My wife just got approved for a credit card, and we have access to the card number and expiration date. We do not have access to the security code, since the card has not yet been received in the mail.

We are going to a function this weekend, and would like to use the card number to pay for a donation. Usually, they just swipe the card and voila...

My question is whether using the common terminals/payment systems, can the organization just punch in my wife's card number without having to enter the security code? I know that they would trust us, but I'd hate to ask them to do us this favor (so we can get bonus miles more quickly) if it is useless and they must have the security code to complete the transaction.

Many thanks for your learned insights.