You can pay by debit or credit card over the phone when a business accepts telephone card payments. You’ll usually need your card number, expiry date, CVV/CVC security code and billing address. You should never give a merchant your card PIN.
Telephone card payments can be used to pay bills, make bookings, settle invoices or buy goods and services. Here’s how they work, what details you’ll need and how to pay safely.
Table of Contents:
- Can you pay by debit card over the phone?
- How do card payments over the phone work?
- What card details do you need to pay over the phone?
- How do I find my card number?
- How do I find my CVV number
- Is it safe to give your CVV over the phone?
- Do I need my PIN to pay over the phone?
- Is paying by card over the phone safe?
- Can someone take money with your card number and CVV?
- Can I pay over the phone with a Suits Me® debit card?
Can you pay by debit card over the phone?
Yes. You can use a debit card to make a payment over the phone if the business accepts telephone card payments and your card can be used for the transaction.
The process is similar to paying by card online. Because neither you nor your physical card is present at a card terminal, the business will usually need some of your card information to process the payment.
These transactions are sometimes called card-not-present (CNP) payments or MOTO payments, which stands for mail order/telephone order.
How do card payments over the phone work?
When you pay by card in a shop, you can normally insert or tap your physical card at the payment terminal.
A telephone payment works differently.
The business will usually ask you for the information it needs to process the transaction through its payment system. Depending on the merchant and payment provider, you may also be asked to complete an additional security check.
Before providing any card information, make sure you know who you’re speaking to and that you’re comfortable that the business is legitimate.
What card details do you need to pay over the phone?
For most debit or credit card payments over the phone, you may be asked for:
- Your name as it appears on the card
- Your card number – the long number printed on your card
- Your card’s expiry date
- Your CVV/CVC security code – usually the three-digit number on the back of the card
- Your delivery address, if you’re buying something that needs to be delivered
The exact information requested can vary between businesses and payment providers.
How do I find my card number?
Your card number is the long number printed on your debit or credit card. It is usually 16 digits long, although this can vary depending on the card provider.
Look for the long sequence of numbers on the front or back of your card. This is the number you may be asked to provide when making a card payment over the phone.
Your card number is different from your bank account number and sort code. For a standard card payment over the phone, you’ll usually be asked for your card number, expiry date and CVV/CVC security code.
How do I find my CVV number?
Your CVV (Card Verification Value)– sometimes called a CVC (Card Verification Code) or card security code- is normally the three-digit number printed on the back of a Visa or Mastercard card.
The security code helps demonstrate that the person making a card-not-present payment has access to the physical card.
Is it safe to give your CVV over the phone?
A legitimate merchant may ask for your CVV when processing a telephone card payment.
However, your CVV is sensitive card information, so you should only provide it when you’re confident, you’re dealing with a legitimate business and are intentionally making a payment.
If someone unexpectedly calls you and asks for your card details, don’t assume they are genuine simply because they know your name, where you bank or other personal information.
If you’re unsure, end the call and independently find the organisation’s official telephone number before contacting it yourself.
Do I need my PIN to pay over the phone?
No. You should not need to tell a merchant your card PIN to make a standard card payment over the phone.
Your PIN is used for things such as authenticating certain in-person card transactions and cash withdrawals. It isn’t information you should give to someone taking a telephone card payment.
Is paying by card over the phone safe?
Paying by card over the phone is an established payment method, but you should take precautions because you’re sharing sensitive card information.
To make a telephone card payment more securely:
- Check the phone number. Use the business’s official website or another trusted source to confirm you’re calling the correct number.
- Check the business is legitimate. Research businesses you haven’t dealt with before.
- Never reveal your PIN. A merchant doesn’t need your PIN to process a standard telephone card payment.
- Only provide the information required. Don’t volunteer additional personal or financial information.
- Keep your card details private. Avoid reading sensitive information aloud where other people can hear you.
- Check your transactions afterwards. If you notice a payment you don’t recognise, contact your card provider as soon as possible.
Can someone take money with your card number and CVV?
Card numbers, expiry dates and security codes are sensitive because they can potentially be used to attempt card-not-present transactions.
That’s why you should protect these details and only provide them when you’re knowingly making a payment to a business you trust.
If you believe your card information has been compromised, contact your card provider promptly and follow its security advice.
Can I pay over the phone with a Suits Me® debit card?
Yes. Suits Me customers can use their Mastercard® debit card to make telephone card payments where the merchant accepts the card and transaction.
Once you’ve opened your Suits Me® account and received your debit card, you can use your card details to make eligible payments over the phone, just as you can use your card for eligible online and in-person purchases.
When making a telephone payment, the merchant may ask for information including your:
- Name and billing address
- Three-digit security code
- Delivery address, where applicable
You can also keep track of transactions and your available balance through your Suits Me® mobile app, helping you spot anything you don’t recognise.
Get a Suits Me® account and debit card
Looking for an account with a debit card you can use for everyday payments?
With a Suits Me® account, you’ll receive a Mastercard® debit card that can be used for eligible purchases in person, online and over the phone.
Once your account is open and your card has arrived and been activated, you can use it with merchants that accept Mastercard® debit card payments.
FAQs
What details are safe to give when paying over the phone?
A legitimate merchant may require your name, billing address, card number, expiry date and CVV/CVC to process a telephone payment. Only provide these when you’re confident you’re speaking to the genuine business.
Should I give my PIN over the phone?
No. You shouldn’t tell a merchant your PIN when making a standard card payment over the phone.
Is it normal to give your CVV over the phone?
A merchant may request the CVV/CVC when processing a card-not-present transaction. Only provide it when you’re intentionally making a payment and are confident you’re dealing with a legitimate business.
Can I pay a bill over the phone with a debit card?
If the organisation accepts debit card payments by telephone, you can usually pay using your card details. Check with the organisation to find out which payment methods it accepts.
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