
With so many breaches and hacks occurring in recent years, this is a particularly sensitive matter.
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Related reading: How I learned that my credit card number was stolen Why security codes are importantīeyond protection against theft, card security codes provide another function too - data breach security. It appears on the front of your card, usually to the upper right of your card account number. Before the code, you might see part or all of your credit card account number.įor American Express cards, the security code is four digits long. These issuers have the security code on the back of your card, to the right of the signature panel.

Here is a snapshot: IssuerĬard Verification Code (CVC), Card Validation Code 2 (CVC2)Ĭard Identification Number (CID), Card Security Code (CSC)Ĭard Verification Data (CVD), Card Identification Number (CID)įor Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards, the security code is three digits long. The length and location of each credit card security code are dependent on your issuer. Related reading: Protect yourself from credit card skimmers Where to find the security code by issuer Essentially, the code is designed to indicate the card is in your possession. If someone was able to get a hold of your credit card number via skimming or other means, they’d be out of luck at most websites that require a security code to make a purchase. The credit card security code is a safeguard against potential fraud and theft.

What is the credit card security code (Photo by Golubovy/Getty Images)Ī credit card security code, or CVV code, is a security code that’s completely unique to your card. Want more credit card news and travel advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter. Here is what you need to know about credit card security codes, and how to find them by issuer. These three or four-digit numbers provide an additional layer of security when you make purchases online or over the phone.

But besides entering a card number and expiration date, you probably will have to enter a security code - a feature on every credit card meant to help verify the card is in your possession. If you’re online shopping and get to the final steps, you know what’s coming next - entering your credit card information to process the order.
