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CVV2/CVC2/CID provides a security feature for "card not present" transactions. It is a three or four digit value which provides your payment processor with a cryptographic check of the card's authenticity. The terms are generally used interchangeably. CVV2 stands for "Card Verification Value 2", CVC2 stands for "Card Validation Code 2", and CID stands for "Card Identification Number". For American Express, the code is a four digit number on the front of the card above the account number. For Visa, Eurocard/MasterCard and Discover the code is a three digit number that appears at the end of the account number(if present) on the back of the card. These code values helps validate two things:

  • The customer has the credit card in his/her possession.
  • The card account is legitimate.

CVV2/CVC2/CID is printed only on the card - it is not contained in the magnetic stripe information, nor does it appear on sales receipts or statements. Using the CVV2/CVC2 value can help minimize the risk of unknowingly accepting a counterfeit card or being a victim of fraud.

 
  Name Location on Card
Visa Card Verification Value (CVV2) Three digits to the right of the credit card number in the signature area on back of the card.
MasterCard/Eurocard Card Verification Code (CVC2) Three digits to the right of the credit card number in the signature area on back of the card.
Discover Card Identification Number (CID) Three digits to the right of the credit card number in the signature area on back of the card.
American Express Card Identification Number (CID) Four digits printed (not embossed) on the right front of the card above the credit card number.
Diners Club Card Verification Value (CVV2) Three digits to the right of the credit card number in the signature area on back of the card.

 

Visual Layout of CVV2/CVC2/CID Number
 
Visa,
Eurocard/MasterCard
Diners Club
and Discover 		The number for all of these cards is found in the signature area of the back of the card. It is the last 3 digits AFTER the credit card number (if present) in the signature area of the card.
American Express American Express cards show the 4 digit CVV2/CID number printed above and to the right of the imprinted card number on the front of the card.