What are the 3 digits on card called?

What Are Those 3 (or 4) Digits on My Card Called?

Those three or four digits on your credit or debit card aren't just random numbers. They play a crucial role in protecting your financial information, especially when shopping online. This short code acts as an extra layer of security, verifying that you, the cardholder, are the one making the purchase. But what are they actually called? And why are there sometimes three digits and sometimes four?

The answer depends on the card network:

• CVV1/CVC1: This is a three-digit number, technically called the "Card Verification Value 1" (CVV1) for Visa and "Card Verification Code 1" (CVC1) for Mastercard. However, you won't see this number printed on your card. It's encoded on the magnetic stripe and used for in-person transactions.

• CVV2/CVC2: This is the three-digit number printed on the back of most Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards, usually in the signature area. It's used for "card-not-present" transactions, such as online purchases or phone orders. The purpose is to confirm that the person making the purchase has physical possession of the card.

• CID: American Express cards use a four-digit "Card Identification Number" (CID) printed on the front of the card, typically above the account number. Like the CVV2/CVC2, it's used for transactions where the physical card isn't present.

So, while generally referred to as a "security code," "CVV," or "CVC," the specific name and location depend on the card network. Regardless of the name, these few digits provide a significant safeguard against fraud. By requiring this code for online and phone transactions, merchants can verify that the purchaser has the physical card in hand, making it much more difficult for stolen card information to be used.

Keep these numbers safe and never share them over the phone or via email. Legitimate businesses will never ask for your full security code outside of the checkout process. By understanding the purpose and importance of these small but mighty digits, you can help protect yourself from fraud and keep your financial information secure.