CVV stands for Card Verification Value, which is a unique code printed on payment cards that is used to authorize payments made online or over the phone. It is a three- or four-digit number on VISA, MasterCard, and Discover branded credit and debit cards, and a four-digit numeric code on American Express branded credit or debit cards. The CVV number is generated by credit card issuers based on the following details:

• CVV1: This is the code that is encrypted in the cards magnetic strip, so it is not visible. This type of verification code is automatically read by the POS (Point of Sale) terminal when we make a payment or receive a refund in a shop.

• CVV2: This is the three-digit code printed on the back of the card that we are asked for when making a purchase online. Those digits are not stored in the payment gateway and will therefore be requested each time we make a transaction.

The CVV code is usually located on the back of the card, although in some cases, it may be found on the front. It is essential for completing online transactions and should never be shared with anyone. The CVV number offers an additional layer of security to card transactions as it is unique to every card. It is not the same as the cards secret PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is used for making in-person transactions with the card or at ATMs.

To find the CVV number on a credit or debit card, look for a three- or four-digit number printed on the back of the card, just below the magnetic strip. The first three or four digits of the CVV number are hidden by the magnetic strip, leaving only the last three digits visible. The four-digit CVV on an American Express card is printed on the front of the card, over the right side of the account number.