The Card Verification Value (CVV), also known as CVV2 or CVC, is a security feature found on credit and debit cards. It is a three or four-digit number that provides an additional layer of security for card-not-present transactions, such as online purchases.
The CVV is typically located on the back of a physical card, near the signature strip. For American Express cards, it is a four-digit number printed on the front of the card. In virtual cards, the CVV may be displayed on the front side.
When making an online transaction, merchants and payment processors use the CVV to verify that the cardholder is in possession of the card. This helps prevent unauthorized use of the card, as the CVV is not stored on the magnetic stripe or chip of the card.
It is important to keep the CVV confidential and not share it with anyone, as it is a critical security element in ensuring the safety of your card transactions.