Where Is The Credit Card Security Code: Expert Tips To Safeguard

Last Updated on 5 months by Touhid

Where is the credit card security code? If you own a credit card, you might have seen a few numbers on the card other than your account number. Well, this is the security code for your credit card.

The security card is usually 3 or 4 numbers and is located at either the front or back of your credit card. The exact location will vary depending on the type of credit card you are using.

This security number is important, especially for online shopping so to know more about this and the exact location, keep on reading!

What is a Credit Card?

A credit card is a type of card by which you borrow money from a bank to spend. This amount of borrowed money is basically called the “credit limit” of the credit card. The bank gives you this limit based on your monthly income.

For example, if your monthly income is $5000 USD, then you can usually get a credit card with a limit of up to $10000 USD. However, the credit limit may be more or less according to the policy of the bank.

A credit card is money that can be used or spent up to a certain amount and you have to pay after the specified time.

What is a Credit Card Security Code?

A card security code or CSC, sometimes known as CVC, CVV, or various other names, is a set of numbers written on a credit card alongside the bank card number.

The credit card security code adds an extra degree of protection to online or phone payments. It is a unique sequence of numbers available only on your physical card that retailers require when your card is not physically present.

This code assists in confirming that you have the card in your possession, hence increasing security against any fraudulent activity.

The security number is unique and does not correspond to the cardholder’s card number, password, or card date of expiration. In order for the purchase to be successful, the security code must be input correctly.

In addition, companies do not save credit card security codes once a transaction is completed. This implies that no one can obtain the security codes by breaking into the merchant’s electronic database.

The credit card security code is required because it helps to verify that your account is legitimate while placing the online order. The code adds an extra layer of protection (such as password security) to your credit card account and will help to prevent fraud and any suspicious transactions.

Different Types Of Credit Card Security Code

Before we go down to discussing how to find my credit card security code, we need to understand the different types of security codes. There are two types of credit card codes: CVV and CVC.

• CVV: CVV is a shorthand for card verification value. This code is often a three-digit number written on the back of the card. You will commonly find this code in the signature panel of your card.

• CVC: CVC is a shorthand for the Card Verification Code, which is an additional code displayed on your credit card. A CVC usually consists of a four-digit code that is printed on the front of the credit card just above the card number.

Where Is The Credit Card Security Code?

The below table summarizes the location to find the security code on your credit card, so you can easily find the codes without much trouble.

Types Of Credit Card	Security Code Location
Visa Card	At the back in or near the signature panel
MasterCard	At the back in or near the signature panel
American Express	At the front right above the card number
Discover	At the back in or near the signature panel

The exact location of the credit card security code varies depending on the type of card and the type of code it comes with.

Visa Card, Mastercard, and Discover

Where is the credit card security code of Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards? These cars are the most used credit cards internationally, and they all have the same type of security code, which is CVV, a three-digit security code.

To find the security code on these cards, you will need to look at the back side of them and you will find these three-digit numbers printed within or closer to the signature area at the right side of your card number.

On some cards, a portion of the card number comes before the Card Security Code (CSC). For example, a set of numbers like 0987 654 might be used. In this case, 0987 represents the last four digits of the credit card number, and 654 indicates the CSC.

American Express Credit Card

Where is the security code of the American Express credit card? Another commonly used credit card is the American Express which is a premium lineup of cards and comes with extra benefits. So, maintaining strong security is important which is provided by the CVC; a four-digit security card.

Unlike Mastercard and Visa cards, you will find the CVC in the American Express card on the front of the card on the right side just above the card number. On the front face of the card, the credit card security code is located above the engraved elevated account number.

Do keep in mind that while it is usually located above the account number, it may also be found on the left side of the card in some situations, but it always stays above the account number.

Why Is Credit Card Security Code Important?

Already you know, where the security code of a credit card is? You might think this card security code is useless since one will need your password to access the card, but you are wrong. Security codes are important for quite a few important things.

Verification of you have access to the card

Because the security code is not kept on the magnetic stripe or chip, it serves as an extra piece of data that confirms the cardholder’s physical ownership of the card during non-face-to-face payments.

As a result, finding your credit card’s security code without the card is impossible.

Prevent Card Frauds

Asking for the security code at the time of purchase provides an extra layer of protection against unauthorized users who may have the card number and expiration date but not the security code. This improves protection for customers and lowers the possibility of scams.

Additionally, industry rules forbid retailers from holding this sensitive data, placing a high priority on the security of Card Security Codes (CSC). Nevertheless, these guidelines do not forbid storing credit and debit card details, which might expose them to fraudulent activity.

So, it becomes harder for imposters to commit card fraud when the CSC is not included with the card number. Thus, your CSC protects your cards from any type of online fraud.

Security regulated

Banks and financial organizations issuing credit cards need to go through security compliance to make sure the customer’s account is safe and regulated.

Security codes have to stick to industry standards and regulations that are designed to protect private financial data and stop illegal access to cardholder information.

These codes are essential for adhering to industry regulations like the PCI DSS and guaranteeing that strong security protocols are in place.

Protection in case of Zero liability

Many banks offer zero liability schemes to customers in which cardholders are released from financial liability for unauthorized charges made on their accounts.

As a result, banks need strong security measures to prevent any type of fraud, and security codes provide this protection. Security codes help to prevent unauthorized transactions, reducing financial risks for cardholders.

Safeguard Your Credit Card Security Code

By now, you should already have an idea that if your credit card CSC is compromised and accessed by hackers then you can be in serious trouble. So, it is important to safeguard this code in the first place and our experts’ tips will help you with that.

• Keep the code private: Keep your security code private and avoid sharing it with anyone, including restricting access to your physical card.

• Monitor the transactions: Always keep a close eye on your credit card transaction statements to make sure any unauthorized transactions are going on in your absence.

• Always do Double Verification: When credit card fraud occurs, everyone involved in the transaction gets blamed and investigated. So, double verification is an important step to keep yourself away from trouble. Because of this, cardholders should make every effort to confirm the identity of the person they are communicating with while placing phone orders for products and services or making online purchases.

• Do not write down your security code: Another common mistake that we often make is writing down the security code on paper or even on our phone. Avoid doing this; if someone gets access to this code, you can get in trouble.

• Do not give away your security code right away: Any requests for your security code should be regarded with caution. Legitimate organizations won’t request this data.

• Turn on account notifications: Most banks offer account notifications for little or no additional charge; turn it on as you will get real-time notifications in case of any transactions or account updates.

FAQs

Security codes are very important for credit card holders, so it is important that you keep them safe. If you still have some questions about where is the credit card security code, keep on reading the FAQs below to clear up all of your confusion.

Is it possible to find a credit card security code without the card itself?

The security code or CSC is unique for all accounts and this number is printed on your card. It is not displayed on invoices or statements, nor is it saved on a magnetic stripe or chip. So, it is nearly impossible to find this security code without the card itself.

Do I need to share my credit card security while online shopping?

No, when making an online purchase, you should never divulge your credit card security code. Regular transactions with reputable online retailers and service providers usually don’t require your security code.

When completing transactions without the presence of a physical card, such as online purchases, the security code is mostly used to confirm that you actually possess the physical card.

Is a CVC the same as a CVV?

Yes, the CVC (Card Verification Code) and CVV (Card Verification Value) are the same thing which is the credit card security code and is usually 3-4 digits long. Additionally, the goal remains the same: to provide another degree of protection for card-not-present transactions.

Can I change the security code?

The security code in your credit card is fixed and randomly generated during card production. So, you cannot change it yourself under any circumstances.

However, if you feel like the code is compromised, the banking authority can issue a new credit card with a new security code and freeze this older compromised card.

Conclusion

The security code on your credit card makes sure that your transactions remain safe and protected from unethical access. Also, make sure that you do not share this code with anyone and never give anyone your card as they can easily take this security code from there.

Do keep in mind that if you ever lose your credit card the first thing you need to do is freeze your card by taking help from your bank. 

Finally, a security code is added to protect your credit card from unauthorized transactions and use. In this post, we’ve discussed where is the Credit Card Security Code for all types of credit cards. Hope this article will help you find out the CSC of a credit card.