In the age of online shopping, credit card brands have had to get serious about security. One solution they’ve rolled out is the CVV-–the Card Verification Value. You’ve probably used this feature as a customer yourself! This is a 3-digit number on the back of the card that is used to prevent fraud in the case of online orders (Note: American Express cards have a four-digit code on the front of the card instead). This code is entered onto the checkout page on the website and authorizes the transaction.

What Is CVV2?

CVV2 is just CVV, although is refers explicitly to the three digits on the back of the card which was developed for online usage of the card. The original CVV is encoded into the magnetic stripe. Similarly, Discover and American Express use the acronym CID –Card Identification Number, but the intent is the same as the CVV.  

How Does the CVV Protect Against Fraud?

When companies have their data compromised, customer card information can end up on the “Dark Web” where criminals can then buy the information. CVV offers an extra layer of security that is meant to protect against fraud where the card thief purchases the card number online, and because they are not in physical possession of the card and they cannot know the CVV number.