What Is a CVV (Card Security Code)?
What it is and where to find it
CVV stands for card verification value, also called CVC, CID, or security code. On Visa, Mastercard, and Discover it is the three-digit number on the back near the signature strip; on American Express it is the four-digit number on the front. It is printed, not embossed, and is not stored in the magnetic stripe or chip.
Why merchants ask for it
For online and phone purchases, where the card is not physically swiped, the CVV helps prove you actually have the card rather than just the number, which reduces fraud from stolen card numbers. Legitimate online checkouts ask for it once at purchase. Merchants are not supposed to store it after the transaction.
Keeping it safe
Treat the CVV like a password: enter it only on checkout pages you trust, and never give it in response to an unsolicited email, text, or call, which is a common scam. Pairing it with a virtual card number adds protection online. If your number and CVV are compromised, your fraud protection covers unauthorized charges.
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