RuPay Card Marks and Specifications

RuPay Card Marks and
Specifications
Version 7.0 – May 2020
RUPAY CARD MARKS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Table of Contents
A. Objective of the document 4
B. References and Publications 4
C. Document History 4
D. Document Revision History 4
1. Brand Mark 6
1.1. DEBIT 6
1.2. PREPAID 7
1.3. CREDIT 8
1.4. Requirements 9
1.5. Card dimensions 10
2. Account Number, Expiration Date & Cardholder Name/Identifier 11
2.1. Requirements for Laser or Thermal Etched or Indent elements 11
2.2. Requirements for account number 13
2.3. Requirement for expiration date 13
2.4. Drop on Demand (DOD) 14
2.5. Type of Date Format 14
2.6. Requirements for cardholder name/identifier & Language options availability 14
2.7. Fourth Line Printing 14
2.8. Bank Identification Number (BIN)/ Issuer Identification Number (IIN) 15
2.9. Requirements 15
2.10. Issuer Identification & Information 15
2.12. Restrictions on usage 15
3. Card Variant 15
3.1. RuPay Debit Card 15
3.2. RuPay Virtual Card 16
3.3 RuPay Image Card 16
3.4 Photo/Images on the Card 17
3.5 Product Nomenclature 17
4. Magnetic Stripe 17
4.1. Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card – Horizontal Orientation 18
4.2. Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card – Vertical Orientation 19
5. Chip Cards 21
Version 7.0 - May 2020 Page 2 of 61

5.1. Standards and Specifications 21

5.2. Integrated Circuit Card (ICC) Specifications 21
5.3. Contactless Indicator 23
6. Signature Panel 28
6.1. Signature panel on RuPay card without Chip – Horizontal Orientation 29
6.2. Signature panel on RuPay card with Chip – Vertical Orientation 31
6.3. Signature panel on RuPay card without Chip – Vertical Orientation 32
7. Legends 33
8. Card Verification Data (CVD2) 36
8.1. Placement Requirements 37
9. “VOID” Pattern 38
9.1. Security code pattern 38
10. Manufacturer Identification Code 39
11. Hologram 41
12. Co-Branding Options 43
13. Co-Branded Cards 43
14. Card materials 44
14.1. Materials 44
14.2. Character Spacing and Heights 44
15. Tack 1 Data 45
15.1. Magnetic Stripe Encoding Requirements 45
15.2. Data Element Description 46
16. Track 2 Data 52
16.1. Magnetic Stripe Encoding Requirements 52
16.2. Track 2 Format 52
17. Quick Reference Card Diagrams & Specifications 57
Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 3 of 61

A. Objective of the document

The objective of this document is to provide the guidelines and specifications for issuing RuPay
cards. It provides details related to the card placement, size, font, specifications, materials type
and card variants. The details provided in this document can be used by the card issuers and the
card vendors / card manufacturers.
B. References and Publications

None
C. Document History
Version Issue Date
Version 1.0 April 2012

Version 2.0 June 2014
Version 3.0 August 2016
Version 4.0 August 2018
Version 5.0 April 2019
Version 6.0 February 2020
Version 7.0 May 2020
D. Document Revision History

Sr. Change Description Section
No.
1. Text and Credit Card Specifications 1.3
Image
Addition
2. DOD Drop on Demand (DOD) technology for 2.4
personalization of RuPay Cards is permitted.
3. Text Addition Virtual RuPay Card 3.2
4. Text Addition RuPay Image Card 3.3
5. Text Addition Photo/Images on the Card 3.4

6. Text Addition Product Nomenclature specifications of RuPay 3.5

Platinum Debit Card and RuPay Prepaid Card has been
incorporated
7. Text Addition “Distance from top of card to top of magnetic stripe is 4
5.54mm + / - 0.5mm”
8. Text and EMV Co. Specifications 5.3
Image
Addition
9. Text and Text and Image (Facebook and Twitter) have been 7
Image added on back of RuPay card in order to increase
Addition RuPay visibility
10. Text Change The pre-printed legend “Authorised Signature, Not 7
valid unless signed” to be trimmed to read as
“Authorised Signature” or “Authorised Signatory”
11. Text Addition Service Code for EMV Debit and Prepaid (RuPay 15 and 16
Domestic / International) card
12 Text Addition Source of fund identifier i.e. “Debit / Credit/ Prepaid is 1.3
optional
13 Text and Contactless Indicator 5.3
Image
Changes
14 Text “Electronic Use Only” is optional 7
15 Text Language Options availability for printing card holder 2.6

name
16 Text and Text has changed and relevant images have been 5.3
Image added for RuPay Contactless Cards.
Changes

1. Brand Mark
RuPay is the card scheme launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to offer
a domestic, open-loop, multilateral system which will allow all Indian banks and financial
institutions in India to participate in the electronic payments marke t. RuPay’ s strategic
objectives include assisting in digitization of cash payments, creating a common platform for all
banks & payment forms/channels, becoming a ‘top of the wallet card’s for all Indian consumers
across segments, providing a viable domestic option to Indian banks and acting as a nodal body
for the electronics payment industry.
The RuPay Brand Mark must appear on RuPay cards in one of the following ways:
a) The RuPay Brand Mark staged on a standardized white background (staged)
b) The RuPay Brand Mark without the standardized white background (non-staged)
The background image of the card shown in all the images of this document is an illustration. The
issuer may choose the image as per their choice.
The details of the logo along with the dimensions are given were under for staged and non-staged
logo.
1.1. DEBIT
Logo Type Without Source of Fund Identifier With Source of Fund Identifier
Staged Logo Image
1) 8.4mm height of Logo 1) 13 mm height of Logo with

Staged Logo 2) 24 mm width of Logo Debit source of fund identifier.
Dimension 3) 2mm distance from edge to 2) 24mm width of Logo
nearest edge of the card and also 3) 2mm distance from edge to
from the bottom of the card nearest edge of the card and also
from the bottom of the card

Non staged Logo

Image

Non staged Logo 2) 20.6mm width of Logo debit source of fund identifier.
Image Dimension 3) 2mm distance from edge to 2) 20.6mm width of Logo
nearest edge of the card. 3) 2mm distance from edge to
4) 2.915mm from bottom of the nearest edge of the card and also
Logo to bottom of card. from bottom of card.
1.2. PREPAID
Staged Logo
Image

2) 24 mm width of Logo Prepaid source of fund identifier.
Staged Logo 3) 2mm distance from edge to 2) 24mm width of Logo
Dimension nearest edge of the card and also 3) 2mm distance from edge to

Non staged Logo

Image

Non staged Logo 2) 20.6mm width of Logo prepaid source of fund identifier.
Image 3) 2mm distance from edge to 2) 20.6mm width of Logo
Dimension nearest edge of the card. 3) 2mm distance from edge to
1.3. CREDIT
Staged Logo Image

Staged Logo 2) 24 mm width of Logo Credit source of fund identifier.
Dimension 3) 2mm distance from edge to 2) 24mm width of Logo
nearest edge of the card and also 3) 2mm distance from edge to

Non staged Logo

Image

Non staged Logo 2) 20.6mm width of Logo credit source of fund identifier.
Image Dimension 3) 2mm distance from edge to 2) 20.6mm width of Logo
nearest edge of the card. 3) 2mm distance from edge to
Note: Source of Fund Identifier i.e. “Debit / Credit / Prepaid” is optional
1.4. Requirements
The RuPay brand mark must be placed on the front of a RuPay card as follows
a) For all cards (with or without chip), the RuPay Brand Mark must be placed in the lower
right position.
b) Do not alter or scale the artwork in any way
c) There should be clear space of 2mm around the RuPay Logo
RuPay brand mark now has three different options. The issuer can choose any of the one as per
their card design.
Case 1: Lighter shades of Card Designs
Card designs with the lighter shade, can utilize RuPay logo without white staging background and
RuPay logo will be retained in the primary form where blue, saffron and green . Denotative image
of the logo is shown below:

Source of fund identifier below RuPay logo will be mentioned as per product variant
(Debit/Prepaid/Credit).
Case 2: Darker shades of Card Design

Card designs with darker shades may result in colour overlap and diminish the visual impact of
RuPay logo. Hence in this case we will be using reverse NPCI logo with white colour, however fast
forward identifier will retain the original colours. Denotative image of the logo is shown below:
Case 3: Card Designs in shades of Saffron or Green

In case of saffron or green card designs, fast forward identifier would lose impact due to colour
overlap. Hence, in this case we propose to introduce a RuPay logo with rectangular white
background. Denotative image of the logo is shown below:
1.5. Card dimensions

Width: 85.6mm
Height: 53.98 mm
Thickness: 0.76 mm +/-0.076mm
Radius of corners: 3.175 mm +/- 0.125mm

2. Account Number, Expiration Date & Cardholder Name/Identifier
2.1. Requirements for Laser or Thermal Etched or Indent elements

The account number, expiration date and cardholder name/identifier must not interfere with
the card's functional or security features
Figure 1: RuPay card dimensions (Horizontal Orientation)
Note: Source of fund identifier below RuPay logo will be mentioned as per product variant
A Left edge of card to centre line of first number of account number
B Maximum centre line width for account number
C Maximum height of account number line
D Centre line of account number to bottom of card
E Space for each account number character or blank space
F Maximum width of characters in account number
G Minimum distance from left edge of card to centre line of first laser or thermal
etched or Indent character on lines S1, S2 and S3
H Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or Indent characters on lines
S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the lower position
I Height of lines S1, S2 and S3
J Distance between bottom edge of card and bottom of line S1

K Distance between bottom edge of card and centre line of S1, S2 and S3
L Space for each cardholder name or expiration date character
M Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or indent characters on lines
S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the upper position
N Height of card
O Width of card
Figure 2: RuPay card dimensions (Vertical Orientation)
Note: Source of fund identifier below RuPay logo will be mentioned as per product variant
A Distance from top of chip contacts to edge of card
B Distance from the left edge of card to edge of chip contacts
C Maximum distance from edge of card to right edge of chip contacts
D Centre line width for account number

H Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or Indent characters on lines
S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the lower position
I 4mm Height of lines S1, S2 and S3
L Width for each cardholder name and expiration date character
M Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or indent characters on lines
S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the upper position
N Width of card
O Height of card
P Maximum height of account number line
In case the card holder name exceeds 19 characters on the RuPay card, then short name concept
should be adapted, to ensure that name does not run over RuPay logo.
2.2. Requirements for account number

The account number is an issuer-assigned number that identifies an account in order to post a
transaction. The account number must be placed on the card as follows:
a) The full 16- or 19-digit account number must be laser or indented on the front of card as
shown in the illustrations above.
b) A font for printing that complies with relevant ISO standard for account number printing
must be used. It is mandated to use Font OCR A or OCR B, 12-14 Point for account
number.
2.3. Requirement for expiration date

The expiration date is the date on which the card can no longer be used for POS or ATM
transactions. The visible date on the front of the card must match with the date encoded on the
RuPay magnetic stripe. The expiration date must be placed on the card as follows:
a) The expiration date must be laser or indented on the front of card on line S3 as shown in
the illustrations above.
b) The expiration date must be vertically centred on line S3

c) Do not print the expiration date closer than 1.6 mm from the account number
d) If effective dates are used in addition to the expiration date, they must be printed to the
left of the expiration date, on the same line.
A font for laser or indent printing that complies with the OCR-A standard (now called ISO 1073-
1:1976) or OCR B for character printing must be used. RuPay recommends using a standard font
of Font OCR A / OCR B, Size 9-12 points for exp. date.
2.4. Drop on Demand (DOD)

Drop on Demand mode of personalisation can be used for Card number, Valid From Valid Thru
dates, Cardholder Name and CVD 2 number on back of the card.
2.5. Type of Date Format

The pre-printed legends “VALID FROM”, “VALID THRU”, “VALID UPTO” and “VALID DATES” may
be written in font Helvetica / Helvetica Bold, size 5 point.
VALID FROM: MM/YY

VALID THRU: MM/YY
VALID UPTO: MM/YY
VALID DATES: MM/YY – MM/YY
2.6. Requirements for cardholder name/identifier & Language options availability

Cardholder name is the specific name of the individual authorized to use the card. The cardholder
identifier is a generic identifier for an individual or entity authorized to use a card, and it may be
used on RuPay Cards. The cardholder name/identifier must be pl aced on laser or Indent on RuPay
cards as follows:
a) The cardholder name/identifier must be printed and vertically centred on the front of
card on line S2 as shown in the illustrations above, a font for laser or indenting that
complies with the ISO standards for character printing must be used. RuPay recommends
using a standard font OCR A / OCR B 9-12-point size.
b) The card holder name can be printed in any of the official languages identified as per the
Official Language ACT 1963 i.e. English OR Hindi
2.7. Fourth Line Printing

The fourth line (S1) can be used for printing the any other details as per requirement. It is
required to use Font OCR A/OCR B, Size 9-12 Points for fourth line printing

2.8. Bank Identification Number (BIN)/ Issuer Identification Number (IIN)

The Bank Identification Number, also known as the BIN, or the Issuer Identification Number, also
known as the IIN, is used interchangeably. The IIN is the first 6 digits of the card number.
2.9. Requirements
An IIN must be pre-printed on the card as follows:
a) Only the first 4 digits of the IIN must be pre-printed on the front of card, positioned below
the account number as shown in the illustration above
b) A colour that contrasts with the card background colour must be used
2.10. Issuer Identification & Information

The issuer identification must be placed on the RuPay Card as follows:
a) The issuer name and/or logo must appear once, either on the card front or on the back
of the card.
b) The issuer name and/or logo must not be placed over the RuPay Brand Mark and its clear
space area.
2.11. Requirements
a) Issuers may use a proprietary program name on the front of the card with or without
their name included.
b) RuPay logo must appear at the back of the card wherever proprietary programs are used
c) If the issuer name is not included on the front of the card, it must appear on the back of
the card
d) A RuPay Card cannot be issued bearing the Trade Name or mark of any entity that is
competitive with RuPay or with a RuPay-owned program.
2.12. Restrictions on usage

a) RuPay Card should not be issued bearing the Trade Name or mark of any entity that is
competitive with RuPay or with a RuPay-owned program.
b) RuPay Card should not be issued with a Trade Name or mark that is confusingly similar to
a RuPay-Owned Mark.
3. Card Variant
3.1. RuPay Debit Card

The product name is a name for the card program platform being offered by an issuer to a
cardholder; for example, RuPay Debit.

RuPay Debit Card Requirements:

On a RuPay Debit Card, the use of a product name is optional. When used, the following
requirements must be met:
a) The RuPay Debit product name must be used only on a card with RuPay Debit capabilities
b) The first letter of each word of the product name must be capitalized
c) Colour that contrasts with the card background colour must be used
d) The product name must not be placed over the RuPay Brand Mark and its clear space
area
e) A font style with a minimum type size of 6 points must be used.
f) Issuer may use the colour of choice on the card front/back such that RuPay logo is clearly
visible.
3.2. RuPay Virtual Card
Onetime card design approval needs to be taken from RuPay Card Design Approval Team. It is
Issuer responsibility to ensure that the graphic representation must be in line with the
specifications mentioned in latest version of RuPay Card Marks and Specifications. Depending
upon the product variant launched by bank the RuPay source of funds logo i.e. RuPay Debit or
RuPay Prepaid may be used. For detail explanation, refer to the latest circular on RuPay Virtual
Card.
3.3 RuPay Image Card

Image portrays visual perception of an individual. Image of individual’s choice / theme on a card
helps a cardholder to associate him/her with the card more closely. Issuer Banks may allow its
customers to choose from various images provided by the Bank for card background or allow the
customers to supply an image for the card background for their RuPay branded card.
Vendors need to submit white card background with complete dummy personalization data on
card front along with bank logo and complete card back in proper PDF format to Card Design
Approval Team for approval of the RuPay Image Cards. Depending upon the product variant
launched by bank the RuPay source of funds logo i.e. RuPay Debit or RuPay Prepaid may be used.
For detail explanation, refer to the latest circular on RuPay Image Card.

3.4 Photo/Images on the Card

I. Use of an actual picture/ photo / image on the card is not permitted except where the
picture/ photo/ image of the cardholder i.e. to whom the card belongs can be placed on
the card and that too in case of a photo card only at the time of personalisation.
II. Therefore, pictures/ photos/ images of a political leader, social activist, founder of the
bank, promoter of the bank, etc. cannot be put on the card. The usage of image including
but not restricted to religious symbols, gods, goddesses, monuments, national
personalities/ leaders, living and dead sovereign symbols is the sole responsibility of the
bank. NPCI is not responsible for any legal/regulatory issue arising out of usage of such
images.
III. However, in case of a scheme / project of national importance exception can be
considered subject to NPCI management approval.
3.5 Product Nomenclature

A. Specifications of Platinum Debit/Prepaid Card
The product is identified by the product name “PLATINUM” / “SELECT” written in caps on the
card face (anywhere on the front panel of the card).
B. Specifications of RuPay Prepaid Card
RuPay Prepaid Product name will be used only for the card for that respective RuPay Prepaid
Product. The RuPay Prepaid Product will be identified by the product name e.g. “GIFT”;
“PAYROLL”;”CORPORATE” written in caps on the card face (anywhere on the front panel of the
card).
C) Font and Size:
Font “Aharoni” and max font size 16 should be used for product name “PLATINUM” / “GIFT” /
“PAYROLL” / “CORPORATE” etc.
RuPay certified card manufacturing vendors are required to procure fonts as per latest version
of RuPay Card Marks and Specifications.
4. Magnetic Stripe
The magnetic stripe on a card contains the necessary information to complete a transaction. A
magnetic stripe must be present on all RuPay cards. Distance from top of card to top of magnetic
stripe is 5.54mm + / - 0.5mm.

4.1. Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card – Horizontal Orientation

Figure 3: Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card without Chip – Horizontal Orientation
Figure 4: Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card with Chip – Horizontal Orientation

4.2. Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card – Vertical Orientation

Figure 5 – Without Chip

Figure 6 – With Chip
4.2.1. Requirements
The magnetic stripe must be placed on the back of a RuPay Card as per International Organization
for Standardization (ISO) standards in the upper position of the card as shown in the illustration
above.
Magnetic stripe needs to be HiCo and no additional security feature is required.

A “3 Track” Magnetic Stripe must be used

5. Chip Cards
5.1. Standards and Specifications

RuPay Contact Chip Cards must have all other characteristics as defined for a Credit, Debit, or
Prepaid Card, whichever is applicable, with the following variations:
5.1.1. Chip Placement and Payment Application

RuPay Contact Chip Cards must contain a chip embedded in the plastic in accordance with ISO
7816 Standards. Following table, Table 1, lists down the International ISO Standards which shall
apply to all RuPay cards except as otherwise noted. The chip must be properly placed to ensure
proper functioning with the Point-of-Sale device.
The chip must contain a payment application conforming to RuPay CHIP functional specification
requirements & must be certified by NPCI – RuPay Certification agency, details of application and
certifying agencies could be obtained from NPCI.
5.2. Integrated Circuit Card (ICC) Specifications
5.2.1. Physical Characteristics

Except as otherwise specified herein, the ICC shall comply with the physical characteristics for
ICCs as defined in ISO/IEC 7816-1. The ICC shall also comply with the additional characteristics
defined in ISO/IEC 7816-1 as related to ultraviolet light, X-rays, surface profile of the contacts,
mechanical strength, electromagnetic characteristics, and static electricity and shall continue to
function correctly electrically under the conditions defined therein.
5.2.2. Module Height

The highest point on the IC module surface shall not be greater than 0.10mm above the plane of
the card surface. The lowest point on the IC module surface shall not be greater than 0.10mm
below the plane of the card surface.

5.2.3. Dimensions and Location of Contacts

The dimensions and location of the contacts shall be as shown in the figure below –
<Reference: EMV 4.2 Book 1>

Whenever a card design vendor sends a chip card art work for an approval then the exact
dimensions of the chip position should be clearly mentioned as defined above.
The layout of the contacts relative to embossing and/or magnetic stripe shall be as shown in the
below figure.
<Reference: EMV 4.2 Book 1>

Note: Care should be taken that card embossing does not damage the IC. Further, positioning of
the signature panel behind the IC may lead to damage due to heavy pressure being applied
during signature.
5.2.4. Track Data

A 3-digit iCVD replaces the CVD data in track 2 equivalent data on Chip Cards. The CVD must be
encoded on the magnetic stripe and the value must differ from the iCVD.
5.2.5. Shortened Signature Panel

Contact Chip Cards must have a shortened signature panel, as the chip creates a small raised
area on the back of the Card directly behind the chip. This may cause extra signature panel wear,
possibly erasing a portion of the Cardholder’s signature.
5.3. Contactless Indicator

EMV co. has published the contactless indicator to be used for contactless payment cards. This
contactless indicator is globally recognised and provides an immediate and consistent
mechanism to merchants and customers to recognize payment cards supporting contactless
technology.
Figure 7: Contactless indicator
NPCI requires all contactless/dual interface RuPay payment devices to carry the contactless
indicator. Please note that NPCI has signed the Trademark Licence agreement with EMV co. and
NPCI members and RuPay service providers need not sign the same to use this contactless
indicator.
The RuPay Contactless Indicator artwork may be obtained from your NPCI relationship manager
as shown below:

Figure 8: RuPay Contactless indicator
Requirements –
 Contactless indicator must be placed on the front face of the card. On the front face, it
should appear near the EMV chip or the centre of the card as shown in Fig. 10.
 The orientation of the contactless indicator must always be as indicated in figure 8.
 The minimum clear space around all four sides of the contactless indicator must be equal
to the full height of the second semicircle from the left as indicated in f igure 9. This clear
space requirement is subject to a minimum of 2mm - the minimum amount of clear space
that must be maintained around the Contactless Indicator wherever it is displayed. This
clear space must be free of text and all other graphic elements. All the distance as shown
in Fig. 9 must be mentioned on card front while sending the PDF for approval
Figure 9: Clear space requirement
 Contactless indicator must always appear in solid colour that provides the best colour
contrast and legibility against the selected background colour or material. Optimal colour
for the contactless indicator includes black and white.

 The fast forward symbol must always appear in saffron and green col our as indicated in
the figure 9. The exact CMYK colours are to be maintained. The height of the fast forward
symbol must be the same as the height of the first wave of the contactless indicator
 The fast forward symbol and the contactless indicator must always be represented
together as a consolidated unit, in the same order of appearance as shown in Fig 9 and
not be placed as separate elements
 The pre- printed legend – “Credit” or “Debit + prepaid” or “Debit & Prepaid” written in
caps should be placed on front panel of the card as shown in fig 10. Font “Aharoni” and
max font size 16 should be used for printing the legend “Credit” or “Debit + prepaid” or
“Prepaid & Debit”.
 RuPay Contactless / dual interface Card should only be on a vertical layout, not horizontal.
The recommended placement of the contactless indicator is as per figure 10.
Recommended - Front Panel
Position of the RuPay Contactless indicator – placed next to the EMV chip
Figure 10: Recommended Placement
Recommended Back Panel
To keep the front facia of the card minimalistic and for the design elements to stand out, card
number, name of the cardholder, date of issue and expiry date details should be moved to the
back of the RuPay contactless / dual interface card. The card number can be written in 2 rows
with 8 digits on each line.
To indicate the usage of RuPay contactless / dual interface card, icons/ symbols where the RuPay
contactless / dual interface can be used should appear on back of the RuPay contactless / dual
interface card.

It is mandatory to use these 6 icons to demonstrate usage such as Bus service, Metro service,
Parking service, Fuel Re-fill, Shopping & E-commerce, but the placement can vary. Each icon must
be 4mm in width & height.
Below Fig 11 shows the options for the placement of the 6 icons on the back of RuPay Contactless
/ Dual interface, along with the Card Number, Name, Date of Issue and Expiry Date
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
Figure 11 – Recommended Placement of the elements on the back of the card
Unique Identifier for RuPay Contactless / Dual Interface Card
In order to have a unique identifier of RuPay Contactless / Dual Interface card, Orange or Blue colour on
the rim of RuPay Contactless / Dual Interface card may be opted as shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12

Indian Tricolour Theme
Bank may choose to have their own background for RuPay Contactless / Dual Interface card but all the
RuPay Contactless / Dual Interface cards should have deeply rooted Indian designs. Fig 13 illustrates few
examples of these designs.
Figure 13

6. Signature Panel
The Signature Panel is a tamper-evident panel on the back of the card on which a cardholder
signs his or her name. The signature panel should be blank and devoid of any designs and any
change on the signature panel should be pre-approved from NPCI
The following are the characteristics of the signature panel:
a) The polymeric coating should include a bleach revealing agent which changes the colour
if anyone attempts to bleach the signature of the cardholder.
b) Signature panels should generally be formulated to accept various wet and dry inks on
transaction cards.
c) They should be easily bonded with the card material with the application of heat and
pressure.
d) The signature panels shall be securely fixed to the card in order to make it secure and to
deter fraudulent substitution.
e) It should exhibit matt finish after application so that the receptivity of the ink is more.
f) The ink receptivity shall be good and it should not spread the ink when signed by
commonly used pens in the marketplace such as roller, gel, felt tip, or other marker pens,
etc.
g) The drying of the inks should not take more than 30 seconds.
h) It should be able to accept indent foil over stamping.
i) The signature panel should change its appearance by changing its colour due to abrasion
or by chemical reaction; to the most commonly used practices for removing ink, for e.g.
j) Erasure, bleaching chemicals, acid, alcohols or other solvents and chemicals. The solvents
used to erase the signature panel must effectively dissolve the part of the signature panel;
which has been subjected to tampering, in order to make the signature panel tamper
evident.
k) The signature panel should exhibit very high opacity in order to give better legibility of
the signature.
As shown in the illustrations below, the length of the Signature Panel will be in part determined
by the choice of CVD placement and by the presence of a chip on the card.

In case of an ATM only card, the signature panel is optional.

Figure 14 - Signature Panel
6.1. Signature panel on RuPay card without Chip – Horizontal Orientation


Signature panel on RuPay card with Chip – Horizontal Orientation


6.2. Signature panel on RuPay card with Chip – Vertical Orientation

6.3. Signature panel on RuPay card without Chip – Vertical Orientation

6.3.1. Requirements (Standard RuPay-Designed Signature Panel)

The Signature Panel must be placed on the card as follows:
a) The Signature Panel must be placed on the back of the card as shown in illustrations
above.
b) The minimum height of the Signature Panel must equal 8.0 mm.
c) The Signature Panel must be placed a minimum of 25.0 mm from the bottom edge of the
card.
d) The Signature Panel must not interfere with the card's functional or security features.
e) Other marks, legends, or printed information (e.g., ATM marks or customer service
contact information) must not interfere with the Signature Panel.

7. Legends
This section described how legends are used in order to authenticate the card and also indicate
features as to where the candidate signature must appear on the card.
i. The Signature Panel and the Magnetic Stripe are also highlighted in the below
attached diagram.
ii. Any details of Banks “ABCDEFG XXXXX” “Authorised Signature’’ or “Authorised
Signatory” ’’ legends on RuPay cards are displayed below.
iii. The term “Electronic Use Only” may be used for all cards except ATM-only cards.
Legend “Electronic Use Only” is optional.
iv. The term “ATM Card” must be used either on the front or back of an ATM-only card.
v. The term “For Use in India Only” can be displayed on the front or back panel of the
card.
vi. RuPay mandates using Helvetica, size 5 point for all the pre-printed legends (except
first 4 digits of the IIN/BIN)
vii. RuPay mandates using Helvetica, size 6 point for the pre-printed 1st four digits of the
IIN / BIN on the card
viii. Pre-printed legend “Follow us on: rupaynpci RuPay_npci” must be placed
anywhere on back of RuPay card
Example: “Authorized Signature” or “Authorised Signatory” legends on RuPay card.

Example: “Electronic Use Only”, Authorised Signature” or Authorised Signatory legends on RuPay
card

Example: “ABCDEFG XXXXX” and “For Use in India Only” legend on RuPay card
Figure 23: Fourth Line Printing with and without Chip

The legends, “Electronic Use Only”, “Authorized Signature” or “Authorised Signatory”, “ATM
Card”, “For Use in India Only” may be written in either lowercase or uppercase as chosen by the
issuing bank.
8. Card Verification Data (CVD2)

The CVD2 is a 3-digit number printed on a card for security purposes. RuPay requires that the
CVD2 should directly be on the card plastic in the standard white area to the right of the Signature
Panel. This improves the durability of the CVD2 feature on the card.
In case of an ATM only card, the CVD 2 value need not be printed. The details for calculation of
CVD and CVD2 values are given in the CVD/iCVD/CVD2 logic document.

Figure 24: Without Chip
Please refer to the CVD/iCVD/CVD2 logic document for further details

Figure 25: With Chip
8.1. Placement Requirements

The 3-digit CVD2 must be placed on the card as follows:
8.1.1. Placement of CVD2

a) The CVD2 must be printed directly onto the card plastic, on the standard white area to
the right of the Signature Panel as shown in the illustrations above

b) Use the existing standard for type style and point size (which is applied by the RuPay -
approved vendor) or, with approved vendor and RuPay approval, use OCR A / B font in
reverse italics with a minimum size of 9 points.
9. “VOID” Pattern
9.1. Security code pattern

The "VOID"/security code pattern is composed of the word "VOID" printed in a repetitive
pattern, the manufacturer RuPay security code, and the manufacturer country code printed
directly on the card plastic and covered by the Signature Panel. The "VOID"/security code pattern
is an additional security feature on the card and is only visible if the tamper-evident Signature
Panel covering the pattern is damaged or removed.
Figure 26: VOID pattern
9.2. Requirements
The "VOID"/security code pattern must be placed on the card as follows:
a) The "VOID" pattern must be printed on the back of the card directly onto the plastic core
in the area covered by the Signature Panel.
b) The pattern must be positioned a minimum of 2.0 mm within the edges of the Signature
Panel area as shown in the illustration above.

c) The "VOID" pattern must be printed in all capital letters using a sans serif type style with
a minimum type size of 6 points.
d) A colour that contrasts with the card background colour must be used.
e) The manufacturer identification code must be printed near or within the "VOID" pattern.
10. Manufacturer Identification Code

The manufacturer identification code designates the RuPay-approved card manufacturer, order
number, and batch number. It is used to identify the source of the card.
Figure 27: With Chip

Figure 28: Without Chip
10.1. Requirements
a) The manufacturer identification code must be printed on the back of the card in two
locations, a visible area of the card, and in the area covered by the Signature Panel.
Example placements are shown in the illustrations above.
b) The manufacturer identification code that must appear under the Signature Panel must
contain the following information:
i. Manufacturer’s security code assigned by the RuPay Card design
representative in your area.
ii. Card manufacturer identifier consisting of text information used to identify
the card manufacturer and provide card production information:
 Approved manufacturer identification or name
 Order number or batch number for production or job run
 Date the card was produced, referenced as mm/yy (mm=month and yy=year)
c) The following format for the card manufacturer identifier that appears underneath the
Signature Panel must be adopted to maintain global consistency:
A BB CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
d) The manufacturer identification code that must appear in the visible area consi sts of the
same card manufacturer identifier information “C” used underneath the Signature Panel:

i. Approved manufacturer identification or name

ii. Order number or batch number for production or job run
iii. Date the card was produced, referenced as mm/yy (mm=month and yy=year)
e) The required manufacturer identification code underneath the Signature Panel must be
visible on the proof submissions for verification
11. Hologram
Figure 29: Hologram views
The following are the security features of the RuPay hologram:
i. Full 3D Effect: RuPay Logo in true colour will be visible in full 3D effect when viewed
under normal viewing condition with light falling from above. When the hologram is
inclined vertically the Logo changes to Text. The RuPay hologram comprises of high
security anti-counterfeiting holographic features such as vertical switch effect, smart
glint effect (the effect of full parallax motion of the letter “ ” is visible when viewed
using point light source),
ii. 2D / 3D background: The hologram consists of multiple two dimensional layers with
images visually placed one behind another with visual depth to produce an effect of
three-dimensional hologram structure. This feature gives good visual depth.
iii. Micro-switch with 5 Channel Animation Effect: The feature has letter size less than
300 micron. The text keeps moving when tilted to different viewing angle.

iv. Shrink-Expand Effect (multi-level animation): This security feature creates very
complex multi-level animation with shrink/expand visual movement effect at
different angle. Here RuPay Logo shrinks & expands with movement effect when
viewed in different angle.
v. Micro-text 25 & 50 micron: These are tiny characters hidden inside the hologram and
cannot be seen by naked eyes. Micro text ranges from 25 to 50 microns in size and
are viewed only through magnifiers. These images can also be viewed using hand -
held microscope. Micro texts are usually visualized under 10x magnifiers.
vi. Nano-text 5 micron and 4 Micron: These are nano-structured characters which are
much smaller than micro-text and can be visualized only under high level microscope
of above 150x.
vii. True Colour Micro Image: A true colour image / logo are reduced to micro size which
can be observed using magnifier.
viii. Shaped Pixels area: This involves densely packed hexagonal pixels of 16 micron size
which is visible under 100x magnifications.
ix. Animated Covert Laser Readable image: The covert multi-level animation of RuPay
Logo is visible only when the controlling device moves across the hologram. This
feature is not visible for naked eye on the surface of the hologram design at any
viewing angle.
x. The bottom edge of the hologram should be at a distance of 5 mm from the bottom
of the card and the left edge of the hologram should be at a distance of 2 mm from
the left hand side of the card
In case of an ATM only card, the hologram is optional.
RuPay Hologram must be procured by RuPay approved card manufacturers from authorised
vendors for manufacturing RuPay Hologram.

12. Co-Branding Options

The following illustration shows sample RuPay co-branded card:
Figure 30: 16-digit co-branded card
a) The co-brand mark of the partner can be displayed on the right top corner
b) The term “For use in India Only / International Card” can be displayed on the front/back
side of the card
13. Co-Branded Cards

Below placement of logos is representative only and will be approved by the ICS partn er as per
the standard process.
Figure 31: With Chip Co-badged sample card – Horizontal Orientation

Figure 32: With Chip Co-badged sample card – Vertical Orientation
a) The co- badged cards can have the logos of the partners of RuPay scheme as shown in
the images above (back of the card).
b) The co-badged options can consist of one, two or up to three logos of the partner
schemes.
14. Card materials
14.1. Materials
The cards shall be made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and / or PVC Blends or materials having equal
or better performance by using alternative materials such as polyesters and polycarbonates.
14.2. Character Spacing and Heights

The character spacing shall be 3.63 mm ± 0.15 mm.

15. Tack 1 Data

This section describes the contents of Track 1 of the magnetic stripe. The requirements conforms
to ISO 7811-2 and ISO 7813.
15.1. Magnetic Stripe Encoding Requirements

The following are the requirements for the magnetic stripe encoding:
a) The magnetic stripe on the RuPay card must be encoded on both Track 1 and Track 2,
as specified below
b) Magnetic-stripe data encoding must begin in sequence from the right side of the card
as viewed from the back, with the encoded tracks at the top
c) Service Code values must be encoded on a RuPay card, as specified in this manual. An
issuer may encode its card acceptance policies in the Service Code field of the magnetic
stripe using all valid Service Codes defined in this document
d) All of the following must conform to ISO 7811-2:
i. Physical properties
ii. Performance characteristics
iii. Density
iv. Signal level
v. Recording angle tolerances
vi. Error detection
vii. Permissible surface variation
viii. Character sets
ix. Appearance of the magnetic stripe
The table below lists the Track 1 field names and their length. The maximum length of Track 1 is
79 characters as depicted below
Field Length Field name
Number
1 1 Start Sentinel
2 1 Format Code
3 12 to 19 Primary Account Number (PAN)
4 1 Separator
5 2 to 26 Cardholder Name

Field Length Field name

Number
6 1 Separator
7 4 Card Expiration Date
8 3 Service Code
9 3 Card Verification Data 1
10 13 Aadhaar Number
11 Balance of Discretionary Data
available
digits
12 1 End Sentinel
13 1 Longitudinal Redundancy Check
TOTAL 79
Characters
15.2. Data Element Description

This section describes the data elements encoded on Track 1 of the magnetic stripe.
Field 1 – Start Sentinel
Attribute Alphanumeric
Length 1
Description Indicates the initial data position on the track
Valid value %
Field 2 – Format Code

Length 1
Description Specifies the format for Track 1 encoding
Valid value B

Field 3 – Primary Account Number

Attributes Numeric
Length Min 12 Max 19
Description A number identifying the customer account
Valid value 0 to 9
Field 4 - Separator
Attributes Alphanumeric
Length 1
Description Indicates the end of a variable length such as
PAN
Valid value ^
Usage The separator used in fields 4 and 6 of the
track record is identically defined.
Field 5 – Cardholder name

Length Min 2 Max 26
Description Cardholder’s name
Valid Value Surname:
 Hyphen
 Suffix
 Surname separator
 Title separator
 Title (optional)
Usage Two delimiters are used in this field to mark

the end of the surname (or surname and
suffix) and to mark the presence of a title:
The surname separator (/) and title separator
(.). The format is the same as that specified in

ISO 7813, Identification Cards— Financial
Transaction Cards.
ISO 7813 requires: “Minimum encoded data
shall be a single alpha character (as surname)
and the surname separator.”
It is recommended that no spaces be encoded
between the last character of the name or
title and the beginning of the next field.
The format of the name on Track 1 allows for
a minimum field length of two positions. The
minimum accommodates cases in which a
cardholder has a one-character name.
Therefore, the second character must be the
surname separator to mark the end of the
surname.
While the formats of encoded names and
embossed names will differ, an issuer should
try to keep the content of the encoded and
embossed names the same.
Field 6 - Separator
Length 1
Description Indicates the end of a variable length
Valid value ^

Field 7 – Card Expiration Date

Attributes Numeric in the format YYMM
Length 4
Description Year and month after which the card can no
longer be used
Valid value YY must be 00 to 99; MM must be 01 to 12
Usage The YYMM format follows ISO conventions for
machine process able dates. All cards with a
RuPay mark must have a finite expiration date
that is no more than 20 years from the date of
card issue.
Field 8 – Service Code

Attribute Numeric
Length 3
Description A sequence of digits that, taken as a whole,
defines various services; and identifies card
restrictions.
Valid value 1. The value allowed for domestic debit
cards is 520 (5 – National Use only, 2 –
Positive Authorization Mandatory and
0 – PIN required)
The value for international debit cards
is 126 (1 – International Card, 2 –
Positive Authorization Mandatory and
6 – Prompt for PIN if PIN pad present)
2. The value allowed for EMV domestic

debit card is 620 (6 – National
Integrated Circuit Card, 2 – Positive

Attribute Numeric
Authorization Mandatory and 0 – PIN
required)
3. The value allowed for EMV

International Card is 226 (2 –
International Integrated Circuit Card, 2
– Positive Authorization Mandatory, 6
– Prompt for PIN if PIN pad present).
4. The value allowed for Domestic

Prepaid Magstripe Card- Signature
based is 521 (5- National Use Only, 2-
Positive Authorizationa, 1- No
Restrictions)
5. For PIN Domestic Prepaid Card -

Magstripe / Chip, service code as
applicable for Debit Card- Magstripe /
Chip will apply.
Field 9 – Card Verification Data 1(CVD 1)

Attributes Numeric
Length 3
Description CVD 1 is a three digit value encoded on Track
1 in 3 contiguous positions on RuPay cards
Valid value 0 to 9

Field 10 – “AADHHAR” Number

Length 13
Description It starts with A and followed by 12 digit
Aadhaar number
Valid value A, 0 to 9
Field 11 – Discretionary Data

Attributes Balance of the available digits
Description Includes any valid information that the issuer
wants to have transmitted in the transactions
Valid value Any valid non-control or non-reserved
character. E.g. of reserved or control
characters are separator characters, start
sentinel, end sentinel, etc.
Field 12 – End Sentinel

Length 1
Description Character that follows the final character of
data recorded on the track.
Valid value ? (question mark)
Field 13 - Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC)

Attributes Numeric
Length 1
Description Verification value that ensures that no data
has been lost in the stripe-reading process.
The LRC is equivalent to a check digit of the
entire track, including the control characters.
Valid value Any computed value

16. Track 2 Data

This section describes the contents for Track 2 data on the magnetic stripe of the card. The
requirements conforms to ISO 7811-2 and ISO 7813.
16.1. Magnetic Stripe Encoding Requirements

a) The magnetic stripe on the RuPay card must be encoded on both Track 1 and Track 2, as
specified below
b) Magnetic-stripe data encoding must begin in sequence from the right side of the card as
viewed from the back, with the encoded tracks at the top
c) Service Code values must be encoded on a RuPay card, as specified in this manual. An
issuer may encode its card acceptance policies in the Service Code field of the magnetic
stripe using all valid Service Codes defined in this document
d) All of the following must conform to the ISO 7811-2:
i. Physical properties
ii. Performance characteristics
iii. Density
iv. Signal level
v. Recording angle tolerances
vi. Error detection
vii. Permissible surface variation
viii. Character sets
ix. Appearance of the magnetic stripe
16.2. Track 2 Format

Field Number Length Field name
1 1 Start Sentinel
2 12 to 19 Primary account number
3 1 Separator
4 4 Card Expiration Date
5 3 Service Code
6 3 Card Verification Data 1
7 Balance of available digits Discretionary Data

Field Number Length Field name

8 1 End sentinel
9 1 Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC)
Total 40 characters
Fields 1, 8 & 9 are not sent in online messages but are required for magnetic stripe reading
devices
Field 1 – Start Sentinel
Length 1
Description Indicates the initial data position on the track
Valid Value ; (semicolon)
Field 2 - Primary Account Number (PAN)

Attributes Numeric
Length Min 12 Max 19
Description Cardholder account number
Valid value Any valid ISO cardholder account number
Usage When encoded on the magnetic stripe, the
PAN must not include any spaces
Field 3 – Separator
Length 1
Description Indicates the end of a variable-length field
such as the PAN field.
Only one separator is generally positioned on
the track.
Valid value = (equal sign)

Field 4 – Card Expiration Date
Attributes Numeric in format YYMM

Length 4
Description Year and month after which the card can no
longer be used
Valid Value YY must be 00 to 99
MM must be 01 to 12
Usage The YYMM format follows ISO conventions for
machine processed dates
Field 5 – Service Code

Attributes Numeric
Length 3
Description A sequence of digits that, taken as a whole, is
used to do the following:
 Define various service attributes
 Differentiate cards used in
international or national interchange
 Designate PIN requirements
 Identify card restrictions
Valid value 1. The values allowed for domestic debit
cards are 520 (5 – National Use only, 2
–Positive Authorization Mandatory
and 0 – PIN required)
The values for international debit
cards are 126 (1 – International Card,
2– Positive Authorization Mandatory
and 6 – Prompt for PIN if PIN pad
present)

2. The value allowed for EMV domestic

debit card are 620 (6 – National
Integrated Circuit Card, 2 – Positive
Authorization Mandatory and 0 – PIN
required)
3. The value allowed for EMV
International Card are 226 (2 –
International Integrated Circuit Card, 2
– Positive Authorization Mandatory, 6
– Prompt for PIN if PIN pad present )
4. The value allowed for Domestic

Prepaid Magstripe Card- Signature
based is 521 (5- National Use Only, 2-
Positive Authorizationa, 1- No
Restrictions).
5. For PIN Domestic Prepaid Card -

Magstripe / Chip, service code as
applicable for Debit Card- Magstripe /
Chip will apply.
Field 6 – Card Verification Data 1 (CVD 1)

Attributes Numeric
Length 3
Description CVD 1 is a three digit value encoded on Track
2 in 3 contiguous positions on RuPay cards
Valid value 0 to 9

Field 7 – Discretionary Data

Attributes Balance of the available digits
Description Includes any valid information that the issuer
wants to have transmitted in the transactions
Valid value Any valid non-control or non-reserved
character. E.g. of reserved or control
characters are separator characters, start
sentinel, end sentinel, etc.
Field 8 – End Sentinel
Length 1
Description Indicates the final data position on the track.
Valid Value ? (question mark)
Field 9 - Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC)

Attributes Numeric
Length 1
Description Verification value that ensures that no data
has been lost in the stripe-reading process.
The LRC is equivalent to a check digit of the
entire track, including the control characters.
Valid value Any computed value

17. Quick Reference Card Diagrams & Specifications

Figure 33: Quick reference card diagram – horizontal card with chip
Reference Details

H Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or Indent characters on

lines S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the lower position
M Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or indent characters on
lines S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the upper position
N Height of card
O Width of card

Figure 34: Quick reference card diagram – horizontal card without chip
Reference Details

H Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or Indent characters on

lines S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the lower position
M Maximum centre line width of laser or thermal etched or indent characters on
lines S1, S2 and S3 with the RuPay Brand Mark in the upper position
N Height of card
O Width of card
Figure 35: Quick reference card diagram – vertical card with chip

Figure 36: Quick reference card diagram – vertical card without chip

RuPay Card Marks and Specifications

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Version 7.0 - May 2020 Page 2 of 61

5.1. Standards and Specifications 21

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 3 of 61

A. Objective of the document

B. References and Publications

Version 1.0 April 2012

D. Document Revision History

4. Text Addition RuPay Image Card 3.3

5. Text Addition Photo/Images on the Card 3.4

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 4 of 61

6. Text Addition Product Nomenclature specifications of RuPay 3.5

15 Text Language Options availability for printing card holder 2.6

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 5 of 61

Staged Logo Image

1) 8.4mm height of Logo 1) 13 mm height of Logo with

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 6 of 61

Non staged Logo

1) 5.4mm height of Logo 1) 10 mm height of Logo with

1) 8.4mm height of Logo 1) 13 mm height of Logo with

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 7 of 61

Non staged Logo

1) 5.4mm height of Logo 1) 10 mm height of Logo with

Staged Logo Image

1) 8.4mm height of Logo 1) 13 mm height of Logo with

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 8 of 61

Non staged Logo

1) 5.4mm height of Logo 1) 10 mm height of Logo with

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 9 of 61

Case 2: Darker shades of Card Design

Case 3: Card Designs in shades of Saffron or Green

1.5. Card dimensions

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 10 of 61

2. Account Number, Expiration Date & Cardholder Name/Identifier

2.1. Requirements for Laser or Thermal Etched or Indent elements

Figure 1: RuPay card dimensions (Horizontal Orientation)

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 11 of 61

Figure 2: RuPay card dimensions (Vertical Orientation)

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 12 of 61

2.2. Requirements for account number

2.3. Requirement for expiration date

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 13 of 61

2.4. Drop on Demand (DOD)

2.5. Type of Date Format

VALID FROM: MM/YY

2.6. Requirements for cardholder name/identifier & Language options availability

2.7. Fourth Line Printing

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 14 of 61

2.8. Bank Identification Number (BIN)/ Issuer Identification Number (IIN)

2.10. Issuer Identification & Information

2.12. Restrictions on usage

3.1. RuPay Debit Card

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 15 of 61

RuPay Debit Card Requirements:

3.3 RuPay Image Card

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 16 of 61

3.4 Photo/Images on the Card

3.5 Product Nomenclature

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 17 of 61

4.1. Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card – Horizontal Orientation

Figure 4: Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card with Chip – Horizontal Orientation

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 18 of 61

4.2. Magnetic Stripe on RuPay card – Vertical Orientation

Version 7.0 – May 2020 Page 19 of 61