Card Identification (CID) Number

What is a Card Identification Number?

American Express Cards ALWAYS have a 4-digit, unembossed (flat) number printed ABOVE the account number. This number is called the Card Identification Number or CID (circled in green in the examples below).

What is NOT a Card Identification Number?

Occasionally other 4-digit, embossed (raised) numbers appear below the account number; however, the CID is ALWAYS ABOVE the account number.

Cardholder Verification Value (CVV2)

What is a Cardholder Verification Value?

The CVV2 is a layer of security to help ensure that the physical card is in the cardholder's possession while shopping online or by phone, helping to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use.

Where can I find it?

The 3-digit code is located on the back of your card, inside the signature area. Typically the signature panel will have a series of numbers, but only the last three digits make up the CVV2 code.

What does it do?

It's actually more about what it prevents. When shopping online or over the phone, the 3-digit code helps merchants ensure that the card is in the right hands. Merchants will request the CVV2 at checkout from the cardholder, and the information is sent electronically to the card-issuing bank to verify its validity. Within seconds the CVV2 results are returned with authorization. If it's returned invalid, merchants have the right to stop the transaction.

And for your added protection, merchants are prohibited from keeping or storing the CVV2 number after the transaction has been completed.