Where is amex security code

When you're buying something online or by phone, you'll often be asked for your credit card's CVV number, sometimes also called the card security code. CVV is short for card verification value, and it's a key security feature. The CVV is a three- or four-digit code that's printed on your credit card as a fraud-prevention measure. When you provide this number for an online or phone purchase, the merchant will submit the CVV when it authorizes the transaction.

It's an attempt to verify that you have the physical card in your possession and that you're not just using stolen card information.

Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards have a three-digit CVV printed on the back of the card, usually next to the signature panel. American Express cards have a four-digit CVV located on the front of the card, just above and to the right of your account number.

For all four card networks, the CVV is printed on the card, rather than embossed in raised lettering. The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Teresa Bitler is a former CreditCards. Kelly Dilworth is a personal finance contributor and former staff reporter at CreditCards. She began her career in journalism at The Atlantic in , then detoured into nonfiction book publishing for several years.

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See all results. News Blog About Menu. Support Center Contact Us Menu. Get Started. By Maggi March 15, am No Comments. Why is the CVV is written on your card? Keeping your credit card CVV safe and out of sight is a great start, but you can do more to keep your credit card information safe. Consider these tips to further protect yourself. To protect yourself from cyberthieves and hackers, keep your account passwords in a secure place.

Change them regularly and make them difficult to guess. Check your credit reports on a regular basis. Look for signs of fraud or identity theft , like accounts in your name that you never opened.