Credit Card CVV number
Performing online purchases using your credit card requires a certain set of information to complete the payment procedures. The information includes the card number, name of the user, expiration date, and CVV number. The CVV is a specific security feature that enables the vendor to process your transaction and safeguards the users from unauthorised transactions.
Here are more details about the CVV number, its meaning, purpose, and other related information.
What Does CVV Stand for?
CVV stands for Card Verification Value which stores vital and unique data related to your card and is recovered while swiping through a magnetic reader machine for offline transactions. Depending upon the type of credit card, the CVV varies significantly. Here is the list of the type of CVV for the respective card types:
Issuer | Acronym | Full Form |
MasterCard | CVC | Card Validation Code |
Debit Card | CSC (Common Service Center) | Card Security Code |
Discover | CID | Card Identification Number |
Visa | CVV | Card Verification Value |
What is CVV?
CVV is the Card Verification Value of the credit or debit card, which is present at the back of the card. This is not the card’s secret PIN and is used to retrieve user data while performing online purchases. CVV is a three- or four-digit number, which depends upon the type of credit card.
How is a CVV Generated?
The CVV number is generated by the bank using an unknown precise algorithm. The algorithm uses certain specific information, such as:
- Pair of DES (Data Encryption Standard) keys
- Primary account number
- Four-digit expiration dates
- Three-digit service code
Where is CVV on the Credit Card?
The location CVV on your credit card depends upon the card type. The Discover cards, Visa cards, or MasterCard have the CVV number just inside or above the signature strip. While a four-digit CVV is present on the front and above the Amex logo of the American Express card.
Components of a CVV Number
The following are the two significant components of the credit card CVV number:
- Visible CVV: This CVV code is visible and is present on the backside of the card. This is required when performing online transactions.
- Invisible CVV: This CVV is covered in a magnetic strip and hence, not visible. This unique data regarding your credit card is recovered when the card is swiped through the magnetic reader machine.
Purpose of CVV Number
The following are the primary purposes of a credit card CVV number:
- Prevention of fraudulent digital transactions
- Two types of CVV numbers are provided for enhanced security
- One CVV code is encoded in the magnetic strip used for in-person transactions
- The other CVV code is visible and is often used during online purchase
- Provides an extra layer of protection by not letting you enter the code each time you make an online purchase
Difference Between CVV and PIN
Here is the list of differences between a CVV number and PIN:
Parameters | CVV Number | PIN |
Full form | Card Verification Value | Personal Identification Number |
Length of the digits | Three to four digits | Four digits or more for some cards |
Requirement | Online transaction | Cash advances through credit card or cash withdrawal through debit card |
Validity | Permanent; designated along with the card and cannot be changed by the user | Temporary; generated by the bank and can be changed periodically by the user |
How Can I Protect My Credit Card CVV Number?
CVV number on your credit card is vital financial information that should be protected efficiently, and the user may fall victim to credit card fraud. The following are the steps to protect CVV:
- Keep a regular track of your account activity: To ensure your CVV is safe, review your online transactions regularly. Figure out unwanted charges, if imposed, and reach out to the issuing bank of the credit card to make sure that the charges are authenticated by the bank.
- Ensure your domestic Wi-Fi connection is password protected: Keep your Wi-Fi connection well-protected with a strong password to prevent unauthorised usage of the internet connection. Keeping your Wi-Fi password protected will prevent anyone from tracking your internet traffic or accessing your online information.
- Enter credit card information on a secured website: Sharing credit card information on any web page can be quite risky. Avoid credit card transactions on websites without ‘https:’ and those pages that come without SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) padlock.
- Using VPN (Virtual Private Network) software while using an external internet connection: Sharing personal details and financial information online while using a public network is risky. Make sure to use VPN (a virtual private network) software to protect your sensitive information even while traveling.
- Protect your system by installing an anti-virus: Hackers use various techniques to steal your credit card or other information. Installing an anti-virus in your system protects your vital data from getting hacked by scanning keyboard-logging software and other tools.
- Avoid any external request for your details: Never share your personal or credit card details with anyone on social media platforms to avoid unauthorized transactions using your credit.
- Avoid sharing photos of credit cards externally: To avoid unauthorised transactions online, avoid sharing photos of your card with your friends or relatives on social media. This could be dangerous as the information may be utilised by others for making unauthorised purchases.
FAQs on Credit Card CVV Number
- Can I check my CVV online?
The purpose of CVV is to safeguard the card information and identity of the cardholder, hence, CVV number cannot be searched online. It can only be found in physical form on the back of the card.
- Does a new card have a new CVV?
Yes, if you apply for a new card then the CVV code provided with the card will be new. Generally, no two cards come with the same CVV code.
- Is it safe to share CVV number?
No, CVV is vital credit card data which should not be shared anywhere externally to avoid unauthorized transactions.
- Can someone use my credit card without CVV?
No, credit cards cannot be accessed without the CVV code. Someone who has access to your credit card cannot make online purchases as the retailers will not allow those transactions without entering the CVV number. All transactions done using MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit and debit cards require the three digits CVV code.
- Does ATM need CVV?
No, CVV number is not needed for ATM cash withdrawals, PIN change, balance enquiry or other activities using ATM card. Instead of CVV number PIN is used for any transaction done using ATM card.
- Can CVV be cracked?
No, CVV cannot be cracked by anyone. The credit and debit card issuing companies provided three time try method after which the card gets disabled or blocked for 24 hours.
- How do hackers get CVV?
Hackers obtain the CVV from the credit card through two main methods such as ‘Phishing’ and ‘Keylogger’. Phishing involves screen capture malware, DNS cache poisoning, and tricky links that are used to get the CVV. While Keylogger technique involves illegal installation on the website and duplicating and capturing sensitive information of customers.
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