2. NEPALPAY Card
NEPALPAY or NEPAL Payment Card is the card scheme established and implemented by Nepal Clearing House Limited with the principle envisioned by Nepal Rastra Bank to establish a domestic card scheme in Nepal such that all the banks and financial institutions in Nepal can offer their customers additional node for the electronic payment. It is a part of the National Payment Switch (NPS) that includes interoperability of card-based transactions (NPS National Card Switch or NPS-NCS) rolled out as domestic card scheme for Nepal.
2.1 Card Dimensions – Horizontal & Vertical Layout
NEPALPAY Card follows the the ISO Standards. Prior to customization, the plastic used for a Card must conform to the dimensions, corner rounding, and thickness described below:
Width: 85.6 mm
Height: 53.98 mm
Thickness: 0.76 mm +/- 0.076 mm
Radius of Corners: 3.127 mm +/- 0.125 mm
2.2 NEPALPAY Card Specifications – Horizontal & Vertical Layout
NEPALPAY Card shall be available in Horizontal & Vertical layout. The specifications and details for the horizontal layout shall include the following:
NEPALPAY Card Brand Mark/ logo should always be placed on right bottom corner on the front face of the card. The height of the NEPALPAY logo unit must be a minimum of 8.95 mm and width must be minimum of 25mm with the mandatory tolerance around the logo of 2.8mm. The NEPALPAY logo must be treated consistently to build customer awareness and protect legal rights to the exclusive use of both the logo and the name.
2.2.1 Horizontal Card Front:
2.2.2 Vertical Card Front :
2.2.3 Horizontal Card Back:
2.2.4 Horizontal Card Back with hologram:
2.2.5 Vertical Card Back :
2.2.6 Vertical Card Back with hologram :
2.2.7 Mandatory Elements
There are few elements in the card that have been defined as the mandatory elements that need to be placed at the front and back side of the card. The details have been explained as below:
Card Elements
| S.N. | Element Number | Card Element | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Side | |||
| 1 | F1 | EMV Chip | The global standard for secure credit/debit cards. It replaces magnetic stripe and reduces fraud with unique transaction codes. |
| 2 | F2 | Card Number | A string of digits that is a unique numerical value assigned for each card issued. It grants access to transactions and purchases via the card. |
| 3 | F3 | Cardholder Name | The name of the person/customer who owns the card. |
| 4 | F4 | NEPALPAY Logo | The logo unit of NEPALPAY, implemented by NCHL as a part of the National Payment Switch (NPS) that includes interoperability of card-based transactions (NPS National Card Switch or NPS-NCS) rolled out as domestic card scheme for Nepal. |
| 5 | F5 | Card Type | The category of the card based on the fund identifier/source, categorized as debit, credit or prepaid. |
| 6 | F6 | Card Expiry (Valid Thru) | The card's "use by" date, marking when it's still valid for transactions. |
| 7 | F7 | Contactless Indicator | A signal that this card can make purchases without physical contact and is enabled with NFC feature for making payment. |
| 8 | F8 | Issuer Logo | The logo of the entity that issued the card. |
| Back Side | |||
| 9 | B1 | Issuer Information | Details about the bank or financial institution responsible for issuing the card. |
| 10 | B2 | Additional Issuer Information/Manufacturer Information | Additional information regarding the issuer and/or card manufacturer. |
| 11 | B3 | Branding Area | The area of magnetic stripe that can be used for placement of branding content/elements. |
| 12 | B5 | Cardholder Agreement | A formal document outlining the terms and conditions between the cardholder and the issuer, covering usage and rights. |
| 13 | B6 | International Network Partner Logo | The logo unit that consists of International network of Discover Global Network (DGN) that includes Discover Network, Diners Club International and PULSE. |
| 14 | B8 | Card Verification Value (CVV2) | A three-digit security code on the back of a card, providing an extra layer of protection for online and card-not-present transactions. |
| 15 | B9 | Restricted Area (Chip location) | The area at the back side of the card that is specific to the placement of chip. |
2.2.8 Optional Elements
| S.N. | Element Number | Card Element | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Side | |||
| 1 | F9 | Validity for Acceptance | The country/region where the card is deemed valid for transactions. |
| 2 | Cardholder Photo | The photo of the person/customer who owns the card. | |
| Back Side | |||
| 3 | B4 | Signature Panel | A tamper-evident Signature Panel to be signed by the user/customer. |
| 4 | B7 | TPP Logo | The logo of the Third-Party Processor or Co-Branding Entity who shall issue the card under NEPALPAY scheme. |
| 5 | B10 | Hologram | Additional security feature used to prevent counterfeiting and enhance card security. |
2.3 EMV Chip Placement
To ensure functionality at the POS terminal, the chip must be properly placed on the Card in accordance with ISO Standard 7816. Improper placement could result in chip non-readability and could require re-printing of the entire production of cards. The chip shall be incorporated in two sizes large chip and small chip as mentioned below:
2.4 Restricted Area – Back side of Chip Location
On the backside of the card, the area reserved for chip placement has to be kept blank and no element shall be placed on this reserved area.
2.5 Contactless Indicator Placement
NEPALPAY Card follows the contactless indicator published by EMV co. supporting contactless payment via the card. This contactless indicator is globally recognized and provides an immediate and consistent mechanism to merchants and customers to recognize payment cards supporting technology.
Size Requirement
For a standard-sized payment card and all other form factors, the Contactless Indicator must appear at a height no smaller than 7mm.
Clear Space Requirements
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.
Color Options
The Contactless Indicator must always appear in a solid color that provides the best color contrast and legibility against the selected background color or material. Optimal colors for the Contactless Indicator include black, white, grey or other neutral colors.
Preferred Contactless Indicator placement
2.6 NEPALPAY Logo Placement
NEPALPAY Logo as the domestic card scheme shall be placed in the front of the card at the bottom right corner with logo placement/dimensions as mentioned below maintaining minimum 2.8mm space from the edges.
2.6.1 NEPALPAY logo – Do’s and Dont’s
2.6.2 Clear Space for Logo
Clear space is the area that is required around the outside of the logo. It must be kept free of other graphic elements such as headlines, text, images and the outside edge of materials. The minimum required clear space for the logo is defined by the measurement “X” as shown in the illustration. This measurement of 'X' is equal to the width of the icon 'n' used in the Brand logo of National Payment Switch (NPS).
2.1. Typography
The brand’s typeface is Helvetica Neue font family in English documentation and Aakriti font Family for Nepali documentation.
In case if the graphical logo of National Payment Switch and NEPALPAY could not be used, these are to be represented in Helvetica Neue 65 Medium Font in below specifications:
- National Payment Switch – with 'N' of National, 'P' of Payment and 'S' of Switch in uppercase, while rest all the letters in lowercase
- NPS - with all the letters in uppercase
- NEPALPAY - with all the letters in uppercase
2.2. Improper Usage of logo
NPS brand lock up along with NPS logo mark, text of National Payment Switch and underlying tagline 'Unifying Payments for Nepal' are to be used to represent NPS and in similar line to be applicable for its sub-brands. Usage of any other mnemonic, icon, visual or graphic element even for representational purposes are prohibited.
2.3. Brand Color
The brand colors used in the NPS, NEPALPAY and underlying brand logos are derived from Nepal’s flag color, namely red and blue, in order to emphasize the national brand for digital payment. The 'Red' color indicates the pro-activeness and aggressiveness as how the product is being driven and the excitement and confidence of the brand. And the 'Blue' color represents peace, harmony and calmness. Hence the amalgamation of the two colors in NPS and NEPALPAY logo connotes the calm yet aggressive approach for driving the product and/or services of NPS with multiple stakeholders at national level.
The brand mark and commonality of the brand along with sub-brands (products under NPS) will be reflected through the color palette, typography, imagery and logo mark.
2.4. Logo implication in single color, reverse color, black&white
On occasions where there is printing limitation and visual distraction, the logo can be used in the single color within the color palette of logos as shown below. Also, in case of black & white visual, logos as shown below are to be used.
2.7 Issuer logo Placement
NEPALPAY Card shall be issued by the member bank/financial institutions or non-banking institutions as domestic card scheme to their accountholders/customers. The logo of the issuer shall be placed at the front of the card with logo placement/dimensions as mentioned below. However, the issuer can place the logo at left corner, right corner or center maintaining minimum 2.8mm space from the edges.
2.8 Valid Thru – Card Expiry Date
The validiy of the card needs to be placed in the front of the card in the format of MM/YY (MM=month and YY=year)
2.9 Cardholder Name
The cardholder name is to be plaed in the front of the card with a minimum of 2.8mm space from the edge. For the name longer than 26 characters, the name can be placed in 2 lines. The font to be used in the name shall be as per the Issuer’s own usage/guidelines,
2.10 Card Number
The card number has to be placed in the front of the card with the maximum height of the font being 4mm with a minimum of 2.8mm space from the edge. The font to be used in the name shall be as per the Issuer’s own usage/guidelines,
2.11 Card Type
NEPALPAY cards come in various product types, including:
• Debit Cards: Debit cards are linked directly to the cardholder's bank account, allowing them to make purchases or withdraw cash. Transactions made with debit cards are deducted directly from the cardholder's account.
• Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards are loaded with a specific amount of money by the cardholder. They are not linked to a bank account and are typically used for budgeting purposes or by individuals who do not have access to traditional banking services.
• Credit Cards: Credit cards allow cardholders to borrow funds from the card issuer up to a predetermined credit limit. Cardholders can make purchases and repay the borrowed amount over time, often with interest. Unlike debit cards, credit cards do not require funds to be available in a bank account at the time of transaction.
The card type Debit/Credit/Prepaid shall be placed at the side (right) of the NEPALPAY logo unit in the front of the card with the maximum height of the font being 4mm with a minimum distance of 2.8mm from the edge.
2.12 Validity for Acceptance
The text “Valid Only in Nepal, India & Bhutan” is to be placed in the front of the NEPALPAY domestic card with a minimum of 2.8mm space from the edge. Size of “Valid Only ...” text must not be larger than NEPALPAY Logo. All words are to be capitalized form. In case of NEPALPAY international cards, this element is optional and issuer may use any suitable text.
2.13 Third Party Processor (TPP)/ Co-Branding Entity Logo Placement
NEPALPAY Payment Card shall be issued by the member bank/financial institutions or any other entity as domestic card scheme to their accountholders/customers. The logo of the Third Party Processor or Co-Branding Entity shall be placed at the back/ front of the card with logo dimensions as mentioned below:
At the front :
At the Back :
2.14 International Network Partner Logo Placement
NEPALPAY Card operates with the International network of Discover Global Network (DGN) that includes Discover Network, Diners Club International and PULSE. The logos of all these three networks shall be placed in the card at the back side with logo dimensions as mentioned below:
2.15 Signature Panel
NEPALPAY Cards may bear a tamper-evident Signature Panel in accordance with the following:
• Standard Signature Panel: width 75mm x height 8mm to 10mm Note: The use of a signature panel is no longer required and is optional.
• Placement: Mandatory 2mm tolerance from bottom of the Branding Area to top of signature panel to allow for any shifts during manufacturing. Distance of 6mm from left edge of signature panel to card edge when chip is included.
• Physical Characteristics: The word “VOID” must be printed repeatedly on the plastic in the area covered by the signature panel, so that in the event the signature panel is removed or erased, the word “VOID” will be exposed.
2.16 Card Verification Value (CVV2)
The CVV2, a 3-digit security code, is printed on the card for security purposes. NEPALPAY Card mandates that the CVV2 should be directly imprinted on the card plastic within the white area to the right of the Signature Panel, ensuring durability.
2.17 Issuer Information & Card Manufacturer Identification Code
The issuer information such as support contact detail, toll free number, email address, website etc. would be printed on the back of the card.
The card 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, near or within the "VOID" pattern. The manufacturer identification code under the Signature Panel must contain the following information:
Approved manufacturer identification name / code
Batch number for production or job run
Date the card was produced, referenced as MM/YY (MM=month and YY=year)
2.18 Cardholder Agreement
On the backside of the card, an information message typically contains essential details and instructions related to the card's usage and security specific content may vary depending on the issuer and card type.
2.19 Cardholder Photo
NEPALPAY cards issued for specific purposes, such as corporate cards or government IDs, may include a cardholder photo for additional security and identification purposes. In some cases, these cards would be offered based on the issuer's requirements and the type of cardholder they are serving.
2.20 Hologram
NEPALPAY cards may also feature product / brand holograms for additional security and branding purposes. These holograms are often customized based on the requirements of the issuer entity and are designed to prevent counterfeiting and enhance card security. The hologram used in the backside of the NEPALPAY card is the image of the national flower of Nepal – Rhododendron. The dimensions of the hologram shall be as follows:
