In todays world where you have the ease of paying for the things you want and need with a simple credit card number also comes the risk of having someone else use your credit card without your permission. In comes an extra layer of security with a CID number. So what does CID mean on a credit card? Well we will dive into that and more in this article. We will show you how it gives you an extra layer of protection when you use your credit card. And also how it can help prevent would be thieves for using your credit card without your permission.
By Matthew Coan
What Does CID Mean On A Credit Card
The CID number, which stands for card identification, on a credit card is an enhanced security feature to help prove that whoever is making the purchase is actually in possession of the physical card. Asking for the CID number on a credit card usually occurs when a sale or purchase is being made remotely. Either over the phone or online.
The CID, or also know as CVV code, is a 3 or 4 digit number located on the front or the back of your card depending on the credit card issuer. One of the most common places in on the back of the card just above the signature panel. For many American Express Cards it is located on the front of the card towards the right side. While most people think that these types of security codes are exclusive to credit cards, they are also found on debit cards as well.
How CID/CVV Protects You From Fraudulent Purchases
In todays world, where technology is everywhere, thieves find any way that they can to try and collect other peoples credit card information. In 1997 all debit cards were required to implement CID codes and within a few years credit cards started using them as well. If someone is able to obtain your credit card information then they usually try to use it to make remote purchases.
Such as purchasing something online or over the phone. While it can be somewhat easy to obtain someones credit card number, getting the CID, or CVV number is another story. This is why many merchants ask for these numbers when an online or phone purchase is being made. It helps prove that the buyer has the physical card in their possession, further reducing the chase of the purchase being made fraudulently.
It is advisable that you keep a photo record of the front and back of your card so that you can still have access to it if it gets lost or stolen. Also report any suspicious activity on your card right away to prevent any further fraudulent purchases from being made.
You may have noticed that you can save your credit card information with certain merchants to make the checkout process simple and easy. The CID, or CVV is never stored though and you may have to enter it every time. Which may seem like a pain but it is there for a reason to help prevent an unauthorized person from making a purchase. This is why it is considered an added security feature to help curb the level of credit card fraud that takes place.
What If My Card Does Not Have A CID Or CVV Number
If you look at your card and it does not have a three-digit code on the back or front then it might be the case that it was made without it. This might be the instance with older cards or a certain credit card company that doesn’t have them. In this case they might provide you with a static code, such as 000 or 111, that you can use if it is ever required to make a purchase.
Some online websites have actually been updated to understand when these cards are being presented and they will fill this field in for you. But always remember that if you have a card that does not have a credit card security code then you are at a higher level of risk for fraud then other cards.
MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club And Discover
These types of credit cards will have a card verification value of 3 digits that will be located on the back of the card somewhere near the signature strip. The front of the card will contain the credit card account number along with the expiration date.
American Express
This financial institution will have all of the information on the front of the card. Including a four-digit code that represents the CID or CVV code. Any first time American Express cardholders will have to get used to this because they are probably in the habit on looking at the back of their card for the card identification number.
Moving Forward
As credit card fraud and identity theft continue to rise year after year debit and credit card companies are moving beyond just the three and four-digit number on cards to help prevent it. While you may not notice it, but in the background, during every purchase you make there are many things happening to help verify that the correct person is making a purchase.
If a credit card company finds that a large amount of their numbers have been compromised then it not only takes a toll on getting the money back and returning it, but also on their customer service departments as well. Unauthorized transaction are something that will always be an issue. But the key is to try and keep it a a minimum as much as possible. CID and CVV numbers are there to prove that possession of the card is with the correct person and that the transaction is legit.
Don’t be surprised if you start to see more and more security features pop up in the near future. And while it may seem like a pain at first because of the added steps it takes to make a purchase. Just know that it is there to protect you from any unauthorized transactions.
What Does CID Mean On A Credit Card Conclusion
Whether you have an American Express, Discover, Diners Club, or Visa credit card you should become aware of where the CID or CVV code is located. And always remember to keep your credit card CVV number secret and only give it out with secure merchants when you are making a purchase. This is the one number that isn’t stored on any servers or databases that can potentially be hacked by criminals.
And the next time that you make any purchase with online merchants and you have to enter your card verification code just know that it is there for your protection. If you have ever had your credit card information stolen then you know how much of a pain it can be to get your account back in order and hopefully get any money that was spend fraudulently returned to you. You credit card provider and payment networks want to keep credit card fraud at a minimum and right now this is the best system that they have in place to do just that.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Here at Casavvy we try to give you the best information possible along with the best credit card offers so that you can make the most out of your daily purchases. We take a lot of time to do the research so that you don’t have to. Beyond finding the perfect credit card we want to help you keep your personal information safe and hopefully this article on What Does CID Mean On A Credit Card did just that.
About the author: Matthew Coan is the founder of Casavvy and a credit card expert. He has appeared in various media outlets including Yahoo Finance, Credit Karma, Market Watch, Mens Journal, and more. Continue reading
Also Check Out
What Credit Card Starts With 4147?
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Requirements