How do you find the 3 digit code on the back of a credit card?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on February 11, 2026
Visa®, Mastercard®, and Discover® cardholders: Turn 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 CVV number / Card Security Code.
Where do you find the security code on a credit card?
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.
What does VIP mean on a credit card?
Credit card payment type codes
| Processed immediately through VIP (formerly EPS) | |
|---|---|
| A (American Express) | AI (American Express, internet order) |
| M (MasterCard) | MI (MasterCard, internet order) |
| V (Visa) | VI (Visa, internet order) |
| D (Discover) | DI (Discover, internet order) |
What is the code on the back of a credit card?
The code on the back of a credit card is a three-digit number known as a Card Security Code (CSC) or Card Verification Value (CVV), among other names. This code is on the back of credit cards because it helps to prevent fraudulent purchases from being made online or over the phone.
What’s the code on the back of a credit card called?
The CVV for Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit cards is a three-digit number on the back of your card, to the right of the signature box. American Express uses a four-digit code, which they call the card identification number (CID).
How do you find the security code on a credit card without a card?
How to Find Credit Card Security Code Without the Card. The only way to find out your credit card’s security code is to have the physical card in your possession and check the code. If you’ve misplaced your credit card or the security code is no longer legible, you should call the issuer.
Where is the postal code on a Visa credit card?
When you submit it on the website the credit card processor will use it to validate that it is you using the credit card. The postal card is YOUR Zip Code – the address attached to your credit card – usually your home address. So if you use your card at a gas station, it might ask for your zip code – that’s what they are asking for.
What does the ZIP code on a MasterCard mean?
A mastercard zip code is that the postcode related to a credit card’s billing address. That’s the address you provided on your application, unless you’ve since moved and updated your information. And it’s where you receive your statement monthly , if you haven’t gone paperless.
Why do I need to know the ZIP code of my credit card?
When you are making a card-no-present payment, you are asked for the credit card’s billing zip code as a security measure, because only the account holder will know his or her billing zip code. By asking for the billing zip code, this prevents thieves from using other people’s credit cards without their authorization.
Where can I find my visa security code?
Once the security code is located, go online to register your Visa gift card for telephone or Internet purchases. Some merchants may also require the security code to authorize a purchase with the card. Protect the back of your Visa gift card. Security codes are not stored centrally by Visa.
