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. Whenever you are using you are directly using your Visa Debit Card or Credit Card, Mastercard, Discover or Rupay Debit Card, you will be asked to enter your ‘3 Digit CVV Code’.

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. This means in a scenario where a hacker or a robber retrieves your credit card details including the card number and expiry date, payments cannot be processed without knowing the 3 digit CVV Code.

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.

No one knows your Credit Card CVV Number except for you, not even the card issuing Bank.

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.

You should NEVER email your Full 16 digit Credit Card Number along with your CVV Number to anyone to make an online payment. Sometimes you may be asked to provide the credit card number and the cvv over the phone too, when you are about to make certain kind of payments where they do not have the online payment gateway. Even if you are required to confirm your card details, you should only share the Name on Card and the first 4 digits of the card and the last 4 digits of your card. And you should always truncate the numbers in the middle with asterisks, for example 5012********1234.

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.