A CVV (Card Verification Value) is a security feature for credit and debit cards used in card-not-present transactions, where a personal identification number cannot be used. It is a series of numbers printed on the card, not embossed, and is different from the bank card number. The CVV is used to verify that a payment card is actually in the hand of the merchant. There are two types of CVVs found on bank cards:

• CVV1: This is a three-digit code encoded on track one and two of the magnetic stripe of the card and used for card-present transactions, with signature. It is automatically read by the POS terminal when making a payment or receiving a refund in a shop.

• CVV2: This is a three- or four-digit code printed on the back of the card and used for card-not-present transactions, including online purchases. It is also known as CVC2, CSC, or several other names. In some countries in Western Europe, card issuers require a merchant to obtain the code when the cardholder is not present in person.

The CVV number helps protect cardholders from unauthorized transactions by providing a second layer of protection. It is different from a personal identification number (PIN), which is typically used for in-person payments or using a debit card at an ATM. The CVV number is also known by other names, including card security code (CSC), card verification code (CVC), card validation code 2 (CVC2), and card identification number (CID) .

It is important to note that CVV numbers are not the same as PIN numbers, and you should never enter your PIN number when asked to provide your CVV. As a security measure, merchants who require the CVV2 for "card not present" transactions are required by the card issuer not to store the CVV2 once the individual transaction is authorized. Virtual terminals and payment gateways do not store the CVV2 code.