American Express Card Security Features

American Express cards have several features that have been included on the card to increase the security of the transaction and to help reduce fraudulent card use. These features may not be readily apparent, but stand out to the trained eye. Having an alert and well trained clerk that is aware of these features is an excellent way of reducing transaction risk.

American Express cards have embossed numbers. These should be straight and evenly spaced, and in the same typeface as the rest of the card. There should not be any shadows or areas that look like another number was typed on the card and the numbers should not appear as if they have been modified. The expiry date of the card is printed on it and it should not be accepted after the card has expired.

There is a card identification number is printed and has to be always above the account number. This number is non-embossed and it is usually at the end of the account number but slightly above it. This card verification code can dramatically reduce risk inherent in Internet transactions.

The physical card itself should be of the normal size and thickness. It should not be extremely flexible and it should have no cuts or tears in the card material.

Other things to look for are the account number which is both at the front and the back of the card. A merchandiser should check the numbers on both sides of the card and also verify if it is the same on the sales receipt. The signature panel should be checked and verified that it has not been taped, mutilated, painted or erased. Any kind of disfigurement of the signature panel should be examined and checked for possible fraud.

Additionally, the card must be signed to make it valid. This signature should not be dramatically different then the receipt that the customer signs. American Express cards are non-transferable and only that person is supposed to use the card is the one whose name is embossed on the card.

American Express cards have an added benefit of purchase monitoring and this is provided totally free to its members. Here comparison is made of all the incoming transactions against the cardholders past purchasing behavior. If a cardholder uses the card in a particular area only and suddenly a purchase from a far off area is made by the same card, doubt may be raised and transactions on the said card may not be allowed. Further transactions on the card are resumed only after the cardholder confirms that everything is fine.

With frequent handling, a clerk may become acclimated to the look and feel of a valid American Express card. This alone should help a clerk recognize a suspicious card. Using the additional features as a security check, a trained employee can reduce the risk of fraudulent use to an even greater degree.