Written by Oliver Buxton
Published on November 26, 2022
What is a CVV number?
A card verification value (CVV) or card verification code (CVC) is a 3 or 4 digit security code usually found on the back of your credit card. CVV codes provide a second layer of authentication, which helps to verify the card holder’s identity when making remote transactions. CVV codes shouldn't be known to anyone not in possession of the credit or debit card.
What’s the difference between a CVV and a CVV2?
The only difference between a CVV and CVV2 is the way the numbers are generated. CVV2 codes are created via a more sophisticated encoding process that makes them more secure. From a user-perspective, there’s no difference at all — you wouldn’t know which code was which, and they fulfill the same function.
Does a CVV have 3 or 4 digits?
Most CVVs have 3 digits. All VISA and Mastercard credit cards and debit cards have 3 digit security codes, but some other payment card networks, such as American Express, issue 4 digit CVV credit cards.
Visa and Mastercard use 3-digit CVV codes; American Express uses 4-digit codes.
Where to find your CVV code on a credit card or debit card
CVV codes are typically printed on the back of the card to the right of the white signature strip. That way, the security code and the actual card number (as well as other information displayed on the front) aren’t visible at the same time. The CVV number can be part of a longer string of numbers, in which case it’s always the final 3 digits.
Some payment card issuers like American Express display the CVV on the front of the card. If you think that your CVV or other sensitive financial data may have been compromised or hacked, report the identity theft immediately.
Is it safe to give out a CVV number?
When shopping online, it’s generally safe to use your credit card security code. Most online retailers require CVV details for purchases, which is encouraging because it means that they're trying to prevent fraudulent transactions on their site. When shopping online, use reputable companies and enter financial information only on safe websites.
To protect your CVV number and other sensitive data while shopping online, use the best antivirus software. AVG AntiVirus FREE shields your devices against malware and hacking, while blocking unsafe links, downloads, and email attachments.
Protecting your computer will help prevent you from getting caught in a credit card scam or becoming the victim of identity theft.
What about giving out my CVV offline?
You may also be asked for your credit card security code when processing a payment over the phone. As with online transactions, it's usually safe to do this — just make sure that no one overhears the details you give out (so avoid public places when doing this).
But you should never provide the details of your CVV when making a purchase in-person. In fact, there's no need for the retailer or service provider to request this. The CVV doesn't show up when the card is scanned normally, and retailers and service providers have other ways of verifying that you're the authorized card holder if they need to — they can use a signature or another form of identification.
Handing over your CVV for purchases completed offline is risky, because it gives someone the opportunity to steal that information. With your CVV code, they would have everything they need to make fraudulent online transactions in your name.
When making in-person purchases, do not give out your CVV code.
Tips for protecting your credit card against fraud
Here are are few tips to help you avoid becoming the victim of security or credit card fraud:
Use reputable websites when shopping online.
Don't provide your CVV when using your credit or debit card in person.
Don’t make payments over the phone with your credit card, unless you make the call directly and know it’s a trusted vendor. Scammers have been known to cold-call victims to perpetrate financial fraud.
Don’t read out the details of your credit card in public. And don’t ever write them down anywhere for someone else to find.
Protect your computer with strong cybersecurity software to make sure you avoid malware, phishing attacks, and other threats that could compromise your personal data.
Monitor your bank statements regularly to identify any unauthorized charges.
Beware of financial data breaches (like the Equifax hack), and use a data protection tool to protect your sensitive information.
Report potential internet scams you encounter.
Add extra protection against credit card fraud
It’s vital to be careful with your CVV and credit card number to make sure you avoid fraud. And add an extra layer of protection with a data-monitoring tool. AVG BreachGuard provides 24/7 risk monitoring, offers tips to keep your data private, and helps you remove your personal information if it’s ever compromised in a leak. Take control of your online privacy today with AVG BreachGuard.
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FAQs
A card verification value (CVV) or card verification code (CVC) is a 3 or 4 digit security code usually found on the back of your credit card. CVV codes provide a second layer of authentication, which helps to verify the card holder's identity when making remote transactions.
Is it safe to give out your CVV code? ›
Never give out your CVV when using your credit or debit card in person. Anyone asking for your CVV during an in-person transaction could be trying to steal your information. It's only safe to give your CVV number over the phone or on a secure site. Never give out your CVV when paying in person.
Should you cover your CVV number? ›
Online merchants can't store this data, so it's usually not exposed in the case of a data breach. If you keep your CVV number secret, you're much more likely to stay safe even if your credit card data is exposed.
Is it safe to give credit card number and CVV online? ›
It's generally safe to enter a debit card number and CVV online on reputable and trustworthy websites. However, it's good practice to exercise caution when online shopping — there's always a risk of financial information being compromised.
What if someone knows my card number and CVV? ›
Is it possible for someone to use your debit or credit card with just the card number and the CVV? Yes, this type of fraud is known as "card-not-present" fraud, as the thief does not have possession of the physical card. This type of fraud is becoming more common with the rise of online shopping and e-commerce.
Can someone withdraw from CVV? ›
No one can withdraw money or make a transaction if they know your CVV. Someone will need to have access to both your card and your secret PIN to do so.
Is storing CVV illegal? ›
Essentially, it provides a check of the information embossed on the card. This information is not permanently stored because that action is prohibited by law. The Visa USA Inc. Operating Regulations explicitly prohibits merchants and/or their agents from storing the CVV-2 data.
How do I protect my credit card from being scanned? ›
Use an RFID shield wallet or protective sleeve, wrap it in foil, or store your card next to an RFID jamming card to protect its signal. Distance yourself from other customers when using your card. For maximum security, only use it for at-home, online purchases.
Is it OK to give CVV over the phone? ›
Use reputable websites when shopping online. Don't provide your CVV when using your credit or debit card in person. Don't make payments over the phone with your credit card, unless you make the call directly and know it's a trusted vendor. Scammers have been known to cold-call victims to perpetrate financial fraud.
What do I do if my CVV number rubbed off? ›
CVV codes are used as an added layer of security for online purchases. They are three-digit codes that appear on the back of credit and debit cards. If your CVV code has faded, you can call your card issuer to have a new one issued.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid sending credit card information by email. If you must provide your credit card number to someone, you can do so over the phone or in person. This way, your credit card information will be much less likely to fall into the wrong hands.
What sites don't require CVV? ›
Most prominent examples are Apple Pay, Google Wallet and PayPal. When these platforms are used to make a purchase, the payment management system handles verification and processing, so the online retailer doesn't see or obtain your credit card information.
Is it safe to give a CVV number to Amazon? ›
Yes… they store only card number and expire date. You have to provide CVV FOR each transaction, and for India thanks to RBI even after providing CVV you have to provide secure code Recieved on your mobile /mail!
Can I cover my CVV number? ›
Reduce the risk of online fraud by blanking the security code. The CVV code at the back of your card is only useful for online shopping, so once it is stored securely in your password manager, there is no reason not to scratch it from the card.
Can my debit card be scanned while in your wallet? ›
Similarly to card skimming, card scanning is a type of payment card theft where the fraudster with a scanning device gets close enough to your bag or wallet to scan your card number. This type of fraud is enabled by the fact that today's payment cards typically work on Radio Identification Frequency (RFID) technology.
How does my debit card keep getting hacked? ›
When you bank or shop on public Wi-Fi networks, hackers can use keylogging software to capture everything you type, including your name, debit card account number and PIN. Phishing. Be wary of messages soliciting your account information.
Is it safe to provide CVV over the phone? ›
It is necessary to exercise extreme caution when it comes to providing financial data—like your card number and CVV—during a call you didn't initiate. Another red flag of a potential scammer is if the caller tries to speed up the process and pressure you into sharing your card info quickly.
Is it normal to ask for CVV number? ›
It's absolutely legal for retailers or service providers to ask for your card's CVV code when you're making a purchase. A merchant can't complete the card verification process without one. So if you're making card-not-present purchases, you can expect to be asked to provide your card's CVV code each time.
Will a bank ask for your CVV number? ›
Don't get phished: In the same way that credit card companies, banks or retailers will never request your CVV over the phone, you can be equally certain that they will never contact you in an email for that information, either. If you receive a request, delete the email.
Why is ATM asking for CVV code? ›
CVV in ATM cards is an acronym for Card Verification Value which helps to minimize fraudulent activities.
Visa and Mastercard use 3-digit CVV codes; American Express uses 4-digit codes.
When making in-person purchases, do not give out your CVV code.
