By Ben Luthi
Edited by Michelle TipswordWhat Is a Credit Card CVV Number?
By Ben LuthiEdited by Michelle Tipsword
Quick Answer
A CVV is a three- or four-digit code printed on your credit card that helps verify you have the physical card when you make online or phone purchases, adding a layer of protection against fraud.
When you buy something online or over the phone, you're often asked to enter a short security code along with your card number and expiration date. That code is your CVV, and it plays a key role in protecting you from fraud. Here's what the CVV on your credit card does, where to find it and how to keep it safe.
What Is a CVV on a Credit Card?
A CVV is a three- or four-digit security code printed on your credit card that helps verify you have the physical card in your possession. CVV stands for card verification value, and it's designed to add a layer of protection against fraud when your card isn't physically present at checkout.
Different card networks use different names for this code, but they all serve the same purpose. Depending on the type of card you have, it may also be referred to as a CVV2, CVC2, card security code (CSC) or card identification number (CID). Regardless of the name, merchants use it to confirm a purchase is likely being made by the legitimate cardholder.
Learn more: Pros and Cons of Virtual Credit Cards
Where to Find Your CVV
The location of your CVV depends on which card network issued your card. For Visa, Mastercard and Discover, the three-digit code is printed on the back of the card, typically to the right of where the signature panel is or was.
For American Express cards, the four-digit CID is printed on the front of the card, above and to the right of the card number.
What's the Purpose of a CVV?
The main purpose of a CVV is to prove you have the physical card during transactions where a merchant can't see or swipe it. These are known as card-not-present transactions, and they're one of the most common targets for fraud.
You'll typically be asked to enter your CVV in the following situations:
- Online purchases: Most e-commerce sites require a CVV at checkout, especially for first-time purchases.
- Phone orders: A customer service rep will often ask for your CVV when you place an order by phone.
- Adding a card to an app or digital wallet: Services like Apple Pay, PayPal and subscription apps often request a CVV when you first link a card.
- Some recurring billing setups: You may be asked for your CVV during the initial setup, though merchants can't store it for future charges.
You generally won't need your CVV for in-person transactions. When you tap, insert or swipe your card at a payment terminal, the terminal reads the chip or magnetic stripe to verify the card, so the CVV isn't required.
How Your CVV Protects You From Identity Theft
CVVs add an extra layer of defense against identity theft and unauthorized transactions. Under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), merchants and service providers are prohibited from storing your CVV after a transaction is authorized, even if you give them permission.
So even if a thief hacks into a merchant's database and steals stored card numbers and expiration dates, they shouldn't walk away with your CVV. Without it, many online and phone merchants will reject a transaction, which limits what a thief can do with the stolen information.
That said, the CVV isn't a silver bullet. Thieves can still get your full card information through the following:
- Phishing scams: Fraudsters may send fake emails or texts that trick you into entering your full card details on a spoofed website.
- Malware: Malicious software on a merchant's systems or your own device can capture card data, including the CVV, as you enter it.
- Physical theft: If someone steals your actual card, they have the CVV printed right on it.
Best credit cards of 2026
Compare cards from our partners with intro bonuses, cash back or points offers, and annual fees as low as $0.
Offers from our partners
Citi Double Cash® Card
Intro APR:0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Ongoing APR:17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Rewards:2% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Intro bonus:As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
Intro APR:0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1% - 3% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Intro APR:0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Ongoing APR:17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR
Rewards:N/A*
Annual Fee:$0
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Intro APR:0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases
Ongoing APR:16.49% - 27.24% (Variable)
Rewards:N/A*
Annual Fee:$0
FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® - $400 Credit Limit
Ongoing APR:35.90% Fixed
Rewards:N/A*
Annual Fee:$99 first year; $125 thereafter
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:29.99%*
Rewards:2% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0*
The opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Ongoing APR:23.89% Variable
Rewards:10% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$35
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Intro bonus:As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
Intro APR:0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1% - 6% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.90% Fixed
Rewards:N/A*
Annual Fee:$75 - $125
Credit One Bank® Secured Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0*
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Ongoing APR:18.74% - 26.74% (Variable)
Rewards:1% - 5% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
American Express® Gold Card
Intro bonus:As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Ongoing APR:See Pay Over Time APR
Rewards:1x - 5x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$325
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$75*
Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:19.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
Rewards:1x - 6x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$350
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$75 first year; then $99/year
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$39*
Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa Signature® Metal Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% - 5% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$95
First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard® Cash Back Rewards
Ongoing APR:13.49% Variable
Rewards:1% - 10% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$49
Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa® Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$39
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% - 10% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$95
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Intro bonus:100,000 Points
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:3x - 7x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$0
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Intro bonus:As High As 100,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1x - 3x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$650
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Intro bonus:As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1x - 2x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Credit One Bank® Premier American Express® Unlimited Rewards Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Intro bonus:10,000 Miles
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1x - 2x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$0
PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card
Ongoing APR:See Rates & Fees
Rewards:N/A*
Annual Fee:See Rates & Fees
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard® - $500 Credit Limit
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$125 first year; then $125.04/year ($10.42/mo)
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0*
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$75*
See all our best credit cards for 2026.
Is It Safe to Share Your CVV?
It's safe to share your CVV with a legitimate merchant during a purchase, but only then. The CVV exists to be used at checkout, so entering it on a trusted retailer's secure website or giving it to a reputable company over the phone is generally fine.
But, you should never provide it in response to an unsolicited email, text or phone call, even if the sender claims to be from your bank or a company you use. This is also true for websites you land on by clicking a link in a suspicious message or anyone offering to "verify" your account or confirm a suspicious charge.
Be aware: Your card issuer will never call or email you out of the blue and ask for your CVV. If someone does, assume it's a scam.
Learn more: The Latest Scams You Need to Be Aware Of
Tips to Keep Your Credit Card Information Safe
A CVV is just one layer of protection. The following habits can help keep your full card information out of the wrong hands:
- Shop on secure sites. Look for "https" and a padlock icon in the address bar before entering card details. Avoid entering card information over public Wi-Fi without a virtual private network.
- Use digital wallets when possible. Services like Apple Pay and Google Pay use tokenization, which replaces your card number with a unique code for each transaction.
- Set up transaction alerts. Most issuers let you get a text or push notification for every purchase, which helps you spot fraud quickly.
- Avoid saving cards on unfamiliar sites. The fewer places your card is stored, the smaller your exposure if a retailer is breached.
- Watch out for skimmers. Inspect card readers at gas pumps and ATMs for loose parts or unusual attachments before inserting your card. Card skimmers can pull your card information.
- Keep your card in view at restaurants. Alternatively, you can pay with a contactless method so your card never leaves your hand.
- Monitor your accounts. Check your credit card and bank statements often for charges you don't recognize.
Tip: Many card issuers offer a virtual card number feature, which lets you generate a temporary card number and CVV for online shopping. If the number is stolen, the thief can't use it elsewhere or for long.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
A CVV is a simple but effective tool that helps keep your credit card secure during online and phone purchases. Still, no single security feature can stop every threat, so it's smart to back it up with good habits like monitoring your accounts, avoiding suspicious links and shopping only on trusted sites.
You can also keep a closer eye on your personal and financial information with free credit monitoring from Experian. You'll get alerts about key changes to your Experian credit report, so you can act quickly if something looks off.
Don’t apply blindly
Apply for credit cards confidently with personalized offers based on your credit profile. Get started with your FICO® Score for free.
See your offers
About the author
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi has worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance, and writes about all aspects of money. His work has appeared in Time, Success, USA Today, Credit Karma, NerdWallet, Wirecutter and more.
Read more from Ben