What Is the Security Code on a Card?

The security code on a payment card serves as a security feature designed to protect cardholders from fraud. Often called CVV (Card Verification Value), CVC (Card Verification Code), or CID (Card Identification), this code confirms the cardholder’s legitimacy. It plays a role in transactions where the physical card is not presented, such as online purchases or telephone orders.

Locating the Security Code

Finding the security code on your payment card is straightforward, though its placement and length vary depending on the card issuer. For most Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards, the security code is a three-digit number located on the back of the card. You will typically find it within or near the signature strip, sometimes immediately following the last four digits of your card number. Newer North American Mastercard and Visa cards may feature this three-digit code in a separate panel to the right of the signature strip, designed to prevent it from being obscured by a signature.

American Express cards, however, feature a four-digit security code. This code is located on the front of the card, usually printed above the main account number, often on the right-hand side. Regardless of the specific name or location, this code serves the same fundamental security purpose across all card types.

Understanding Its Purpose

The primary purpose of the security code is to prevent unauthorized use of a payment card, particularly in “card-not-present” transactions. When you make a purchase online, over the phone, or through mail order, the merchant cannot physically swipe or insert your card. The security code provides a method to verify that the person initiating the transaction physically possesses the card.

Merchants are prohibited from storing the security code after a transaction is completed. This policy provides an added layer of protection; even if a merchant’s database is compromised and card numbers are stolen, the security codes should not be accessible. This makes it significantly harder for fraudsters to use stolen card numbers for online or phone purchases without also having physical access to the card.

Using the Security Code Securely

When conducting transactions online or over the phone, you will typically be prompted to enter your security code along with your card number and expiration date. This step confirms your possession of the card and adds a layer of security against fraud. Always ensure that any website where you enter this information is secure, indicated by “https://” in the web address and a padlock icon in the browser bar.

You should never write down the code or store it in an unsecured location, nor should you share it via email, text message, or insecure chat platforms. Legitimate institutions, including your bank, will not ask for your security code outside of a secure payment form. If the security code on your physical card becomes unreadable due to wear, it is advisable to contact your card issuer to request a replacement card. Regularly monitoring your credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions provides an additional safeguard.