The security code written on the back of the debit/credit cards protects the consumer in CNP (card not present) transactions, i.e. transactions made online. read more
Consumer Action empowers consumers nationwide to financially prosper through education and advocacy. Know Your Card is a financial literacy project of Consumer Action and Visa Inc. read more
Regardless of what kind of card you have, credit card security codes serve the same purpose. When you provide your security code to a merchant, along with your credit card number and expiration date, the information is immediately sent to the credit card issuing bank for authentication. read more
To answer that question, let’s first go over where the security code is located. For MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards, the security code is the three-digit code located on the back of the card. For American Express cards, it’s the four-digit code located on the right side of the front of the card. read more