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Where can I find this Security Code? |
 Visa
and Mastercard 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.
 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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What is the
Security Code? |
| It is an important new
Internet security feature that now appears on the back of most Visa and
MasterCards, 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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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.
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Do I have to
enter this Security Code? |
If
this code is printed on your card, YES, you must enter the code. Visa,
MasterCard, 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.
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