How to Find the CVN on a Visa Credit Card

CVN number on a Visa card

The card verification number, or CVN, on a Visa credit card is a three digit code that helps to ensure security in certain types of transactions. When you are placing a telephone or Internet order, being able to provide the CVN helps to prove that the credit card is in your possession.

Things You'll Need

• Visa credit card

Instructions

1. Take our your Visa card from the place in which it is stored. You should always keep it somewhere secure, such as your purse or wallet, so it cannot easily be lost or stolen in between uses.

2. Turn the Visa card over. The CVN number is separate from the card number and expiration date. While they are on the front, the CVN is located on the back of the card.

3. Look in the Visa card's signature strip. This is the long white strip that you signed when you got and activated the credit card. It should be right under the Visa card's magnetic strip.

4. Locate the string of numbers at the top of the signature strip. The number string may include your entire Visa card number or it may just have the last four digits. At the end of the string, there will be a three digit number. This is your CVN number.

5. If the CVN number is obscured by your signature, worn away, or otherwise unreadable, contact your Visa card issuer. It can issue a replacement card with a readable CVN. It's important for this number to always be readable, because if it is not, you will be unable to complete some phone or Internet transactions.

Tips & Warnings

• The CVN number on a Mastercard is located in the same spot as that on a Visa card, and it is also three digits long. On an American Express card, the CVN is located on the front and is four digits long.

Resources

• CVN information