What is a Credit Card Security Code (CVV) and Why is it Important?

What is Card Security Code (CVV Code) or CVV Number?

CVV code or Card Verification Value is an anti-fraud security feature normally required to be entered on websites while you are purchasing or buying something online from your credit card or debit card. For Visa, Mastercard and Discover, the security code is usually three digits on the back of the card. American Express typically uses a four-digit code on the front. A checkout may ask for the code during an online purchase.

On Visa, Mastercard or Discover, the three-digit CVV number or code is printed on signature panel on the back of the card immediately after the debit card or credit card number.

What is the Purpose of 3 digit CVV Number?

The purpose of using the 3 digit or sometimes 4 digit CVV number is to reduce credit card fraud and to create an extra layer of security feature. A merchant may ask for the code to help check that you have the card during an online or phone purchase. The code is one safeguard, not a guarantee that fraud cannot occur.

What is the long form of CVV and CVC?

The long form of CVV is Card Verification Value, and the long form of CVC is Card Verification Code.
The Importance of CVV Code and Credit Card Number

As described above, The Card Security Code is either 3 digit number or sometimes 4 digit numeric number printed or embossed on your Amex Card, Visa Card or Mastercard. But how many of us really understand the sensitiveness of this 3 digit number? Below are some important points to take note of while we learn about Card Security Code.

Anyone who sees or photographs your card may learn its security code. Keep the code private and enter it only when you initiate a payment with a trusted merchant.

You should never hand over your Credit Card or Debit Card to a waiter at a restaurant or anywhere to settle your bill, and make sure that your Cash Card is visible for your eyes. As per your Card Holder’s Agreement, you are NOT ALLOWED to leave your Credit ot Debit Card for anyone.

You should never let someone check, read or take a photo of the backside of the card the CVV Code on your Credit Card while processing or making a payment at a store, shop or a restaurant because the CVV Code, CVV2 Code or CVC Code is NOT required while making an offline payment.

Do not send your full card number or security code by email or message. Some legitimate phone orders ask for card details, but share them only when you called a merchant you trust using a number you verified independently. Do not disclose the code to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. If a service asks you to confirm your identity, provide only the details it specifically needs; there is no universal first-and-last-four-digits rule.

CVV Number Rubbed off or Credit/Debit Card Being Lost

You might be wondering how to find the CVV number if your credit card’s CVV number is rubbed off or if you have misplaced or lost your debit card or your credit card.

The simple answer is that there is no option or a methodology where you can retrieve a lost CVV number based on the Credit Card number. Some of them say to to keep guessing your CVV number by picking certain numbers in a certain sequence. Also you may find some online tools where you can generate random 3 digit or 4 digit CVV numbers. Some websites might even ask you enter your Card number to generate the CVV code based on your Credit card number. Non of these tools or formulas actually work. It only makes your Credit Card number further vulnerable by entering them into different online tools you come across the web. If you really need to find your CVV number, the only option is to contact your Bank and ask them to replace your card due to being damaged.