What is a CVV Number and How Do I Find It?

Credit card users are well familiar with the three-digit Card Security Code known as the CVV Number. The CVV Number is also referred to as Card Verification Value, CSC, or CVC . It’s a numerical code present on all back of credit cards.

The purpose of this number is to verify that you actually have the physical card in your possession when you enter the number during a transaction or purchase. Every credit card has its own unique security code, which prevents use of stolen cards by unauthorized people .

What is the CVV Number on an American Express Card?

Amex users are required to provide both their account number and CVV number when making purchases online. The CVV number on a card is a three-digit code printed on the back of the credit card, near the signature box.

On an American Express card, it’s preceded by four(4) asterisks or “dots” to protect your security digits from being read over the phone or internet if someone else accesses your account.

What is the CVV Number on a MasterCard or Visa?

Mastercard users are not required to enter their security code when making purchases, but the issuer usually keeps the three-digit code for verification purposes. The CVV number on a card is a three-digit code printed on the back of the credit card, near the signature box.

On a MasterCard or Visa, it’s preceded by four(4) asterisks or “dots” to protect your security digits from being read over the phone or internet if someone else accesses your account.

Do I Need To Provide My CVV Number When Making Payments on Amazon?

Amazon requires customers to provide their CVV number when making payment through the website. It’s located on the back of your credit or debit card; at the bottom of your card you will see a 3 or 4 digit number for security purposes.

What Is The Difference Between CVC, CVN & CSC?

CVV, CVV2, CVN & CSC are all abbreviations for Card Verification Value Number. The other two abbreviations are Card Verification Code (CVN) and Card Security Code (CSC).

All three refer to the same security feature which is used to authenticate the cardholder during e-commerce or payment transactions. The CVV Number is an anti-fraud precaution used to reduce online fraud.

CVV2 refers to the second version of this security feature introduced by some issuers who felt that customers were having difficulties locating their 3 or 4 digit code on their cards during payment transactions.

CVN refers to Card Verification Code Number and CSC refers to Card Security Code, which are different numbers that are sometimes printed on the backs of cards.

The CSC is sometimes referred to as a PIN Number or Passcode, but this is an outdated term since most issuers do not require any passcodes or PINS when making payments online or by phone.

CVV2 is not an acronym, but a marketing term used by the credit card industry. The term does not stand for anything in particular and originally referred to old encoding technology when it was introduced back in 1996.

Today the CVV2 is known as Card Verification Value (CVV) Number or simply “Card Code”. It’s usually printed on the back of the credit card, near the signature box.