Explanation of your Credit Card's V-Code

The card identification # (v-code) is the last 3 numbers located on the back of your card next to your signature.

Many card issuers do a poor job of educating their customers about credit card security and fail to explain the security features incorporated into their cards. The 3 digit # (v-code) is used to verify that the card is in the possession of the person using the card when making a phone or on-line transaction since the merchant cannot check the signature on your card and since both the card # and exp. date do appear on many receipts. It was placed on the signature line of the card by the card issuer as a tool to aid in protecting you and the merchant against fraudulent use of your card. It does not give us access to any protected or confidential information. This # is not intended to be confidential like your PIN, it is printed on the card and is is available to every sales clerk you hand your card to. This # never appears on a receipt.

When this v-code is used in conjunction with address verification it protects you from unauthorized use of your card.

We expect this code to become mandatory in the future. At this time most banks do not require the collection of the v-code but do charge a higher rate to merchants on transactions where this information is not collected. So by providing the request information you are also helping to keep cost and consequentially prices down. Many merchants currently are refusing to process orders without both an AVS and V-code match.

If you would like additional information on this security feature your card issuer has incorporated into the credit card verification system you should call the Customer Service # on the back of your card.