If you've just got a new debit card, or you've never really used yours before, you might be wondering what all the numbers on it mean. This guide will explain everything you need to know about your bank card.

The card number

Your 'card number', which is commonly asked for when you're buying stuff online, is the 16 digit number you'll see right across the front of your debit card.

You can see the card number in the picture on the right:

Your card number is commonly asked for when you're buying things online, along with your name, address and:

The CVC

CVC stands for Card Verification Code. It is sometimes called other things - like CSC (Card Security Code). It's used along with your card number, name, card expiry date and address - and sometimes a password - to authorise online payments.

To find it, turn your card around and look near your signature strip (where you've signed your card). The CVC is the last three digits of that number. The last three numbers will usually be separated from the rest to make it a bit clearer.

Sort code

You can find your sort code on the front of your card, near the bottom.

You might have noticed that even when you receive a new card, your sort code remains the same. That's because your sort code is like the address of your particular bank branch. If you change your banking branch, your sort code will change too.

Account number

Your account number is a collection of numbers located next to your sort code. It's around 8 digits long with no spaces.

Usually, it's located next to your sort code.

Your account number is the unique number that's assigned to your current account.

Start and end dates

The start and/or expiry date of your card is usually located somewhere near the bottom. Usually, these dates are clearly labelled.

The expiry date is often used when buying online.

When your expiry date is reached, your bank will usually send you a new card. If not, you should get in touch and ask for a new one.

What is all this information used for?

Your sort code and account number is commonly used to put money into your account, for example by bank transfer - or when you get paid at work.

However, if the company or person also has details such as your name, date of birth and address, they can set up a Direct Debit from your account. Only give this information to trusted, reputable companies on a secure online connection (look for 'https://' instead of 'http://' in the address bar).

Your card number, name, address, card expiry date and CVC can be used to authorise a payment from your account - for example if you buy a pair of shoes from a website. A company cannot set up a Direct Debit or take out more than one payment from your account with this information without your permission.

If you're not sure whether you should give over your bank information, don't. Ring up your bank and ask them whether they think it's safe, or research the reputability of the company on Google or another search engine.

Differences between cards

This article is about the majority of debit cards from high street banks. Credit cards may have slight differences.

Some debit cards are also different. For example, the thinkmoney debit MasterCard© has the card number and the CVC for shopping online. However, it does not have the sort code and account number printed on it - there is a reference number instead.

The reference number is found under the name on the card, and is usually marked by the word 'Ref'. thinkmoney will only ever ask for the reference number. The sort code and account number can be found on bank statements if needed.

American Express cards have different CVC codes to other cards. American Express cards have the CVC on the front of the card to the right hand side. It's four digits long.

If you have a Maestro (formerly Switch) or Solo card, you might be asked for your 'issue number'. This is basically the number of your card - so if it's your first card, your issue number might be '01'. People who don't have these kinds of cards can leave the issue number blank when filling out online forms.

If the numbers on your card are different to all of the ones explained above, you should get in touch with your bank and ask them to talk you through it.