Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Your Mastercard security code is a 3-digit number on the back of the card, just to the right of the signature panel. Also known as a Card Verification Value (CVV), among other names, its purpose is to verify that the card is legitimate when making phone or online purchases. You’re not required to provide a Mastercard security code when you make purchases in person. The merchant’s card reader will read the code when you swipe, insert, or tap your credit card.
It’s important to note that the Mastercard security code is a protective measure, so you should never share your code (aside from providing it to a merchant when paying for a transaction). That said, credit cards come with a $0 fraud liability guarantee, so if your Mastercard security code is compromised, contact the issuer immediately to avoid being charged for any unauthorized transactions.
What to Know About the Mastercard SecureCode Feature
Mastercard also offers cardholders an extra layer of protection through its SecureCode feature, which requires users to enter a PIN to validate online purchases. Mastercard SecureCode will eventually be replaced by Identity Check, which will serve a similar purpose.
People also ask
Did we answer your question?
Important Disclosures
Ad Disclosure: Certain offers that appear on this site originate from paying advertisers. For full transparency, here is a list of our current advertisers.
Advertisers compensate WalletHub when you click on a link, or your application is approved, or your account is opened. Advertising impacts how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear and their prevalence). At WalletHub we try to present a wide array of offers, but our offers do not represent all financial services companies or products.
Advertising enables WalletHub to provide you proprietary tools, services, and content at no charge. Advertising does not impact WalletHub's editorial content including our best picks, reviews, ratings and opinions. Those are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any company, as our editors follow a strict editorial policy.