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What is a Credit Card CVV Number?

Find out what the 3 digits on the back of your card mean and how they're used to protect you.

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By

Adrienne Fuller

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Emma Balmforth

Updated

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If you’re using your credit card to make a purchase online or over the phone, you’ll usually be asked to provide the name on your card, the account number, expiration date and something called your CVV number, or security code. These 3 or 4 digits are usually located on the back of your card and are used to help protect your finances when using your card.
What is a credit card CCV / CVC number image

What is a credit card CVV or CVC number?

Your CVV (card verification value or card verification code) is a 3 or 4-digit number found on the back of your credit card (or on the front of an American Express credit card). It is also commonly referred to as your credit card’s security code.

The CVV is an anti-fraud measure used when you’re not making a purchase in person and you can’t enter a PIN or sign a receipt. You’re often asked to enter your CVV number if you’re shopping online or making a purchase over the phone. This is so the merchant or payee can verify that you are indeed the cardholder, which can avoid people using your card for fraudulent transactions.

Where do I find my credit card CVV number?

If you have a Visa or Mastercard branded credit or debit card, it’ll be a 3 digit number located on the back of your card next to your signature. If you’re using an American Express issued card, the CVV will be a four-digit number found on the front of your card next to your account number.

How do credit cards work?

1234 5678 9111 121401/01REBECCA KENNEDYEXPIRYCARD HOLDERCARD NUMBER1234 5678 9111 121401/01REBECCA KENNEDYEXPIRYCARD HOLDERCARD NUMBER1212121Like the magnetic stripe, the chip contains your credit card number and expiration date. Unlike the stripe, the chip interacts with the machine that is reading it and encrypts the data and authenticate it more securely. 1234The first one or two digits of the card usually represents whether your card is a Visa, MasterCard or AMEX. The following six or so digits are the card number. The second to the fifth or sixth digits signifies the financial institution or bank that has distributed the card. The 16th number is usually the check digit (used to make sure the number is valid). The expiry digits refers to the month and year that your card will expire.6578On all cards, the CVV number (Card Verification Value) is the three-digit (Visa and MasterCard security number on the back of your card. For American Express it is a four-digit security number on the back of your card.

How do credit cards work?

Hover over parts of the card to learn more about what they do

1234 5678 9111 121401/01REBECCA KENNEDYEXPIRYCARD HOLDERCARD NUMBERChipLike the magnetic stripe, the chip contains your credit card number and expiration date. Unlike the stripe, the chip interacts with the machine that is reading it and encrypts the data and authenticate it more securely. The first one or two digits of the card usually represents whether your card is a Visa, MasterCard or AMEX. The second to the fifth or sixth number signifies the financial institution or bank that has distributed the card. The following six or so digits are the card number. The 16th number is usually the check digit (used to make sure the number is valid). The expiry digits refers to the month and year that your card will expire.
121Magnetic StripeThe magnetic stripe on credit cards holds information on a strip containing tiny iron-based magnetic particles. Your magnetic strip transmits your credit card number and expiration to any machine that can read it.CVV NumberOn all cards, the CVV number (Card Verification Value) is the three-digit (Visa and MasterCard) or four-digit (for American Express) security number on the back of your card.
Flip the card

Since the CVV number is only printed on your card, it’s important that you keep your card safe and secure. If your card is lost or stolen, anyone could use the card to make online purchases or over the phone transactions without your permission. If this does happen, contact your card issuer immediately to cancel or freeze the card and keep an eye on your statement to report any fraudulent transactions. The CVV number is a Secure Socket Layer (SSL), which is a commonly used technology that has a digitally provided certification process.

Credit card CVV scams

While the CVV number is in place to protect your credit card from fraudulent transactions or phishing scams when using your card for online or phone transactions, it’s important to know that you could still fall victim to a credit card scam. That’s why it’s important to only use your credit card on secure sites and with trustworthy merchants, in addition to keeping track of your credit card statement to spot any suspicious transactions. If you do come across one, make sure to contact your bank immediately to report the issue and protect your finances.

Compare credit cards

Interested in a new credit card? Compare cards below that suit your needs whether you’re looking for rewards, cashback, or low balance transfer interest rates.

Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
OFFER
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
10% cash back
Up to 2% cash back
19.95%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
Apply now
More Info
BMO CashBack Mastercard
BMO CashBack Mastercard
5% cash back
Up to 3% cash back
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
Apply now
More Info
Tangerine World Mastercard
OFFER
Tangerine World Mastercard
10% cash back
Up to 2% cash back
19.95%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until October 31, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
Apply now
More Info
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
55,000 points
Up to 1 point per $1 spent
20.99%
$120
Min. recommended credit score: 650
Get up to 55,000 Welcome Points (value of up to $1,100). Apply by November 27, 2023.
Apply now
More Info
American Express Cobalt Card
American Express Cobalt Card
30,000 points
Up to 5x points per $1 spent
20.99%
$155.88
Min. recommended credit score: 700
Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your card (up to 30,000 points). That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
Apply now
More Info
RBC ION+ Visa
RBC ION+ Visa
12,000 points
3 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$48
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 12,000 Avion points when you get approved for the card. Apply by October 31, 2023.
Apply now
More Info
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
0.99% rate on balance transfers for 9 months
N/A
13.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived in the first year.
Apply now
More Info
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