What is the CVV Number and How Do I Find It on the ATM Card?

It is often said there should be no secrets among friends and family. However, this does not apply to your ATM card. It may be difficult but there are perfect reasons why the details on your ATM card should be kept secret. The details prominently printed on a credit card include the full name of the cardholder, card number, date of issue, and date of expiry.

These details are the first level of financial security and should not be shared with anyone under any circumstance. The most crucial number though on your card is the CVV and you must be careful with it.

The CVV needs to be kept secret to safeguard your card against misuse by unauthorized persons. So even if your ATM card is just stuck in your wallet as you stay indoors, the CVV may be used if you are transacting online.

CVV – Card Verification Value

CVV stands for Card Verification Value. This number is crucial for completing online transactions and must be kept an absolute secret.

It is specifically designed to protect you from credit card fraud The CVV number is generated by credit card issuers based on the Credit Card Number, Service code Card, expiry date, and Issuer’s unique code

Where to Locate Your CVV

Locating the CVV is simple. It is the three-digit number on the back of your credit card. For other types of credit cards, it could also be a four-digit number printed on the front.

For Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards, the CVV is a three-digit number and it will usually appear on the back of the card, however, the American Express cards have a four-digit CVV number and they appear on the front of the card.

Parts of the CVV Number

There are two parts to the CVV number The first part is covered in a striped magnetic strip. It contains crucial unique data about your credit card.

This information can be retrieved when the card goes through a magnetic reader machine. The second part consists of digits that need to be entered while making an online or telephonic transaction. This security number is one of the many advantages of a credit card.

Purpose of the CVV

The CVV number was designed for several purposes, below are some of them:

CVV is to credit card what a stable security system is to an organization.
It helps safeguard your credit card against theft, fraud, or unauthorized transactions. •

The CVV guarantees that only the card owner uses their card.

How to Protect Your CVV

Below are some of the ways to protect your CVV:

Be careful when saving your credit card or debit card information Saving your credit card or debit card information online might make checkout a breeze.
Be Careful with legitimate online merchants and websites There are illegitimate businesses on the internet.
Watch out for phishing attempts that could come in the form of random text messages or strange calls.
Be careful with your personal information. Never share them with anyone or click on any links you believe are fraudulent.
Save your receipts to compare them with your monthly statement. When it’s time to get rid of old cards, statements, and receipts, make sure you’re careful about how you get rid of them.

FAQS

Is CVV/PIN the same?

The PIN is your card’s Personal Identification Number and it is used for making in-person transactions with the card or at ATMs. However, the CVV is used for transactions done over the phone.

What if I swipe my card?

Unlike other details of a card, the CVV itself cannot be stored during the process of swiping or while punching online.

However, if the CVV provides security, it does not prevent users from the caution they should take while using a credit card especially that of not sharing the CVV with others.

How are CVVs assigned?

CVV numbers are issued based on several factors, including: Account number Expiration date Card network

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