What do the letters cvv cvc mean? The meaning of the cvv2 and cvc2 codes on the back of a bank card - why they are needed and security measures

CVV2 is a unique three-digit number used on bank cards to ensure the security of payments made on them. A similar code is assigned to absolutely all cards, regardless of the issuing bank; its use is regulated by the system itself in which your card was issued. Code cvv2 and cvc2 on various maps means the same thing, only the first is used exclusively for Visa cards, and the other is also applicable to MasterCard, and is often indicated specifically for them. Also analogous to this code is the CID used American system American Express. Unlike the PIN code, this will be revised in the only exceptional case - if the card was reissued by the bank.

How to find out CVV2 CVC2 on a Visa card

It’s not difficult to figure out where cvv2 cvc2 is on the visa card. You can find cvv2 on the back plastic card. As a rule, it is indicated by the last three digits on the signature column. Such three digits are usually separated by a space from the entire number indicated on the back of the card; in some versions of the card they are not just printed on the plastic, but are embossed on it. It is important to note that such a code is not included in the general card number and is always used exclusively as an independent means of protecting a payment instrument.

On some types of cards, for example, on VisaElectron, such a code is not printed. To find out, the card owner needs to contact the bank with a special request. The support service will definitely provide him with the necessary data. Most often they are sent as SMS messages. In some cases, the cvc2 code is not indicated on the visa card only for the reason that this map is not initially suitable for virtual calculations, and such a number was not initially assigned to it at all. In this case, it is recommended to issue an additional card of a different type, which will give you the opportunity

Why do you need a cvc2 code for a visa card?

The main purpose of this code is to carry out CNP (transactions in which the card itself does not participate, but its details are taken). Typically, such transactions are carried out in online stores, but only in those where they do not use alternative technologies, including 3-D Secure. Such transactions allow you to make payments at the international level, ordering the products you are interested in with shipment to any country. The location of the issuing bank itself will not matter in this case.

In addition to online payments, this code is also used for other mutual settlements. Usually it is entered if the information from the magnetic stripe of the card is not read. Similar payments using the cvv2 cvc2 visa card are carried out in stores and restaurants that are not equipped with conventional terminals.

How to use cvc2 code for visa card

In mutual settlements, using the cvv2 cvc2 code indicated on the visa card is not difficult. To do this you should use the following algorithm:

  • Go to the portal you are interested in, select the products or services you need, and add them to your cart.
  • Go to the ordering menu and fill in all bank card details.
  • Look for the data entry box. It can be designated as a security code, identification code, or CVV2/CVC2/CID, or even CSC. All these symbols indicate the same verification number. various types credit cards. Indicate the meaning of your code in it.
  • You send data to the online store and wait for the transaction to be carried out on this account. It can be positive if you entered all the data correctly, or negative if there was an error in the code, or you exceeded the limit on your own card.
  • If the operation was successful, the funds will be automatically withdrawn from your account, and you will certainly receive a notification.

Unfortunately, using the card to pay in various stores will only be possible if you have this code. If it is not there, you will not be able to fill out the form correctly and send it to the seller. This also applies to mutual settlements in regular stores or restaurants, where you are asked for a similar code. In this case, the transaction will not be possible, even if you provided the card and are ready to sign the check.

Increasing number of cyber crimes related to theft Money from bank cards, forcing payment system developers to generate new, more advanced security tools for their technological solutions. Programmers add more user IDs to protect client data from being compromised. To protect online payments, three-digit combination systems cvc2, cvv2 and others have been developed.

What is the security code on Sberbank cards?

Bank clients who prefer non-cash payments often have a question about what cvv2 cvc2 is on a bank card. Today, plastic payment instruments are serviced not only in ATMs and payment terminals; non-cash payments are actively used in online payments. When protecting personal information and available funds Manufacturers Visa, Maestro, Mastercard use a cvc code on the card.

CV code is a 3-digit combination that the transaction interface requests to confirm a payment or other operation that requires confirmation of the payer’s identity.

Types of three-digit codes on Sberbank cards

Three-digit combinations are unique, their markings depend on the manufacturer of plastic cards - cvc2, cvv2, etc. For example, the cvc2 code on the card means it belongs to MasterCard. cvv2 passwords indicate that the payment instrument belongs to the Visa system. Passwords not only identify the owner, but also confirm the authenticity of the bank card used. If the code is not displayed on the reverse side in a special field, then it is entered directly into the magnetic tape and the authenticity of the payment instrument is confirmed at the time of purchase.

Where is the security code?

On Sberbank and other cards financial institutions, three-digit security combinations are located in specially designated fields under the magnetic tape. Some versions of Visa, Maestro, MasterCard have a code printed on the front side. You need to look carefully when searching: usually, cvv/cvc passwords are located at the end of a long numeric combination. Security code on Visa card always located on the reverse side. The password is placed only on the card and is not duplicated in the service agreement. Security combinations can be erased over time, so it is better to remember your unique three-digit identifier during the initial period of using your personal Visa or MasterCard.

Outdated models, such as Electron and Maestro, respectively, are not intended for paying for services and goods on the Internet, and therefore often do not have a separate unique number protection systems. Therefore, cards of these models can only be used to pay for purchases in off-line stores. In cases where it is necessary to know the number, you should contact the managers of the bank that issued the card.

This type of banking service is the issuance of online cards. These financial instruments do not have a plastic physical medium, but the system of their details completely replicates the data architecture traditional solutions from Mastercard or Visa. When using this technology, the security password is sent as a text message to the phone number attached to the online card.

Capabilities of cards with CVV/CVC protection

The code on a Sberbank card or the security code on a Visa card can be used when making online payments. Having chosen to pay by bank card, the client enters the following information in the appropriate fields:

  • Payer's name;
  • Individual Visa or MasterCard number (16 characters on the front side);
  • Expiration date;
  • Three digits from the field where the cvv/cvc code is indicated on the Sberbank card.

After submitting the form, the client usually receives payment confirmation if there are sufficient funds on the bank card. Failure of the funds transfer system may be caused by the following factors:

  • The data was entered incorrectly (most often the data from the field where the cv code is located is entered incorrectly);
  • Limit on payment amount;
  • The bank card is not intended for transactions of this kind.

To make a payment, sometimes it is not enough to enter the combination on the back side (where the security code is located on the Sberbank card). The fact is that the entered security code on the Visa card initiates the operation of the one-time number combinations service.

One-time passwords are required when confirming payment and are sent as SMS. If the system is not connected, then transferring money from the card to the final recipient will not be possible. To plug automatic receipt One-time passwords are available at a bank branch or ATM.

Such cards have a wide range of remote payment actions. They pay for:

  • Shopping in online stores;
  • Utility services;
  • Services of TV and Internet providers;
  • Government services;
  • Money transfers.

Comprehensive protection of electronic transactions

The client must be aware that a cvv password alone will not ensure the safety of funds and the security of payments. Therefore, the payer must have a clear vision of the entire security package, which includes the following precautions:

  • When making payments, use anti-virus tools with an integrated secure payment function;
  • Enter card data only in the fields designated for this purpose in the payment service;
  • Connect a system for receiving one-time passwords to your cell phone number;
  • Enable a notification system for all income/expense transactions;
  • Monitor the card balance by periodically obtaining a detailed statement from a bank branch.

When making payments on the Internet and carrying out other operations, a verification code is used - CVV. It is located on the card itself and serves for additional identification of the user. For security purposes, it must be entered as a mandatory detail for payments that do not require the physical presence of a credit card. He is additional element security when conducting certain transactions.

What is CVV on the map

What is the CVV code on a PrivatBank card? It is a number consisting of three digits. The user can find it on a credit card. It is located on the back of the plastic below the magnetic stripe. Official code name CVV2, however, everyone prefers to call it simplified. The credit card has a panel for the owner's signature. There are three numbers on the right side of it - this is the number for verifying the authenticity of the card payment system.

Where is the CVV code on the PrivatBank card?

But it is not always possible to recognize it this way, since it is not present on some credit cards. If used frequently, the area where this number is printed may become damaged. In such cases, it is difficult to visually determine it. The bank makes it possible to find it out in the Privat24 system. This is also true for.

We look at the CVV code in Privat24

If for any reason there is no code or in the case where payment is made with virtual card, you can get it from Privat24. To do this you need:

  • log in to the Privat24 system;
  • enter the “My Accounts” menu;
  • select the credit card you want to use to receive the code;
  • click on the corresponding link on the right, above the “Card/Account Management” menu;
  • in the window that opens, click the “Next” button;
  • enter the password that will be sent to mobile phone to confirm the operation.

After this, a message will appear on the screen that the application for the code has been accepted for processing. After a few minutes, the user will receive an SMS on his mobile phone containing new data.

This option is also available in the “Card/Account Management” menu in Privat24, or immediately select "CVV code".


In the list of operations you need to select the CVV2 code and click “CVV code”. After this, a message will appear on the screen that the code can be found by pressing the button as shown in the figure below.


Security requirement

The above-mentioned data is prohibited from being passed on to third parties; this is one of the security requirements. The bank strongly does not recommend storing passwords on your phone. The received code must be remembered, and the SMS in which it was contained must be deleted.

If you have a bank credit card, you can not only withdraw cash, but also make payments. When paying in stores, ATMs, terminals, the legality of the transaction is verified by entering a PIN code that is known to the owner. When making payments online, a PIN code is not used. In this case, you must enter the details: number, expiration date, embossed name and the number indicated on the card. If you don’t have it, you can get it in the Privat24 system.

To make secure card payments on the Internet, a special level of protection has been developed: cvv, cvc or cid codes. An individual code is published on the back and entered when making online payments.

An additional set of three or four digits printed on the card (in the case of a virtual card, sent via SMS).

The name depends on the payment system:

  • for VISA - CVV2(stands for Card Verification Value 2);
  • for MasterCard - CVC2(stands for Card Verification Code 2);
  • for American Express - CID(stands for Card Identification);
  • for a relatively new payment system, SberBank)- special code using MirAccept technology ( MirAccept).

The Maestro payment system does not have the ability to make online payments, so there is no additional protection.

The CVV2 and CVC2 codes always have three characters, while the American payment system has an additional security code of four digits.

Important: A PIN code and a security code are two different things and should never be confused.

When working with different online stores, users may encounter several designations for this level of protection:

  • standard: CVC, CID, CVV;
  • "security number";
  • identification code;
  • “security code”, etc.

Where to look at the code on a bank card

The location of the digital code on the plastic also depends on the payment system. CVV2 and CVC2 are located on back side. The numbers must be written on the signature strip. For some products, banks make an exception and place numbers on the front side, next to the number. It is important not to confuse the code with the last digits of the number.

CID code in is always printed on the front side and located on the right half of the card. Numbers that provide additional protection are embossed into the plastic - simple application usually means that plastic product not valid.

For virtual card the code is sent in a special SMS message. Some banks offer clients to find out the numbers by calling a special phone number or waiting for the operator to call. The card holder must save the received data independently, because it is impossible to restore them without temporary loss of access to funds.

If there is no code

The absence of a code indicates that the plastic was not originally intended for payment for goods or services on the Internet. This cannot be changed: you will have to use a different card to pay.

How to make a payment?

You can make a payment online using a bank card in the following way:

1. Select a service or product on the desired website;

2. Make a payment using all the card details that will be requested on the form;

3. Wait for confirmation of the operation, if necessary, enter the password from SMS;

  • the code, entered correctly, will allow you to complete the payment procedure (provided that other conditions, such as expiration date, have been checked);
  • Incorrect dialing of numbers or temporary connection problems will not allow you to complete the payment; a warning about the impossibility of making a payment with the selected data should be displayed on the page of the Internet resource.

Rules for using cvc2 and cvv2 codes

When purchasing, you must check the online resources on which the cardholder makes purchases. Modern scammers actively use fake websites to obtain information about the bank cards of ordinary users.

If you have the slightest doubt about the authenticity of the resource, you must stop trying to pay, and if the data has already been entered and sent to attackers, the client must block the plastic and ask for an application for reissue.

Important: the only way change the digital security code - order a new card.

Re-issue of the card is also carried out if it has been compromised in real life. The loss of a wallet should result in immediate blocking and re-issuance, because a person who sees the personal data of a bank client can use it for personal gain. Some stores have a sufficient level of protection to prevent payment.

To make the most of the possibilities of online payments on the Internet, you must use all levels of protection of funds on the card, including 3d-Secure. Thanks to this technology, a message with an operation confirmation code is sent to the number - if there is no SMS, the operation will not be completed.

Verification codes on bank cards - what are they for? The article discusses where CVV2/CVC2 are located on the card and the types of verification numbers. CVC2/CVV2 code - what it gives when making transactions, and how to use them.

CVV2/CVC2 – what is it?

CVV2, CVC2, 4dbc – code or so-called special sets of numbers for verifying the authenticity of a bank card. Used in so-called CNP operations. Card Not Present - literally translated from English as “cards in currently No". For example, this applies to online payments that require entering only card details (its physical presence is not required).

How the abbreviations CVV2 and CVC2 stand for

CVV2 code – what is it? Card Verification Value 2 – translated from English as “card check number”. It is a verification for the Visa payment system. CVC2 (Card Validation Code 2 – “card confirmation code”) is used in MasterСard.

In both cases there is the number “2” - CVV2, CVC2. The bank card also has primary CVV/CVC codes, which are needed when physically using “plastic”.

CVC2/CVV2 – where it is on the map

Typically on the reverse side. The signature line indicates CVC2/CVV2, where the last 4 digits of the card number are printed. Next to it, three verification numbers are indicated through a “space”. Attention! This code has nothing to do with the card number, these are separate verification numbers.

A code, for example CVV2, may be indicated on the front side of the card (for American Express). Four numbers, printed in small print, are located above the card number.

Virtual cards: CVV2 on a card where it is impossible to physically see the code, provides for receiving it via SMS or phone.

  1. On the website where you pay for a service/purchase a product online, fill in the card details fields on the website.
  2. Enter CVV2 there, where the required line is located. Correctly fill out the input field, where CVV2 can also be indicated as “CVC2”, “security number”, “security code”, etc.
  3. Get the result (approval or refusal). If the payment does not go through, the CVV2/CVC2 (code on the card) was entered incorrectly. There may be other reasons:
  • there is not enough money in the account;
  • the card is not intended for virtual purchases.