What Is Credit Card CSC And How Does It Work?

With the rise of online shopping and e-commerce, everyone is using their credit cards now more than ever before. COVID has increased this trend even more. Before anyone can complete their purchases, though, online retailers require buyers to enter their credit card numbers, their card’s expiration date, the account holder’s name, and the card’s security code.

You might be wondering why sellers are asking for these delicate details. The answer is simple: providing extra information — more specifically the credit card security code — can provide an added layer of security for both you and the seller.

If you want to learn more about what it is, how it’s used, and why it’s used, keep reading the article below.

What is the Credit Card Security Code?

A credit card security code (CSC) or card verification value (CVV) is essentially a three or four-digit number that’s separate from your credit card number and expiration date. A credit card number is made up of three parts: the first four digits, the last four digits, and the special code on the back called the CSC. The CSC on the back of the card is used by banks to verify that the cardholder has authorized the transaction. If the CSC does not match what is written on the card, the bank will decline the transaction.

It functions as your password when you purchase items online. This means that even if you encode details like your card number, account name, and expiration date, your transaction will not be recognized and completed without the security code. This is typically the last piece of information you have to type in to finalize your payment.

Where Do You Find It?

Generally, you will find your CSC at the back of your card, at the top-right corner of the signature field. In some cases, you will find it in front of your card. The location of the digits varies on the bank and the type of card.

Visa, Mastercard, and Discover

Credit cards that are connected to different payment processing networks, like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, will have a three-digit credit card security code located at the back of the card near the signature line. This is the only three-digit number on the card, setting it apart from the expiration date (4 digits with a / in between) and the credit card number (usually 16 digits).

American Express Card

On the other hand, the credit card security code for American Express Cards is composed of four digits and printed on the front. To differentiate it from the account number, here’s what you need to remember:

• The security code is not embossed (flat)

• The security code is always located above the embossed account number on the front. Make sure not to confuse it with the non-embossed number at the bottom of the account number. This is not the CVV.

What’s the Difference between a CVV, a CVC, and a CSC?

These terms all refer to the same 3- or 4-digit security code on the back of your credit or debit card (the front of American Express cards). CVV stands for “card verification value” while CVC stands for “card verification code.” CSC stands for “card security code.”

Some financial institutions may even refer to this security number as a CVV2, or “card verification value 2.” But, don’t confuse the CVV with the obviously-missing CVV1, which is actually different and is coded into the card’s magnetic stripe. The CVV2 is typically associated with Visa and Mastercards.

On some Discover and American Express cards, the security code might even be referred to as a CID, or “card identification” or “Card ID.”

Why Is It Used?

The primary purpose of the CVV is to protect you from possible credit card fraud since hacking and the lack of reliable cybersecurity pose a major threat to both buyers and sellers.

If you’re worried about the risks of sharing this private information with websites, you don’t need to. The Payment Card Industry (PCI) forbids online retailers and other websites from storing such sensitive data, so you can rest assured that the information you provide when you make purchases online are kept confidential.

Keep in mind, though, that you should never give your CVV to someone you don’t know or to a website link in an email. Otherwise, you may accidentally put it in the hands of scammers.

Wrap Up

Remember, a credit card security code is a three to four-digit number that you can find on your card. It’s used to confirm and complete transactions, making it an essential detail to know when shopping online. Hopefully, with this guide, you have a better understanding of what it is, where to find it, and why it’s used.

Should you encounter problems with accessing your credit card security code, be sure to contact your card provider. Doing so should help you find the solution to your problem quickly, securely, and conveniently.