Understanding Credit Card Security Codes

Understanding Credit Card Security Codes

The credit card security code, also known as the card verification code (CVC) or card verification value (CVV), adds another protective layer especially for over-the-phone and online purchases. This article will help you in understanding credit card security codes.

What is Credit Card Security Codes?

Credit card security codes refer to the four or three-digit numbers found on a credit card that is different from the actual credit card number. Retailers and merchants will typically ask for the credit card security code every time you make a purchase over the phone or online since this is a unique code that is exclusively available to the person who physically has the credit card.

A major data breach can give thieves or hackers the perfect chance to access your credit card number. However, it is less likely for them to have access to your credit card security number.

Where to Find Credit Card Security Codes?

Credit card security codes can be found in different places that depend on your card and the credit card issuer. Although there could several exceptions, depending on the credit card that you signed up for, here is a quick overview of where to find the security code if you own a Discover, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa credit card.

• American Express

American Express, that is a card network and a card issuer at the same time, has a different way with security codes compared to other cards. American Express credit cards’ security codes are made up of four digits that are printed on front of the card to the right and on top of the card number.

• Discover

The credit cards from Discover have security codes made up of three digits that are listed at the back of the card right at the signature panel’s end portion. You also have to remember that Discover is the issuer of the card and a card network as well.

• Mastercard

Mastercard has three-digit credit card security codes listed at the end part of signature panel at the back of the credit card itself. Take note that there are several cards running under the Mastercard network such as options from Barclays and Citi.

• Visa

Visa credit card security codes are composed of three digits and printed at the back of the credit card, also at the end of the signature panel. Remember that your Visa credit card may come from different credit card issues such as Bank of America or Chase, among others.

Take note that credit card numbers and credit card security codes are different and these are just printed on your credit card’s physical version. For this reason, only the person who is in physical possession of the credit card can access the unique security code.

So, when do you need to provide your credit card security code?

Well, you might not always be required to provide the security code every time you make an over the phone or online purchase. But, most merchants continue to ask for multi-factor authentication for the purpose of reducing cases of fraud.