What is a credit card CVV or CVC number?
A CVV or CVC is a security number that's printed on your credit card and is usually needed when you shop online. Here’s how it works.
What is a CVV or CVC number?
A CVV number (or card verification value) or CVC (card verification code) is a 3- or 4-digit number on your credit card or debit card that helps prevent fraud. It's used to verify transactions when you're making a payment and don't need to enter a PIN or use a card reader as you would in a store.
Where is the CVV or CVC number?
If you have a Visa or Mastercard credit card or debit card, the CVV will be a 3-digit number on the back of your card. If you have an American Express card, the CVV will be a 4-digit number found on the front of your card.
When do I need to provide my credit card CVV?
The CVV is used to verify card transactions when you're not using your card in-person (sometimes known as card-not-present transactions). Below are some of the most common situations when you could be asked for your card's CVV:
- Shopping online. Most online payment forms will ask you to provide your CVV when you're entering your card details.
- Making phone payments. If you're paying a business over the phone, you will sometimes be asked for the CVV. But it does depend on the way the business has set up its payment system (not all of them require the CVV).
- Adding a card to your mobile wallet. When you add a card to a mobile wallet, such as Google Pay, you'll need to provide the CVV along with all the other card details.
In these situations, the CVV helps protect you (and the business) from fraudulent transactions because the CVV or CVC number is printed on your actual card – which means you need to have the card to enter the number.
Card security tip
If your card is lost or stolen and you haven't reported it, anyone could use the CVV and other details on your card to make online purchases or phone payments without your permission. That's why it's important you contact your card issuer immediately if your card is lost or stolen.
How do I find my CVV code?
Your card's security code is usually found on either the front or the back of your card. If you've misplaced your card, you may be able to contact your bank issuer to confirm the code or get a replacement card.
If you only have a virtual credit card, the CVV details will be included in your account or the app.
Is a CVV or CVC number called anything else?
Different credit card companies, online payment platforms and businesses sometimes use other terms for the CVV or CVC. This includes:
- CVC2
- CVV2
- CCV
- Card Security Code
- CID
- CID2
Despite these different names, the codes all serve the same function and are used as a standardised security measure.
In the case of "contactless" cards there is generally a chip involved which supplies its own electronically generated series of codes. They are called Dynamic CVV or iCVV.
Are CVV or CVC numbers the same as my PIN?
No, your CVV number is different to the PIN that you use for in-person transactions. When you shop at a store or withdraw money from an ATM, you'll enter a PIN but never need to provide your CVV. When you shop online, it's the other way around.
Picture: Shutterstock, Infographic: finder.
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Ask a question
Do I have to give a company my CV number if they are crediting my account with a refund? I say no and wont do it but a few places have said they need it and i have refused. Help please
Hi Joh, thanks for your inquiry.
Even though the CCV number can be given through the phone/entered in a form, if it does not have a field to enter the number, it is recommended only to provide these details if the merchant is certified and trusted. If the CCV number is given to the wrong parties the card may be used fraudulently.
Cheers,
Sharon
I was checking out overseas hotel online and filled out booking details, including credit card number. I did not give expiry date or ccv , nor did i hit the highlighted reserve block, I decided hotel , for several reasons, was not best choice. As I had not completed the booking, I just exited the site , without deleting the card number. Hotel went ahead and charged my Visa with no cancellation policy. Is this allowed????
Hi Graham,
Without knowing which hotel you were with and their policy, it’s hard to confirm whether you have a case to contest this.
Instead, it might be best to get in touch with the hotel again and your credit card issuer to see what your options are. If you hadn’t confirmed the booking, hopefully you can receive a refund.
Cheers,
Sally
I have a save card for my account but I don’t know my cvv or CVC,where is it located on my card,i.e, the normal Westpac saving card?
Hi Isaac,
Thanks for your question.
If your card is issued by Visa or MasterCard, you’ll find the three-digit security code (usually printed on the signature panel) on the back of the card, immediately after the card number.
However, if your card does not have the CVV number, it would be best to speak directly with your card issuer.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Ysa
Hi there
I am concerned by the growing number of businesses that request your CCV when filling in a form.
My understanding is the CCV is extra security to prevent fraud and that by writing it down with your credit card numbers you are enabling fraud to occur.
I’m particularly referring to restaurants or hire places tat record your details then likely have it on a hard copy form or keep it in their (most likely unsecure) database.
I usually refuse to provide it and try to educate merchants that the CCV is only required to verify internet transactions and is not to be recorded separately especially not on a piece of paper!
Am I right? If so, we need to do a better job educating merchants – banks in particular need to clarify the situation.
Thanks!
Jay
Hi Jay, thanks for your inquiry!
Credit card issuers and banks have fraud protection policies that cover you in such instances when your credit card details have been misused. It is ideal to be well versed across the fraud protection that your credit issuer offers to know what action to take and exactly what you are covered for.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I have a freedom card (debit card) and I don’t know where the ccv number is and it’s not on the back?
Hi Tara,
Thanks for your inquiry.
If your debit card doesn’t have the CVV number on the back of it, you’ll need to contact the bank directly.
Thanks,
Sally