A security feature designed to enhance the safety of card-not-present transactions, the Card Validation Code 2 (CVC2) is a three-digit number located on the back of MasterCard credit and debit cards. It helps ensure that the person making the transaction has physical possession of the card, adding an extra layer of protection against fraud. The CVC2 is similar to other security codes used by different card networks, such as the CVV2 (Card Verification Value 2) for Visa and the CID (Card Identification Number) for American Express and Discover.
Location on the Card
The CVC2 is a three-digit number located on the back of the MasterCard, near or on the signature strip.
- Purpose: The CVC2 is designed to help ensure that the person making a card-not-present transaction has the physical card in hand, adding an extra layer of protection against fraud.
- Security and Compliance: The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) mandates that CVC2 codes cannot be stored after a transaction is completed. This helps prevent the code from being captured in the event of a data breach and protects cardholders from fraud.
Other Names
Different card networks use similar terms for their security codes:
- CVV2 (Card Verification Value 2): Used by Visa.
- CID (Card Identification Number): Used by American Express and Discover.