Understanding the 3 Numbers on the Back of Your Credit Card

The three numbers on the back of your credit card are a crucial piece of information that helps prevent unauthorized transactions and protect your identity.

These numbers are known as the Card Verification Value (CVV) and are usually a 3-digit code.

The CVV is a security feature that helps verify the card is being used by its rightful owner.

It's usually located on the back of the card, towards the right-hand side, and is not stored in any database or digital record.

The back of a credit card is home to a few important numbers, but one stands out: the CVV code. This three- or four-digit code is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized purchases.

The CVV is printed on the back of your credit card, rather than embossed in raised lettering. This makes it harder for thieves to get their hands on it.

Here's where you'll find the CVV code on different types of cards:

The CVV code is not the same as a card's PIN, which is a separate security code used for in-person purchases or cash advances.

The CVV adds another layer of protection by making it difficult for hackers to use stolen card numbers without the code.

Security standards in the payment industry prohibit merchants from storing CVV numbers, so even if a database is compromised, hackers won't have the CVV and can't use the stolen card numbers.

This means that if your data is stolen, the CVV won't be included with it, making it of limited use elsewhere.

The CVV adds another layer of protection, making it harder for hackers to use stolen card numbers. This is because security standards prohibit merchants from storing CVV numbers.

Even if a database is compromised, hackers won't have the CVV and can't use the stolen card numbers anywhere that requires the code.

CVV numbers are only asked for when you first use a card, and from then on, the card is treated as valid for your account.

A PIN is a four-digit code that you can change, unlike a CVV number which is generated by the card issuer and printed onto the card.

You should change your PIN regularly to maintain account security, just like you would change your password.

A CVV number provides protection against identity theft, but it's not used to authorize account access like a PIN is.

In person, a PIN is used to access your account at an ATM or during an in-store transaction, making it a crucial part of in-person security measures.

Most card issuers use a three-digit code on credit and debit cards, including VISA, Mastercard, and Discover, while American Express uses a four-digit CVV.

The CVV is a three- or four-digit code that's printed on your credit card as a fraud-prevention measure.

You can find your credit card's CVV on the card itself, with Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards having a three-digit CVV printed on the back of the card, usually next to the signature panel, and American Express cards having a four-digit CVV located on the front of the card, just above and to the right of your account number.

Your credit card's expiration date is usually located on the front of the card, and it's essential to know it to make purchases online or over the phone.

It typically consists of a month and a year, and you'll need to provide this information when making a transaction.

Make sure to check your card regularly to ensure you're aware of the expiration date, so you're not caught off guard when it's about to expire.

The expiration date serves as a security feature to prevent expired cards from being used for purchases, and it's often linked to the card's validity period.

The location of your credit card's CVV (Card Verification Value) depends on the type of card you have.

Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards have a three-digit CVV printed on the back of the card, usually next to the signature panel.

American Express cards have a four-digit CVV located on the front of the card, just above and to the right of your account number.

To avoid confusion, note that the last four digits of your card's account number may also appear on the back of the card, but these four numbers don't count as your CVV and shouldn't be entered when prompted online for your CVV.