Is a CVV 3 or 4 digits?

A CVV is not always three digits; it can be four digits on some cards. Although most credit cards and debit cards have a 3-digit CVV located on the back of the card, American Express cards are the exception, with a 4-digit CVV on the front. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards all use a 3-digit CVV.... read full answer

The CVV is required anytime you cannot provide a merchant with a physical card, such as an online or phone purchase. This security code is necessary because it allows the merchant to confirm that you have the card with you at the time of the purchase.

American Express credit cards have a 4-digit CVV. As a matter of fact, American Express is the only major credit card network to have the CVV as 4 digits. Credit cards from the other major networks like Visa or Mastercard have a 3-digit CVV.

The CVV is used to authenticate your card during a transaction. This is important especially for shopping online, because the issuer will authenticate your CVV code at checkout, and having the correct code means the card is likely yours and in your possession. This is not nearly as important if you are shopping with the physical card in person, because the card is in your possession when you make the purchase and is typically assumed to belong to you.... read full answer

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s credit card security code guide.