The CVC (Card Verification Code) or CVV (Card Verification Value) is a security feature for credit and debit cards used to verify that the cardholder is in possession of the card during online or phone transactions. It is a three or four-digit code that is not embossed on the card, unlike the card number, and is therefore unlikely to be known by anyone other than the card owner. The CVC is located on the back of the card on the right side of the white signature strip, and it is always the last three digits in case of Visa and MasterCard. American Express cards have a four-digit code on the front of the card. The CVC is also known as the Card Security Code (CSC), Card Verification Value Code (CVV2), Card Verification Code (CVC2), or Personal Security Code (CID) depending on the card company. The CVC is used as a security feature for card not present transactions, where a personal identification number (PIN) cannot be manually entered by the cardholder.