The CCV (Credit Card Verification) code is used to help prevent online credit card fraud. This fraud protection system has been created so that if someone does have possession of your credit card number they also need to have physical possession of your card in order to know what your CCV is.

Your CCV is found in different places depending on what type of credit card that you have. For most cards, for example, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover card, the CCV is a three-digit or four-digit number on the back of your card. The full credit card number is reprinted in the signature box and at the end of the number is the CCV.

For some cards, like American Express, the CCV is a four-digit 'non-embossed' number on the front of the card above the credit card number on either the right or left side of your card.