What is CVV?

Stands for Card Verification Value, and it is the three- or four-number security code that is required every time someone is making an online purchase, where the card is not presented (card-not-present transaction). CVV is available on the back of Visa and Master Card debit or credit cards, and on the front of American Express debit or credit cards. CVV is a useful fraud prevention tool, proving that the person paying also has the physical card. It is not to be mistaken with a card’s four-number secret PIN (personal identification number), which should never be requested for an online transaction. CVVs are also known as CSC numbers (“Card Security Code”) as well as CVV2 numbers.