On most Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards, the security code is a three-digit number printed on the back of the card, usually near or to the right of the signature panel. On American Express cards, it’s a four-digit number on the front of the card, typically above and to the right of the main card number.
Back of the Card: Visa, Mastercard, and Discover
Flip your card over and look at the signature strip or the area just to the right of it. You’ll see a three-digit number, sometimes following the last four digits of your card number. That three-digit code is your security code. It’s separate from your main card number and expiration date, and it’s the number online retailers ask for when you check out.
If your card has a more modern, minimalist design without a traditional signature strip, the code may appear elsewhere on the back, but it will still be three digits and clearly set apart from other numbers.
Front of the Card: American Express
American Express does things differently. The security code is four digits, not three, and it’s printed on the front of the card. Look above and to the right of your main card number. It’s usually in smaller type and may appear slightly raised or flat-printed depending on the card design. American Express calls this number the Card Identification number, or CID.
Why the Code Has So Many Names
You’ll see this code called different things depending on the card network or the website asking for it. CVV (Card Verification Value) is the most common term, but you may also see CVC (Card Validation Code), CSC (Card Security Code), or CID (Card Identification). They all refer to the same thing: the short numeric code on your physical card that proves you have the card in hand when making a purchase online or over the phone.
When a checkout form asks for your “CVV,” “security code,” or “card code,” enter the three-digit number from the back of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card, or the four-digit number from the front of an American Express card.
Debit Cards Work the Same Way
Debit cards carry a security code in the same spot as credit cards. If your debit card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, the three-digit code is on the back. The placement and purpose are identical, so the same instructions apply.
What to Do If the Code Is Worn Off
Because the security code is printed in small type (and sometimes flat-printed rather than embossed), it can wear away over time, especially on cards you use frequently. If you can no longer read the number, you have a few options. You can log into your card issuer’s app or website, where some banks display the full card details including the security code in a virtual card view. If that’s not available, call the number on the back of your card and request a replacement. The issuer will mail a new card with a fresh, readable code.
Avoid guessing or trying random numbers at checkout. Too many failed attempts can temporarily lock your card for fraud prevention.
Why the Security Code Exists
The security code adds a layer of protection for purchases where the merchant can’t physically swipe or tap your card. If someone steals just your card number, perhaps from a data breach or a photo of the front of your card, they still need the security code to complete most online transactions. It’s not stored in the magnetic stripe or chip, so skimming devices at ATMs or gas pumps won’t capture it either.
For this reason, you should never share your security code by email, text, or social media. Legitimate companies will only ask for it during a secure checkout process, never in a follow-up message.