What is the meaning of CVV? It is an acronym for Card Verification Value. It is a short code that generally consists of three numbers. The companies that create bank cards like debit cards and credit cards provide a CVV for every card issued. This includes Visa, Mastercard and American Express, among others. You can generally find the CVV on the back of a card, although some bank cards may have the CVV on the front side. If you are making a transaction using your debit or credit card online, entering the CVV is mandatory to approve the payment or purchase.
CVV is an acronym that stands for Card Verification Value. It is a three-digit or a four-digit number that you can typically find on credit cards. The primary purpose of a CVV number is to protect the cardholder from fraudulent and unauthorised transactions.
When you use your card to make payments, you may be asked to enter the CVV in addition to other details on the credit card. Unlike the other details on the card, the CVV is not stored anywhere. This makes it extremely hard for unscrupulous individuals from using your credit card to make unauthorised transactions in situations where the credit card is not physically present with them.
This effectively means that even if an individual has access to your card’s details like your card number and its expiry date, unless they have the CVV, which is present only on the card, they will not be able to use it to make any payments whatsoever.
A lot of people often get confused between a credit card number and CVV number. A credit card number is a 16-digit number located on the front of your credit card along with your name, card expiration date, and type (Visa/Mastercard). On the other hand, Visa card and MasterCard holders can find their CVV printed on the back of the card. The placement might be different for an American Express credit card, where the CVV would be a four-digit number located on the front side of the card.
Now that you know what is the meaning of CVV and where to locate it, let us understand what are the two primary components of a CVV:
The first component is a small magnetic strip located at the top-side of your credit card. This magnetic strip contains digital data that is unique to the cardholder. When a credit card is swiped for making transactions, it is the data from this magnetic strip that gets stored.
The second part of the CVV is a three-digit number mentioned below the magnetic strip. This number acts as a security pin while making mobile/online transactions.
Protects Against Cyber Fraud
A credit card CVV number acts as a security feature and adds a layer of protection against cyber fraud when you use the card for purchases using the credit card payment as an online method. The card verification number is not a combination of random digits. Instead, it is a carefully generated number using a special, undisclosed, and precise algorithm. This makes the CVV number on the card both unique as well as safe.
Keeps Your Money Safe
As the Payment Card Industry’s (PCI) security standards prohibit the storing of card verification value, it needs to be entered every time an online purchase is made. This allows your funds to remain safe from any suspicious activity.
Protects From Hackers
As credit card numbers and CVV go hand in hand, hackers cannot use a credit card without a CVV code even if they get access to other information related to the credit card.
The CVV code verifies that the credit card was physically present with the cardholder while making the transaction. The code acts as a verification to process the payment. Online payment gateways can save details of your credit card such as the name or card number. However, as per the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), they aren't allowed to store your CVV data. This feature protects your card against any credit card fraud as it is nearly impossible to carry out any online transactions without submitting your CVV number.
Upon entering the CVV, you receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Thus, even if you misplace your ATM card and the CVV is entered, you will be informed of the initiated transaction via the OTP message.
Even in the case of offline or Point of Sale (POS) transactions, the CVV of a credit card cannot be copied or replicated, which means that you will remain protected from fraudulent or unauthorised transactions.
That said, although the CVV is a good safety feature to have, it does not offer complete protection from fraud. Unscrupulous individuals may still be able to use your card to make unauthorised transactions at merchants and online websites that don’t require a CVV to authorise a transaction.
CVV number is automatically generated by the credit card issuer. You need not follow a separate procedure to generate it for your card. Each new credit card is assigned a CVV by the issuer before dispatching it to the customer.
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In order to protect yourself from any credit card fraud, you need to protect your CVV. Here are ways in which you can keep your credit card CVV number safe:
Do not share your CVV or other credit card details with anyone
Do not write down your credit card CVV number or store it in an online or desktop folder
Do not leave your credit card unattended
Use your credit card for purchases only on trusted websites that have https:// and SSL padlock
Do not enter your credit card details on unknown or unprotected WiFi networks
Install anti-virus software to scan your computer from any malware or threats
Protect your devices with a password
Do not share sensitive financial information over the phone
Keep a tab on your credit card activity and look out for any unauthorised transactions on your credit card
If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, use a strong password to protect it from getting hacked or accessed by unauthorised individuals
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to the internet if you’re using your computer while travelling
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FAQs on Credit Card CVV
How do I find my CVV number?
The CVV (Card Verification Value) or CVC (Card Verification Code) is a 3-digit security number found on the back of your credit or debit card — typically located on the right side of the white signature strip.
For VISA and MasterCard, it's always the last 3 digits.
What does CVV mean?
CVV stands for Card Verification Value. It is a 3-digit security code used to verify that you are in physical possession of your credit or debit card during online or card-not-present transactions.
For Visa and Mastercard, the CVV is found on the back of the card, typically near the signature strip.
For American Express, it’s usually a 4-digit code on the front of the card.
The CVV helps protect against fraud by confirming your identity during purchases.
How do I get a 3 digit CVV?
You can find your 3-digit CVV (Card Verification Value) on the back of your credit or debit card, usually near the signature strip and at the end of your 16-digit card number.
For Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards, the CVV is typically a 3-digit code printed on the back.
For American Express, the security code is a 4-digit number located on the front of the card.
The CVV is automatically generated by the card issuer and printed on your physical card — you don’t need to request it separately.
Where is CVV in an ATM card?
The CVV (Card Verification Value) is usually found on the back of an ATM or debit card, near the signature strip, as a 3-digit number. However, the CVV is not used for ATM transactions.
Important Note:
ATMs use your PIN (Personal Identification Number) to verify transactions — not the CVV.
The CVV is a security feature designed for online or card-not-present transactions, not for use at ATMs.
What is the full form of CCV?
The full form of CVV is Card Verification Value. It is a security feature used on credit and debit cards, typically found as a 3-digit code on the back of the card.
The CVV helps verify the cardholder’s identity during online or phone transactions, adding an extra layer of protection against fraud.
What is the CVV code example?
A CVV (Card Verification Value) code is a three or four-digit security number on your credit or debit card, used to verify that the card is actually in your possession during online or phone transactions. It's not embossed like the card number and expiration date, making it harder to copy.
How to get CVV?
The CVV (Card Verification Value) number is a security feature for credit and debit cards. It's a three or four-digit number printed on the back of the card, usually near the signature area on the magnetic stripe.
