Finance glossary
Card-Not-Present
Also known as: CNP
In simple terms
A card-not-present payment is one made without the physical card being read — for example online or over the phone, where you type or read out the details.
On this page
What does card-not-present mean?
Card-not-present (CNP) describes payments where the card is not physically presented to a reader — typically online, by phone or by mail order. You provide the card number, expiry and security code instead.
Because the chip and PIN cannot be used, these payments rely on other checks.
How card-not-present works
For CNP payments, security relies on the details you enter plus authentication such as 3D Secure. This is where most card fraud now happens, so banks apply extra scrutiny.
Merchants who use proper authentication are better protected, and so are you.
How could this affect me?
CNP is convenient but is the main channel for card fraud, so guarding your card details online and by phone matters. Only enter details on trusted, secure sites, and be wary of anyone phoning to ask for them.
If your details are misused, unauthorised CNP payments are generally refundable under the payment rules.
Things to watch out for
- CNP is where most card fraud happens — guard your details.
- Only enter card details on trusted, secure websites.
- Genuine firms rarely ask for full card details over the phone.
Know your rights
- Unauthorised card-not-present payments are generally refundable under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 unless you acted fraudulently or with gross negligence.
- You can complain and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- UK Finance, Card fraud and prevention (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.