What Is a CVV Number and Where Is It Located on My Credit Card?
Credit and debit cards incorporate a number of security verification features. One of these features is the card verification value, or CVV, which is a three-digit number found on Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards, and a four-digit number on American Express cards. Credit card companies developed CVV numbers to prevent Internet credit card fraud.
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Location
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CVV numbers are located on the rear of Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit and debit cards. These numbers are located on the right side of the signature panel, just to the right of the card number. CVV numbers are located on the front of American Express cards. The numbers are located on the far-right side of the credit card, just above the card number.
Security
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Credit card issuers use specific algorithms to create CVV numbers for credit and debit cards, according to CVV Number. The algorithms ensure that the digits are difficult for credit card thieves to guess.
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Function
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The CVV number performs a cryptographic check of the card's information to determine that the card is not counterfeit, according to NASA. Additionally, the number allows merchants and credit card companies to know that the cardholder actually possesses the card.
Considerations
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Credit card companies have different names and designations for CVV numbers. These include Credit Card Verification, or CCV, as well as Card Code Verification, or CCV. Regardless of the name, the numbers perform the same functions.
Features
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Unlike credit card numbers or personal identification numbers, CVV numbers are never recorded on transaction statements or bank correspondence. In order to prevent fraud and provide extra security, CVV numbers are printed only on a credit or debit card.
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