Merchant Features - CVV2 Verification

Credit Card Security Code ( CVV2 ) explained

What is the CVV2?
The CVV2, Credit Card Security Code is the number found on the back of most cards. It's usually a three digit code, and it's purpose is to ensure that the person using the card for a purchase actually has that card IN THEIR HAND.

Why ask for the CVV2?
There are LOTS of ways that criminals can get their hands on lists of stolen credit card numbers. Getting hold of matching CVV2 numbers is much more difficult. Because of that, if your store verifies the CVV2 at checkout then it is much more likely that the purchase is genuine.

Is it worth it?
Yes. Requesting the CVV2 will considerably cut down on the amount of fraud.

What if you process your orders through a terminal and it NEEDS CVV2
This is another frequently asked questions. The simple answer is... Tough Luck!.


There is a REASON why your terminal wants this CVV2. It's probably because your merchant account providor is giving you a good rate for NON-INTERNET sales. They give you this rate because if you are processing a card through a terminal, and have the card in hand then this is low risk. If on the other hand you are trying to process internet sales, then your merchant account providor wants to charge you Mid or Low qualifying rates.

What do you do? Well one thing you cannot do is find some way to store your customers CVV2 at checkout. This is absolutely forbidden by Visa, Mastercard etc. Think about it... what value is the CVV2 standard if people start storing this number with the credit card!!!

Bottom line, if you use simple credit card validation then your only options are:

• 1. Call customers and ask for the CVV2 when processing the transaction
  
• 2. Upgrade your environment to one of the options above