CID

Card Identification Number

A security feature used by credit and debit card networks to verify the authenticity of a card during card-not-present transactions, such as online or over-the-phone purchases. It is similar to the CVV2 or CVC2 codes used by other payment card networks.

Here are the key details about CID:

1. Location on the Card:
   • For American Express, the CID is a four-digit code located on the front of the card, typically above the embossed card number.
   • For Discover, Visa, and MasterCard, the CID is a three-digit code located on the back of the card, typically near the signature panel (just like the CVV2 or CVC2).
2. Purpose: The primary function of the CID is to enhance security, especially during card-not-present transactions. The CID ensures that the person making the transaction has the physical card, as it cannot be obtained by simply knowing the card number and expiration date.
3. Difference from CVV2/CVC2: While CID serves the same purpose as CVV2 (Visa) and CVC2 (MasterCard), American Express uses CID as its unique term for the security code, and it is located on the front of the card instead of the back.
4. Data Security: Like the CVV2, businesses that process transactions involving the CID are prohibited from storing it after the transaction is completed, per PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements. This helps minimize the risk of fraud or data breaches involving cardholder information.

While it might seem logical to interpret CID as Card Identification Digit, in the context of credit cards, CID officially stands for Card Identification Number. Card networks, like American Express and Discover, use this term to refer to the security code on the card, which serves as an additional layer of protection during card-not-present transactions.

Even though the CID comprises digits, the industry standard term is Card Identification Number, not Card Identification Digit. The reason for this is likely to keep terminology consistent with other similar codes, like the Card Verification Value (CVV) and Card Validation Code (CVC), which also use the word “Number” to describe these security features.

The CID is an essential security code that helps protect against fraud in card-not-present transactions by ensuring the purchaser has the physical card.

• Abbreviation: CID