What is a CVV on your ATM card
The Card Verification Value (CVV) on your ATM card is a three or four-digit security code located on the back (for Visa, Mastercard, and Discover) or front (for American Express) of your card. It is used as an additional security feature for online and over-the-phone transactions. CVV helps verify that you are the cardholder by providing a unique code not present on the magnetic stripe or embossed on the card. It adds a layer of protection against unauthorised use, as it is usually required along with the card number and expiration date to complete a transaction, reducing the risk of fraud.
Components of a CVV
The Card Verification Value (CVV) consists of three or four digits, depending on the card network. It is a security feature designed to help verify that the person making a purchase actually possesses the card. The components of the CVV are:
- Location: On Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards, the CVV is a three-digit code located on the back of the card, typically to the right of the signature panel.
- Format: American Express cards have a four-digit CVV, which is printed on the front of the card, usually above the card number and to the right.
- Security: The CVV is not encoded in the card's magnetic stripe or embossed on the card, making it an additional layer of security for card-not-present transactions, such as online or over-the-phone purchases.
