Card Verification Value (CVV2)/Card Security Code (CSC)

The Card Verification Value (CVV2) or Card Security Code (CSC) is usually a 3 - or 4 - digit number, which is not part of the credit card number. The CVV2/CSC is typically printed on the back of a credit card (usually in the signature field).

On some cards, all or part of the card number appears before the CVV2/CSC, for example, 1234 567. In this example, 1234 are the last four digits of the credit card number, and 567 is the CVV2/CSC.

The number appears only on the card itself (not on receipts or statements), this provides some assurance that the physical card is in the possession of the buyer.