Can Credit Cards be Charged without the CVV(Card Verification Value) Number?

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Updated: Apr. 25, 2018 2018-04-25T19:48:02
Posted: Apr. 20, 2018 2018-04-20T11:08:44
Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Since no one knows my credit card CVV(Card Verification Value) number, I am assuming my card is safe. No, your card is not safe even if you have given out your credit card information without the CVV. This is a popular myth held by many people that if they keep their CVV number safe, then their card is safe. But stop and think again. Some websites do not ask for your CVV number when you do an online transaction. It is not made mandatory and therefore, simply by entering the card number, the expiry date, and name of the cardholder, the transaction can be completed.

Again, does every internet merchant requires your CVV code?

No. Using a CVV code is not mandatory, and it’s up to the merchant whether they want to require it or not. However, most online merchants do require the code, along with your credit card number and expiration date.

What is CVV (Card Verification Value)?

CVV is a 3 or 4 digit anti-fraud security feature to help verify that you are in possession of your credit card. For Visa/Mastercard, the three-digit CVV number is printed on the signature panel on the back of the card immediately after the card's account number. For American Express, the four-digit CVV number is printed on the front of the card above the card account number.

CVV also stands for Card Verify Value.

Your CVV number can be located by looking on your credit or debit card, as illustrated in the images below:

VISA/MASTERCARD

AMERICAN EXPRESS

CVV numbers are NOT your card's secret PIN (Personal Identification Number).

You should never enter your PIN number when asked to provide your CVV. (PIN numbers allow you to use your credit or debit card at an ATM or when making an in-person purchase with your debit card or a cash advance with any credit card.)

CVV numbers are also known as CSC numbers ("Card Security Code"), as well as CVV2 numbers, which are the same as CVV numbers, except that they have been generated by a 2nd generation process that makes them harder to "guess".

The comments, reviews or answers below do not necessarily reflect the views of Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

April 21, 2018 at 1:52 AM by an anonymous user from: San Luis Obispo, California, United States
I've never understood how the CVV improved security. Once when my credit card company was giving me a hard time and making me provide all kinds of proof that I was the owner of the card (I was traveling and had had trouble with the pump at a gas station and so entered my card a couple times), I asked them about the CVV.
She said it proved I was in possession of my card. I said no, it only proves the person she was speaking to was in possession of the card; it doesn't prove that someone hasn't stolen my wallet and is using my card everywhere.
She had to agree with me. Anyway, since we have to give out the CVV when we purchase on-line, what's to keep the hackers getting hold of it that way as well?
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