What is a CCV Number?

CCV is an authentication scheme established by credit card companies to further efforts towards reducing fraud for internet transactions. It consists of requiring a card holder to enter the CCV number at transaction time to verify that the card is on hand.

Diagram showing the 3-digit CCV number on the back of a Visa or MasterCard in the signature area

Visa & MasterCard

This number is printed on your card in the signature area on the back. It is the last 3 digits after the credit card number in the signature area.

Diagram showing the 4-digit CCV number on the front of an American Express card above the card number

American Express

A 4-digit number printed on the front of the card, just above your credit card number.