What is a CVV Number?

A valid card verification value (CVV) number is a 3-digit security feature on your credit card. This CVV, also known as CID or CCVC, is different from the four-digit personal identification number (PIN). These numbers are used to verify that you have physical access to a credit or debit card and can be used in place of the PIN when completing a purchase online.

When you create an account with an online merchant, it will ask for your credit card number, expiration date and CVV number. You must enter this information correctly to finalize the transaction process. Some merchants also require the ZIP code on the back of your credit card in addition to the CVV.

Your credit card’s four-digit CVV is different from your PIN, which should be kept secret. Never tell anyone your credit card PIN. The three-digit security code on the back of your card is considered public information, so there’s no need to keep it a secret. If you are shopping online and do not see a place to enter your three-digit CVV number, do not finalize the transaction. Contact the merchant directly for more information on how to complete the purchase safely.

What is a Card Security Code?

A card security code (CSC) is an abbreviation used in reference to the CSC code, card security code and card verification value. Depending on the context, a card security code may be used to refer to one of several types of credit-card protection tools:

The three-digit CVV number printed on the back of your credit or debit card. This is sometimes called CVC2 as well because the first digits include the issuing bank’s identifying number.

Number printed on the back of your credit or debit card. This is sometimes called CVC2 as well because the first digits include the issuing bank’s identifying number. The card verification value (CVV) code, which is an encrypted version of the three-digit CVV printed on your credit card.

Code, which is an encrypted version of the three-digit printed on your credit card. The Card Security Code (CSC), which is a dynamic code that changes with each purchase and can be generated from the three-digit CSC or CVV number. In addition, some merchants have their own rules for validating a customer’s card security code.

The four-digit PIN number used with your ATM card to withdraw cash from an ATM machine. This is sometimes called CVV2.

Number used with your ATM card to withdraw cash from an ATM machine. This is sometimes called CVV2. Card Validation Value (CVV), which is a dynamic code that changes with each purchase and can be generated from the three-digit CVV printed on your credit card.

The small print of a credit or debit card will typically include all four of these codes to inform you about your bank’s rules for online transactions. It is important to understand the differences between CSC, CVC2, CVV2 and CVV so you can protect yourself against fraudulent transactions.

CVV, CSC & CVC2 Explained

The three-digit security code on the back of your credit or debit card is known as the CVV. This number is different from the four-digit PIN that you use to withdraw cash from an ATM.

The card verification code is the encrypted version of the three-digit CVV printed on your credit card. The PIN number for ATM cards, or debit cards, is also called the CVC2 code.

Card security codes are dynamic codes that change with each purchase and can be generated from the three-digit CSC and CVC2.

What’s the Difference Between CVV, CSC & CVC2?

Your credit or debit card can have any one of four different security codes:

The three-digit CVV printed on your credit or debit card. This number is sometimes called as well as CVC2 as it includes the bank’s identifying number.

Printed on your credit or debit card. This number is sometimes called as well as CVC2 as it includes the bank’s identifying number. The three-digit CSC code, which is a dynamic code that changes with each purchase and can be generated from the CVV or CVV2 numbers.

Code, which is a dynamic code that changes with each purchase and can be generated from the or numbers. The four-digit CVC2 number used by ATM cards to withdraw cash from an ATM machine. This code is also called CVV2 because it’s the same as the card verification value printed on your credit card.