CVV

Card Verification Value

A security feature found on credit and debit cards, used to prevent fraud during card-not-present transactions, such as online or over-the-phone purchases. It is typically a three- or four-digit code that acts as an additional verification step to confirm that the person making the transaction has the physical card in their possession.

Key Points about CVV:

1. Location on the Card:
   • The CVV is a three-digit number located on the back of Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards, typically near the signature panel.
   • For American Express, it is a four-digit number located on the front of the card, above the card number.
2. Purpose: The CVV code is used primarily for card-not-present transactions to verify that the purchaser has the actual card, since this information is not stored on the card’s magnetic stripe or chip. This extra layer of security helps prevent unauthorized use of stolen card numbers in transactions where the card isn’t physically present.
3. Types of CVV:
   • CVV1: This is encoded in the card’s magnetic stripe and used for in-person transactions where the card is swiped.
   • CVV2: This is the three- or four-digit code printed on the card itself and used for online or phone transactions.
4. Data Protection: PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) prohibits merchants from storing CVV data after a transaction is completed. This rule is in place to ensure that even if payment data is breached, the CVV remains protected.
5. Other Names:
   • CVC2 (Card Validation Code 2) for MasterCard.
   • CID (Card Identification Number) for American Express and Discover.

The CVV is a critical security feature designed to reduce fraud in transactions where the card is not physically present by ensuring that the purchaser has the actual card in hand.

• Abbreviation: CVV