Where can I find the Security Code?

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Visa / MasterCard

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.
 

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American Express Credit Card

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 Identification Number (CID). The CID is the four-digit code printed just above the Account Number.

What is the Security Code?
It is an important new Internet security feature (you may also know it as the CVV2, CVC2, CID or CVN) that now appears on the back of most Visa / MasterCard / JCB / Switch / Solo 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.

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. Also, it is illegal for merchants to keep records of your Security Code in any way. Merchants are only allowed to keep the Security Code for as long as it takes to bill your order. Once billing is complete, there must be no records of the code. Neither database storage nor physical document storage is allowed.

Do I have to enter this Security Code?
YES, you must enter the code. Visa / MasterCard / JCB / Switch / Solo and American Express now require Internet orders to obtain the security code for all cards. 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 haven't or cannot read my number?

If your credit card does not have a Security Code, or if you cannot read the number on your card, you may select payment by PayPal or by Bank transfer.