV)
microprinting	In the frame of the logo, the first four digits are the card numbers and the code of the issuing bank (from numbers and letters)		On the bottom layer of the hologram, in horizontal lines, the word MasterCard is written	MC is repeated in the contours of the circles of the hologram	Not
Four digit number	It is printed with indelible ink in a contrasting color above or below the 1st group of digits of the card number. The printed digits must completely match the 1st group of digits of the embossed card number		It is printed with indelible and color-contrasting ink under the first digits of the embossed card number and completely matches the first four digits of the card number.		Not
Image in UFL	In the center of the card - an image of a blue-violet flying dove (for cards of the Security Council of the Russian Federation) or pink		At the bottom of the map, the letters M and C: M - in the left corner and through the gap in the middle - C		Not
Special symbols	Beyond the expiration date of the card: The symbol V (flying V) is embossed, having a non-standard format with an inclination to the right, with limited upper undercuts directed to the left side; Pairs of letters CV, PV, BV are embossed; C, P, B printed + V embossed		After the expiration date of the card, a sign (floating M) is embossed, consisting of elements of the letters M and C		Not
Back side
Panel for sample cardholder signature	White stripe filled with diagonal lines with the word VISA in light blue/blue (for cards of third-party issuing banks). Gaps appear when attempting to forge sample signature	White stripe filled with diagonal lines with the word VISA in blue/blue and gold and a 19-digit number printed in a special left-slanted font that includes 16 digits of the card number and 3 digit security code. Gaps appear when attempting to forge a sample signature. The word void appears in spaces - invalid	A white stripe filled with diagonal lines with the word MasterCard or MC in red, blue and yellow and a 19-digit number printed in a special left-slanted font that includes 16 digits of the card number and 3 digit security code. Gaps appear when attempting to forge a sample signature. The word void appears in the prodela - invalid	White stripe filled with diagonal lines with the word MasterCard or MC in red, blue/cyan and yellow and a 7-digit number in the center of the panel, printed in a special font slanted to the left, which includes the last four digits of the card number and 3 digits of the code security. Gaps appear when attempting to forge a sample signature. The word void appears in spaces - invalid	White stripe filled with repeating zigzag lines and SAFESIG lettering. If you try to falsify the sample signature of the cardholder, the lines and inscriptions are erased
magnetic stripe	A black or dark brown magnetic strip soldered into plastic containing information about the cardholder, his account number, bank and additional encoded data printed electronically