What is CVV?
Also known as the Cardholder VerificationValue (CVV) or Customer Identification Number (CID/4DBC), these three or fourdigit numbers help ensure that the physical card is in the cardholder’s possessionwhile donating or shopping online helping to prevent unauthorized or fraudulentuse.
Where can I find it?
| Visa, Mastercard, Discover | |
| The 3-digit code is located on the back of your card, inside the signature area. Typically the signature panel will have a series of numbers, but only the last three digits make up the CVV code. | <![if !vml]> |
| Amex | |
| The CID/4DBC is ALWAYS located ABOVE the embossed (raised) account number on the face of the card. In some instances, the CID/4DBC is located on the left side of the card, but is always above the account number. Some cards have a four-digit number embossed below the account number, but this is not the CID/4DBC. |  |
<![endif]>What does it do?
It’s actually more about what it prevents.When donating or shopping online, the 3 or 4 digit code helps organizationsensure that the card is in the right hands. Organizations will request the CVVat checkout from the cardholder, and the information is sent electronically tothe card-issuing bank to verify its validity. Within seconds the CVV resultsare returned with authorization. If it’s returned invalid, merchants have theright to stop the transaction.
