The dimensions of a Credit card are not chosen arbitrarily; they are the result of international standards designed to guarantee compatibility with payment systems and wallets.
Imagine if the sizes were different country to country, and you tried to insert a credit card into a machine and it didn't fit?
Because of this, Credit Cards are universal in size globally.
What are the standard credit card dimensions?
The standard credit card size is 85.60 millimetres in width by 53.98 millimetres in height, which is roughly the size of a typical ID card and fits comfortably in the card slots of wallets and card readers. Credit card thickness is also universal, with it being 0.76 millimetres.
This size also enables the credit card number and other necessary details, such as the cardholder's name, expiration date, and security code, to be presented clearly, allowing for quicker transactions and less fraud.
ISO/IEC 7810 Standard
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) both endorse the ISO/IEC 7810 standard, which governs the physical characteristics of identification cards.
This standard includes several card formats, such as ID-1, ID-2, and ID-3. Specifically, credit and debit cards follow the ID-1 format, ensuring uniformity and ease of use across different countries and banking systems.
Common specifications when it comes to dimensions
The ID-1 standard, which sets the size standards for credit cards, is the reason credit cards are 85.6 x 53.98 millimetres. The reason they're in millimetres is due to the fact most of the world operates off this system. However, they can also be represented as 3.375 inches wide by 2.125 inches high to appeal to those using the imperial system.
Why do credit cards have to be this size?
Credit cards of a particular size guarantee compatibility with a wide array of card readers and credit card machines used in various businesses and countries.
The ISO ensures that dimensions, specifically 85.6 mm by 53.98 mm. It also ensures a standard thickness of 0.76 mm. The thickness of a credit card is also often universal so that it matches the requirements of payment-processing technology worldwide, providing a seamless user experience.
Physical and security features of credit cards
Magnetic stripe
The magnetic stripe on the reverse side of a credit card contains essential information encoded within magnetic particles.
As cards are swiped through readers, the data is accessed for transaction processing. These magnetic stripes are crucial for the card's functionality in ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.
I have found that outside of the United States, the magnetic stripe of a credit card is rarely used for smaller transactions, as tap has ultimately taken over. I can't remember the last time I had to use my stripe on a card for a transaction under $100 in Canada.
EMV chip and hologram
Credit cards now frequently include an EMV chip, which stands for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa, the three companies which initially contributed to the standard.
This small, metallic square on the card front significantly enhances security by generating a unique transaction code each time it's used, making it much harder to counterfeit than magnetic strip cards. The chip reader also allows someone to process a transaction with a PIN.
Additionally, cards often feature a hologram as a visual security element that is difficult to replicate.
What are credit cards made of?
Most credit cards are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), giving them flexibility and durability for everyday use. Plastic cards tend to last a while, at least up until their expiry, which is what card issuers want.
Some premium credit cards issued by financial institutions are constructed from metal or metal composites like titanium or stainless steel, providing a distinct weight and sturdiness.
Security code and signature strip
The security code is often referred to as the Card Verification Value (CVV). This security code is a 3 or 4-digit number not contained in the mag strip or card chip, which makes it essential for validating online and phone transactions.
The security code's placement varies, but it's always separate from the card number to ensure its confidentiality.
The signature strip on the back of a credit card is designed for cardholder verification. A card is not considered valid until the owner signs this strip, and merchants are supposed to compare this signature to the one made during a transaction to confirm the cardholder's identity.
This day and age, the signature strip is being used less and less, primarily because you don't need to sign for credit card purchases anymore. For the most part, you'll either tap your card or use your PIN.
