<P> A card security code (CSC; also called card verification data (CVD), card verification number, card verification value (CVV), card verification value code, card verification code (CVC), verification code (V - code or V code), or signature panel code (SPC)) is a security feature for "card not present" payment card transactions instituted to reduce the incidence of credit card fraud . </P> <P> The CSC is in addition to the bank card number which is embossed or printed on the card . The CSC is used as a security feature, in situations where a PIN cannot be used . The PIN is not printed or embedded on the card but is manually entered by the cardholder during point - of - sale (card present) transactions . Contactless card and chip cards may electronically generate their own code, such as iCVV or a dynamic CVV . </P>

What is cvc number on a credit card