The card security code (CSC) is an important part of a credit card, allowing the card issuer to verify that the card is being used by the legitimate cardholder. The CSC is usually a 3 – or 4 – digit number that is not part of the credit card number.
Is Security Code 3 or 4 Digits?
The CSC is typically printed on the back of a credit card, usually in the signature field. On some cards, all or part of the card number appears before the CSC, for example, 1234 567. However, the CSC is not the same as the card number and is not printed on the front of the card.
The CSC is an additional layer of security to protect against fraud. It is used to prevent unauthorized use of a credit card, especially when the card is not present, such as when making purchases online. It also provides an extra layer of protection against identity theft.
When entering a CSC, it is important to ensure that the code is entered correctly. A wrong code can result in a declined transaction or, in some cases, a chargeback. It is also important to note that the CSC is not the same as the PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is used to authenticate the cardholder when making a purchase in a physical store.
In conclusion, the card security code (CSC) is an important part of a credit card, providing an extra layer of protection against fraud and identity theft. The code is usually a 3 – or 4 – digit number that is not part of the credit card number and is printed on the back of the card, usually in the signature field. It is important to ensure that the CSC is entered correctly when making a purchase, as a wrong code can result in a declined transaction or a chargeback.