Can companies store your card details?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 09, 2026
Can Companies Keep Your Credit Card Information? Companies are allowed to store your credit card details — that’s what makes shopping online so easy. However, that also puts your credit card information at risk. Luckily, merchants aren’t free to do whatever they want with your private financial information.
Is it legal for a business to keep your credit card on file?
While it is not illegal for businesses to retain credit card information, several watchdog groups and government agencies advise against the practice to avoid customer information being compromised.
Can a merchant keep my credit card on file?
Credit card numbers should not be kept on file as a general practice. The credit card number must be filed in a secure location, in a safe or under lock and key. Credit card numbers must not be stored electronically, i.e. in a spreadsheet, database, or anywhere on a computer and/or network.
Can you store the CVV number?
For merchants who charge customers on a recurring basis, the CVV code can be used with the initial transaction but cannot be stored for future transactions. It only helps with reducing fraudulent transactions by verifying the identity of your customers. The CVV code is not needed to handle chargeback requests.
How long can a company keep a credit card on file?
It is advised to keep signed credit card receipts for at least 18 months for chargeback rebuttal. As for tax purposes, it is recommended that merchants keep signed receipts for at least 3 years. Requirements vary based on location and tax laws.
How long does a company have to charge your credit card?
Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. A credit card authorization lasts 1 to 30 days, until the merchant charges your card for the purchase and “clears” the hold, or the authorization naturally “falls off” your account.
How long can a hotel keep your credit card details?
The amount of time a hotel hold may stay on your account can vary from hotel to hotel. Generally speaking, a hold will be released within 24 hours of checking out. But sometimes it can take up to a week to see the charge disappear.
When can payment card data be kept?
In general, no payment card data should ever be stored by a merchant unless it’s necessary to meet the needs of the business. Sensitive data on the magnetic stripe or chip must never be stored.
Can a comany retain debit card details without permission?
Alarmingly, according to the Association of Payment Clearing Services, companies can keep customer card details indefinitely, provided that they are stored safely and not misused.
Can a company retain your bank card details?
Companies can with your consent retain and reuse your card details for ongoing paymnets. If you dont want them to then dont allow them to. If they take a payment without consent then you would be able to claim it back (dont forget that without a pin number or signature you will win).
Is it safe to give your debit card details over the phone?
The rise of the Internet has allowed millions of people around the world to purchase the goods they want quickly and easily but in certain cases purchasers still need to provide payment data over the phone. This is where critical questions arise – is it safe to give cvv number over the phone?
Why do companies hold on to your debit card?
It explains that the Fadins were erroneously charged after a subsequent holidaymaker damaged the car they had hired and that Simply Travel had never alerted them to the problem. Greek law, says a spokeswoman, requires them to retain customers’ card details for five years.