What Is a Visa Card Number?

The credit card has become a staple in personal finance

The Visa card number is the series of 16 digits on the front of you Visa card written above your name. The number is recorded by stores when you make purchases of goods or services.

Functions

The Visa card number acts as an identifier for the Visa company and financial institution that issued the card to you. When you make a purchase with your Visa card, the number is recorded and your credit card company or bank pays the store the amount of the purchase. You then owe your bank or credit card company the amount it paid in addition to the interest as stated in your card agreement.

History

The first credit card utilizing the process used today was created in 1958 and used in Fresno, Calif. The company that created this process was renamed Visa in 1978 and has kept the same simple logo ever since.

Warning

The Visa card number can be stolen by using a device known as a credit card skimmer. The credit card skimmer is an electronic device that scans the barcode on the back of the card and interprets the information contained in it. This information includes your Visa card number, credit limit, contact information and personal identification number to access cash at an ATM.

References

• Visa: The Payment Transaction Process
• Visa: History of Visa
• Volusia: Beware of Credit Card Skimmers