What is a “CSC” or “Card Verfication Code”?
The Card Security Code (CSC) is a security feature for credit or debit card transactions, giving increased protection against credit card fraud. We ask for the CSC to help secure transactions over the Internet or over the phone. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit and debit cards have a 3-digit code printed on the signature panel on the back of the cards immediately following the card’s account number. New North American MasterCard and Visa cards feature the “CVC2” in a separate panel to the right of the signature strip. American Express cards have a 4-digit code printed on the front side of the card above the number, referred to as the CID (or Unique Card Code). It is printed flat, not embossed like the card number.
