CVV2/CVC2 is a three digit security code, on the back of the card. These digits are in the signature area, where the numbers are written to the left (please view example). This code is a supplementary safety element for validating an authentic card during a transaction. All MasterCard cards, debit or credit, issued after January 1st, 1997 have a CVC2 code; all Visa cards issued after January 1st, 2001 have the CVV2 code.

When you enter your Visa credit/debit card details during checkout, you will also be required to enter the CVC2 or CVV2 Code. The CVC2⁄CVV2 Code is the last three digits security code which is printed on the back of the credit/debit card. See similar questions...

Answer: The CVV2/CVC2 is a three-digit security code that is printed on the back of credit cards. The number appears in reverse italic at the top of the signature panel at the end. This program helps validate that a genuine card is being used during a transaction. All MasterCard cards, both credit and debit, were required to contain CVC2 by January 1, 1997; all Visa cards must contain CVV2 by January 1, 2001. See similar questions...

It is never acceptable for acquirers, merchants, or service providers to retain CVV2 & CVC2, which consists of the last three digits printed on the signature panel of all Visa & MasterCard cards, subsequent to transaction authorization. The Visa & MasterCard Operating Regulations prohibit such storage, whether encrypted or unencrypted. See similar questions...

Those 3 (or 4 for American Express) digits are for a fraud-prevention system used by our credit card processor to verify that the customer actually has the card. Since those numbers do not appear on any statement or receipt, only the cardholder would have access to it. We require the Card ID as well as the billing address to match the numbers on file with your credit card company in order to accept your card as payment. See similar questions...