Visa/Mastercard and Discover Users
Flip your card over and look at the
signature box. You should see either
the entire 16-digit credit card number or
just the last four digits followed by a
special 3-digit code. This 3-digit code
is your Card Security Code.
What is the Security Code?
It is an important new Internet security
feature that now appears on the back
of most Visa/MasterCard and Discover
cards, and on the front of American
Express cards.
This new code is a three or four-digit number which provides a cryptographic check
of the information embossed on the card.
The security code helps validate that the customer placing the online order
actually has the
credit card in his/her possession, and that the credit/debit card account is legitimate.
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American Express Credit Card Users
Look for the 4-digit code printed on the front of your card just above and to
the right of your main credit card number.
This 4-digit code is your Card Security Code.
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How does my Security Code protect me?
The security code is only printed on the card and it is not contained in the magnetic
stripe information nor does it appear on sales receipts or billing statements
- you must have the card in your possession in order to use this code.
Card Security Codes are not raised, so they are not scanned into standard credit
card readers.In theory, these numbers are only visible to you. When you give your
Card Security Code to a merchant, you assist the merchant in verifying that the
order is being placed by you, the card holder.
Do I have to enter this Security Code?
If this code is printed on your card, YES, you must enter the code. Visa, MasterCard,
Discover and American Express now require Internet stores to obtain the security
code for all cards that have a code printed on them. In order for this transaction
to be accepted and processed, you must enter this code if it's printed on your
card. This is done for your protection.
What if I can not read my number?
If you cannot read the number on your card, enter the letter "I" as in "illegible"
in the CVV field. This will let your bank know that the number is there, but cannot
be read. Putting in an "X" instead of an "I" may cause your bank to deny the sale.
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