What's the CVV Code?

On Visa & MasterCard, the CVV Code is the last group of 3 or 4 digits to be found printed on the signature strip on the reverse side of the card.

In the example shown here, the CVV Code is 123.

On some cards, the complete credit card number is shown on the signature strip, followed by the CVV Code. On others, only the last four digits of the card number are shown, followed by the CVV Code.

How is security improved by using the CVV Code?
The CVV Code can only be found on the card itself and nowhere else, not even on associated credit card statements. This means that the person requesting the transaction must have (or have had) the card in their hands.

Requiring that a card transaction is validated with the CVV Code provides good protection against fraudulent use of a card number that has been obtained without permission or that has simply been guessed. It protects you against other people trying to use your card number fraudulently.

A CVV Code is required for every credit card transaction.

The CVV Code is only stored temporarily for the purpose of executing an outstanding transaction. Once a transaction has been processed, the CVV Code is deleted permanently from our transaction database.

The CVV Code is passed electronically (using encryption).

Transaction failures caused by CVV validation errors are always investigated and if appropriate, escalated to the credit card company.

Don't have a CVV Code?

If your credit card does not have a CVV Code, or it is unreadable, please contact us and we will process your transaction manually. Manual transactions without a CVV Code may require a second form of picture ID which you can fax, e-mail, or mail to us.