What is a Card Identification Number?
The Card Identification Number is a short number that appears on your credit card apart from the actual credit card number. It is not contained in the magnetic stripe information and is therefore not printed on sales receipts. (See card images below.)

Why do I need to provide this number?
The Card Identification Number is an additional safeguard that helps us validate your purchase and protect against fraud.

Where is the Card Identification Number located?
The location and size of the Card Identification Number depends on the type of card you are using.

For Visa cards, the Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) is a 3-digit code that is usually printed in the signature panel on the back of your card (see card image at right). It appears immediately after the card number or partial card number.

For MasterCard cards, the Card Validation Code (CVC) is a 3-digit code that is usually printed on the signature panel on the back of your card (see card image at right). It appears immediately after the card number or partial card number.

For American Express cards, the Card Identifier (CID) is a 4-digit code that is usually embossed on the front of the card (see card image at right). If this is a Corporate Purchasing card and does not contain a 4-digit CID number, please contact your card issuer for the CID number.

If you cannot find the Card Identification Number on your credit card, please contact your credit card issuer to confirm whether your credit card contains the number, and if so where the number is located.