A credit card security code is a three- or four-digit number designed to prevent fraudulent transactions. You might hear this code referred to as the Card Verification Value (CVV).

Is a credit card security code 3 or 4 digits? Security codes are typically three digits, but it could vary by card network. For example, American Express credit card security codes are four digits.

Your credit card's security code is a three- or four-digit number that helps protect you against credit card fraud. Learn how to find it and why it's important.

These three- or four-digit numbers provide an additional layer of security. Here is what you need to know about credit card security codes and how to find them by issuer.

Key takeaways. Credit card security codes are three-digit codes on the back of your card (four-digits on the front if you have an American Express card) used to verify that have the physical card.

A credit card’s card verification value, or CVV, helps the issuer confirm that a charge is valid. This tiny three- or four-digit code plays a major role in credit card security.