What characteristic defines an embossed Visa prepaid card?

An embossed Visa prepaid card is characterized by its physical design, specifically the raised letters and numbers on the card's surface, which are essential for processing service codes during authorization. This embossing feature is crucial because it enables both merchants and payment systems to read the card information easily, ensuring that transactions can be processed efficiently. The physical attributes and the ability to carry service codes are particularly relevant for the card to be accepted at points of sale and for identification verification during transactions.

While there are important considerations for the other options, they do not accurately describe the defining characteristic of an embossed Visa prepaid card. For instance, while secondary verification processes might be needed for high-risk transactions, they are not inherent to embossed cards alone. The suggestion that embossed cards are exclusively for international transactions is misleading, as they can be used domestically as well. Additionally, embossed cards are not restricted from online purchases; they are capable of being utilized in such transactions unless otherwise stated by the issuing bank or card provider. Thus, the ability of an embossed Visa prepaid card to process service codes effectively upon authorization stands out as its defining characteristic.