What is the Security Code?
The Card Security Code (CSC) is an important new Internet security feature that now appears as a 3-digit number on the back of most Visa/MasterCard Cards, and a 4-digit number on the front of American Express Cards, above the card number. This new code provides a 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.

The CSC is known by different names with the different card associations. It is known to Visa as the Card Verification Value (CVV); to MasterCard as the Card Validation Code (CVC); and to American Express as the Card Identification Number (CID).

Do I have to enter this Security Code?
If this code is printed on your card, YES, you must enter the code. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express now require Internet stores to ask for the security code for all cards that have a code printed on them. For your protection, you must enter this code if it's printed on your card.