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What is CVV2?
CVV2 is an important security feature for credit
card transactions on the Internet and over the
phone. "CVV" stands for "Card Verification
Value" (Discover Card calls it the "Cardmember
ID"). It is the three-digit number printed in the
signature space on the back of most credit
cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and Discover
cards. The CVV2 number is always the last
group of numbers in the signature space on the
back of the card. It is not part of your regular
credit card number.
It is a four-digit number on the front of American
Express cards. It is printed (flat), not embossed
like the card number.
The CVV2 number enhances fraud protection
and helps to validate two things:
The customer has the credit card in their
possession.
The credit card number is legitimate
By helping to prevent credit card fraud, the
CVV2 number keeps costs down for everyone.
