American Express (Amex) is an American company that provides travel, network, and financial service providers. They offer personal and small business owners corporate credit cards. American Express cards are especially known for offering perks for people gaining higher credit scores. They offer their credit and charge cards like Discover. The charge card requires a monthly payment, which can differ depending on the payer’s balance choice every month. It also allows other banks to issue credit cards on the American Express network. They offer a wide variety of offers and cashback for cardholders co-branded with other merchants.
How many numbers does American Express Have?
In total, there are 15 digits in the Amex cards. They usually start from the number 34 or 37.
- On the top right side, above the 15-digit numbers, you will find another 4-digit number in a smaller size, which is your Card Identification Number (CID). It is stamped on your card and cannot be scraped off.
- Below the 15-digit number, you will find a date on the left corner, which refers to the expiry date of the card.
- On the right side under the 15 digits comes the age of the holder printed. You will also find the name of the cardholder printed on the edge of the Amex card.
To cross-check your card, you can compare the 15-digit printed number with the sales receipt provided and turn your card and compare the signature as well.
Finding The 15-Digit Number On The Card
The 15-digit number will be embossed on the card using a heat stamp for easy recognition. The first digit, which will usually start with 3, is the industry identifier. It helps in authenticating the transaction via credit cards by identifying the card issuer. It helps identify the payment network, which is American Express. Number three as the first digit identifies that your card is issued from an organization of travel and entertainment. The digit 3 and 4 is specifically the card type and its currency. The digit 5 to 11 refers to your account number. From digits, 12 to 14 helps in identifying the card number in the account and checks the cardholder’s details. Once these are passed through, the last digit, also known as the check digit, helps validate the whole transaction process by identifying your payment network and your name.
Is it necessary to have 15 digits on the card?
Yes. It is essential to imprint 15 digits on an American Express card as they play a key role during the authentication of a transaction wherever you purchase something. The 15-digit numbers printed on the credit card help identify the cardholder’s details and the payment network. It also helps you by providing a unique and valid identification. Unlike other cards like Mastercard or Visa, American Express only has a 15-digit number.
CVV code on credit card
The card verification value, which is the security code for your card, helps verify your possession of that card. The 4-digit number located right above the 15 digits is your CVV code. American Express always has a 4-digit number that they refer to as CID, CSC, or 4DBC. It prevents any hackers from using the card for an online or phone transaction. The expiry date adds extra security to your card. Stealing a credit card number will be of no use to the frauds if they do not have your CVV code and the expiry date printed on the front of your card. Expiry dates are imprinted so that after a few years of use, the cardholder ensures to get a fresh card to avoid any issues during the transaction due to the old card.
Benefits of using an American Express card
- Amex is both the payments network and the card issuer
- They offer charge cards, regular credit cards, prepaid cards, gift cards, and debit cards
- Luxurious offers like retail, travel, complimentary airport lounge access, and dining offers
- Membership reward points that can be redeemed on shopping, traveling, and entertainment
- 24*7 lifestyle assistance using the Platinum Reserve Credit Card
- Option to report infringement for a lost card
- Quick card replacements on demand
- Secured method of an online transaction using the self-selected user ID, and email confirmations
- Make easy payments with just one swipe by using your card as a PIN card or a standard Chip
Conclusion
American Express has a great variety of offers and benefits to offer you through their membership whether you choose to get a credit card or a debit card. You can always rely on them for a secured and efficient payment network. Their extra security helps the customers to make online purchases without worrying about fraudulent activities occurring. It has also become convenient to quickly report for zero liability, the moment you figure that you have misplaced your card and need an immediate replacement. By thoroughly understanding the digits printed on your American Express card, make sure to keep it safe with yourself.
