Why require a CVV Number?

CVV is an important security feature for credit card transactions on the Internet and over the phone. "CVV" stands for "Card Verification Value" (Discover Card calls it the "Card member ID"). Requiring the CVV2 number on electronic transactions substantially decreases fraudulent card use and increases protection for both the cardholder and the merchant. It further insures legitimate and authorized use of a credit card by validating that the the customer has the credit card in their possession and that the card number is legitimate.

VISA • MASTERCARD • DISCOVER

The CVV code is the three-digit number printed in the signature space on the back of credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards. The CVV2 number is always the last group of three numbers in the signature space on the back side of the card after the sixteen digit credit card number.

AMEX

The CVV code is a four-digit number on the front of American Express cards. It is printed (flat), not embossed like the card number and is located above the final card number group.