5 Important Things You Should Know About
Unembossed Visa Cards
The unembossed Visa card shares many of the physical characteristics of the standard Visa
card that you currently accept for payment. However, there are some important differences!
An unembossed Visa card may
look a little different, but it is valid.
You must swipe an unembossed
card through the terminal.
If the card’s magnetic stripe won’t
read, you should either key enter the
card number and CVV2 or ask for
another form of Visa payment.
Information is printed (flat) instead of
embossed (raised), and the card design can be
either vertical or horizontal.
Generic Name may
appear instead of a
cardholder name.
The unembossed card’s flat, smooth
surface makes it impossible for you
to take a manual imprint.
Do not key-enter transactions on
unembossed cards unless you can
also enter a CVV2. If you cannot
prove the card is present (e.g., manual
imprint or CVV2, plus magnetic stripe
of the card is read) you may be subject
to a chargeback.
Every Visa card contains two basic card
security features:
• Visa Brand Mark
• Dove Design Hologram
Want to learn more?
For additional information
about unembossed Visa
card acceptance, visit
www.visa.com/merchant
to reference additional pieces
such as Simplified Procedures
for Magnetic Stripes that Cannot
Be Read.
© 2012 Visa. All Rights Reserved. VRM 08.12.12