CVV stands for Card Verification Value. This code is usually composed of a three-digit number provided by the companies that make the bank cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard, etc.). The CVV code is usually located on the back of the card, although in some cases it may be found on the front.

The CVV (Card Verification Value) is a critical 3-digit or 4-digit security code used to verify that the person making a purchase actually has physical possession of the card. On most Visa, Mastercard, and Discover debit cards, the 3-digit CVV is located on the back of the card, usually to the right of the signature strip. For American Express cards, it is a 4-digit code located on the front, just above the main card number. This code acts as a second layer of defense against "Card-Not-Present" (CNP) fraud. While a merchant might store your 16-digit card number and expiration date for convenience, international security standards (PCI-DSS) strictly prohibit them from storing your CVV. This means even if a retailer's database is hacked, the fraudsters cannot complete new online transactions without that code. It is essential to never share your CVV with anyone over the phone or via email, as it is the final "key" needed to unlock your funds in the digital marketplace.