This is an important Internet security feature that appears on the back of most Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards, and on the front of American Express cards. This code is a three- or four-digit number that 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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The security code is printed only on the card and it is not contained in the card'ss 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 card readers. In theory, these numbers are visible only to you. When you give your card's security code to a merchant, you assist the merchant in verifying that the order is being placed by you, the cardholder.
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If this code is printed on your card, YES, you must enter the code. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express require Internet stores to obtain the security code for all cards that have a code printed on them.
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VISA/MASTERCARD:
Visa and MasterCard cards have the security code printed in the signature box on the back of the card. 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 security code.
DISCOVER:
The security code on a Discover Card is the last 3 digits that come after your credit card number on the back of your card. A Discover card is shown below with the security code highlighted.
AMERICAN EXPRESS:
The American Express Card security code is the 4-digit number on the front of your Card, below and to the right of your credit card number.
Note:
Some cards do not carry a security code. In this case enter three zeroes (000) in the security code field when you fill out your order.
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