What is a Card Verification Code?

A Card Verification Code, or CVC, is a number that provides extra security to credit and debit card holders. This facility is provided in case an unauthorized person gets a hold of your account number. CVCs are one way to make sure someone has the actual card in his or her possession.

Discover, MasterCard, and Visa

All these cards use three-digit CVCs, which are listed on the back of the card. The CVC is the last three digits of the number that appears on your signature bar.

American Express

The CVC on American Express cards is four digits, and is located on the front of the card, on the right side.