Why is there a separate security code on credit cards? If the three extra digits make it that much more secure, why not just make the number three digits longer?
In the olden days, credit cards were often not scanned with the mag strip, because the equipment was still too expensive for smaller retailers. What they did instead was use a carbon paper and a roller machine to take an imprint of the front of the credit card with the numbers. This was commonly …
The Short Answer
In the olden days, credit cards were often not scanned with the mag strip, because the equipment was still too expensive for smaller retailers. What they did instead was use a carbon paper and a roller machine to take an imprint of the front of the credit card with the numbers. This was commonly part of the receipt, and one copy would be torn off and given to the customer. The problem with this, of course, is that now all these receipts you are just throwing away left and right have your whole card number on them. This is where the extra numbers on the back to confirm an online(or at the time, over the phone) purchase can be used, if you only had a receipt you found with the front of someone's card, you would not have all the numbers needed to complete a transaction.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Card, numbers, credit
This explanation focuses on card, numbers, credit and spans 147 words across 5 sentences. At 96% above the average Technology explanation (75 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “In the olden days, credit cards were often not scanned with the mag strip, because the equipment was still too expensive” It then elaborates by explaining the root cause, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #37 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 8%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why there a separate security code on credit cards? if the three extra digits make it that much more secure, why not just make the number three digits longer?
In the olden days, credit cards were often not scanned with the mag strip, because the equipment was still too expensive for smaller retailers. What they did instead was use a carbon paper and a roller machine to take an imprint of the front of the…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 147 words, ranked #37 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are card, numbers, credit.
What approach does this answer take to explain there a separate security code on credit cards? if the three?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 147 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.