What Is CVV & Why Does Every Online Payment Ask for It?

Ever wondered why every online transaction asks for that tiny three-digit number on the back of your credit or debit card? That’s your Card Verification Value (CVV)—a security feature that plays a crucial role in protecting your money from fraudsters.

What Exactly Is a CVV?
The CVV (Card Verification Value) is a three-digit (or four-digit for some cards) security code printed on your card. Unlike your card number and expiry date, which merchants can save for future transactions, the CVV cannot be stored by businesses. This means even if hackers steal a company's payment database, they won't have access to your CVV—making it harder for them to misuse your card.

How Does CVV Protect Your Transactions?
Think of CVV as the bouncer of your credit or debit card—it verifies that you physically have the card when making a purchase. Here’s how it works:

Extra Security Layer – When you enter your CVV, it acts as an added authentication step, confirming the transaction is legitimate.

Prevents Data Breaches from Being Fully Exploited – Since businesses aren’t allowed to store CVVs, even if their systems are hacked, your card details remain incomplete and harder to misuse.

Reduces Fraud in Online Transactions – Without the CVV, cybercriminals who steal just the card number and expiry date won’t be able to complete a purchase.

Why Do Websites Ask for It Every Time?
Unlike saved card details, a CVV must be entered manually every time you make a new purchase online. This ensures that even if someone has partial access to your card details, they still can’t complete unauthorized transactions.

Your Card’s Personal Bodyguard
CVV is a small but powerful security measure working silently behind the scenes. Next time you enter it during checkout, remember—it’s your card’s personal bodyguard, keeping your money safe from online fraudsters!