What does CVC stand for?

The CVV/CVC code, also known as the Card Verification Value/Code, is a crucial security feature present on credit and debit cards. It serves as an additional layer of protection during online transactions, ensuring that only the rightful cardholder is authorized to make purchases.

This code can be easily identified on the back of the card, specifically on the right-hand side of the white signature strip. It's a small sequence of numbers that cardholders should be familiar with and keep confidential.

For VISA and MasterCard holders, the CVV/CVC code comprises the last three digits of the numbers found in this designated area. These digits are unique to each card and should never be shared with anyone other than trusted merchants during a transaction.

The purpose of the CVV/CVC code is to verify that the person making the purchase has physical access to the card. This helps reduce the risk of fraud, as an unauthorized individual would need to have both the card number and the CVV/CVC code to complete a transaction.

Merchants often require customers to enter the CVV/CVC code when making purchases online or over the phone. This is an important step in the payment verification process, as it adds an extra layer of security to the transaction.