What is a Credit Card CVV?
CVV stands for card verification value. It’s a three- or four-digit number that provides an extra layer of security when using your credit card for purchases where you can’t swipe or dip your card. Every credit card has a unique CVV on the front or back of the card.
The acronym CVC (card verification code) is identical to CVV — Visa uses the term CVV, while Mastercard uses CVC.
What is the purpose of a CVV number?
Your card’s CVV number protects you from fraud for purchases that don’t require a physical card, like online purchases and purchases over the phone. A merchant collects this number from you when you make the purchase, in order to prove that you possess the card and aren’t trying to make a purchase with a stolen credit card number.
Many people don’t realize every card has two CVVs. One is encoded in the magnetic strip for physical purchases, and the other is printed on the card for digital purchases. The code in the magnetic strip is CVV1, while the printed code is CVV2.
Online retailers may store your credit card information for future purchases, but the Payment Card Industry (PCI) prohibits merchants from storing your CVV. That’s why you’ll need to enter it every time you make a purchase — even when you allow your credit card information to remain on file for convenience.
Where is the CVV on a credit card?
The CVV on Visa and Mastercard credit cards is on the back of the card: The CVV is a three-digit number located in the signature panel. With American Express, it’s a four-digit number on the front of the card.
How does a dynamic CVV work?
A dynamic CVV is a new type of fraud protection. Unlike the static CVV that’s printed on your card and could be used for repeated fraudulent transactions, the dynamic CVV changes periodically. There are a few different types of dynamic CVV technology being used worldwide. Some of the ways in which they work include:
- Receiving an SMS text or email with a one-time code from the bank after you initiate a transaction. This unique code allows for authentication in real-time.
- Entering the dynamic CVV (which changes frequently) from a tiny electronic screen embedded in your credit card.
- Use your banking app to generate a one-time code for you to use to complete your transaction.
Dynamic CVVs usually expire within 30 minutes or after you use them. If the CVV expires before you use it, you can request another one.
Is there a difference between CVV and PIN?
Yes, a CVV is different from a PIN. The CVV is for digital or over-the-phone purchases and is on your credit card. Meanwhile, a PIN is a number that you create in order to use your card for transactions that require a PIN, like a credit card cash advance from an ATM. PIN numbers are four- to six-digits, and you cannot use them in place of a CVV.
How to protect your CVV and credit card number
Most credit card issuers have robust measures in place to protect you from fraud. However, there are extra steps you can take to protect your credit card information.
Shop on legitimate, trusted websites. Fake businesses and scammers are out there and ready to take your money, so you should only shop with reputable businesses. One way to ensure the website is secure is if they have an “s” in the URL. A website that begins with “https://” means that the site is secure and the data is encrypted.
Think twice about saving your card information online. Saving your information makes checking out quick and easy, especially if it’s a site you buy from often and one you trust — the downside comes if a data breach occurs. You can consider using virtual card numbers if your credit card offers them. Virtual card numbers connect to your credit card, but the number given to the merchant changes each time. You can get virtual card numbers for Capital One credit cards, Citi credit cards and American Express credit cards.
Manage your passwords properly. Using strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Change them when prompted and never share them with others.
Beware of phishing and other scams. Be careful with unexpected text messages or phone calls asking for personal information. When in doubt, hang up and call the business directly using the number on their website, not the one the caller gave you.
Monitor your bank accounts. Do weekly reviews of your accounts, from checking accounts to credit cards. Reviewing your accounts is a good practice, as it allows you to catch any suspicious activity early on.
Review your credit report. American consumers can get one free copy of their weekly credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com. It might be tedious to review three reports a week, so consider rotating through them to check each report once a month.
Consider freezing your credit report. Freezing your credit prevents credit thieves from opening new credit accounts in your name, and it’s a good extra step to take if you won’t apply for credit soon. Freezing and unfreezing your credit report is quick and simple in case you need to make your information available for a lender.
Destroy old financial records properly. Bank and credit card statements, expired credit cards and even old bills may contain sensitive information. Consider buying a paper shredder or finding a local organization or office supply store to dispose of these documents properly.
Frequently asked questions
Finding the CVV on your credit card is simple. If it’s a Mastercard or Visa, look on the backside. You should see the number printed near the signature box. American Express prints the CVV on the front of the card.
If you don’t have your card or the CVC has worn off, you can call your credit card issuer. The number to call is on your credit card. Your issuer may be able to tell you the CVV number over the phone, but you won’t find it online in your member portal. Your issuer can issue a new card in the case of a worn or lost card. While your card number will be the same, the CVV will change.
American Express has a 4-digit CVV on their cards. They also place the number on the front of the card near your card number.
CVV2 is a type of CVV — a security code on your credit card. The CVV2 is the printed number you find on the card, which is used when making purchases where you can’t swipe or dip a physical card. There’s another type of CVV called a CVV1, which is the code in the card’s magnetic strip.