Card security code: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:57, 6 April 2005

Revision as of 00:12, 7 April 2005

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'''CVV2''' (Card Verification Value) is an important security feature for [[credit card]] transactions on the Internet and over the phone. DiscoverIt Cardis callsa 3 or 4 digit value printed nowhere except on the CVV2card, and can therefore be used to verify that the Cardmemberbuyer has the card in their physical possession, giving some protection against [[credit card IDfraud]].

The code is be found in different places on the various families of cards, and is referred to by several different names:

It is the three-digit number printed in the signature space on the back of most credit cards, such as [[VISA (credit card)|Visa]], [[Mastercard]], and [[Discover]] cards. The CVV2 number is always the last group of numbers in the signature space on the back of the card. It is not part of the regular credit card number, and is not printed anywhere else but on the card itself.

* [[Mastercard]], [[Visa (credit card)|Visa]] and [[Discover Card|Discover]] cards have a 3 digit code, called the "CVC (card validation code)", "CVV (card verification value)" and "Cardmember ID" respectively. It is always the ''final'' 3-digit group of the numbers printed on the back signature panel of the card.

It is a four-digit number on the front of [[American Express]] cards. It is printed (flat), not embossed like the card number.

* [[American Express]] cards have a 4 digits code printed on the front side of the card above the number, referred to as the CID, or Card Identification Number. It is printed flat, not embossed like the card number.

The CVV2 number enhances fraud protection and helps to validate two things:

* The customer has the credit card in their possession.

* The credit card number is legitimate

By helping to prevent [[credit card fraud]], the CVV2 number keeps costs down for everyone.