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Meaning & use

CVC in card

phrase·Advancedfinance

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UK/ˌsiː viː ˈsiː ɪn kɑːd/
US/ˌsiː viː ˈsiː ɪn kɑːrd/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrasefinance

    The three-digit security code printed on a payment card, used to confirm the card is physically present during a transaction.

    Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: enter the CVC in card at checkout.

    Patterns

    • enter the CVC in card
    • the CVC in card on the back
    • ask for the CVC in card

    The website asked me to type the CVC in card before it would accept my payment.

    Never share the CVC in card with anyone who calls you claiming to be from the bank.

    She read the CVC in card from the back of her credit card over the phone.

  2. phrasefixed phrasefinanceinformal

    The short number that appears on a card and acts as a password for remote purchases.

    Grammar: Often shortened to CVC in everyday speech: what's the CVC?

    Patterns

    • the card's CVC
    • give the CVC
    • check the CVC

    The form would not go through until I added the card's CVC.

    He could not remember the CVC, so he had to fetch his wallet.

    Always check the CVC carefully; one wrong digit blocks the order.

Common combinations

CVC code
The CVC code is printed, not embossed, so it cannot be copied from a receipt.
three-digit CVC
Most cards use a three-digit CVC, but American Express uses four digits.
enter your CVC
Enter your CVC when the payment page asks for it.
CVC check
The shop's CVC check failed because the number did not match the card.
provide the CVC
You must provide the CVC for any card-not-present transaction.

Synonyms and how they differ

card security code
A more formal, general term that covers the CVC and similar codes on any card.
CVV
Almost the same thing; CVV is the usual term on Visa cards, while CVC is used by Mastercard.
card verification value
The full name behind the abbreviation CVV, often seen in bank documents.

Word family

CVC abbreviation
The short form used on payment pages and receipts.
CVV abbreviation
A closely related code used by some card networks.
PIN abbreviation
A different secret number, typed on a keypad rather than printed on the card.

Commonly confused: CVC in card or CVV? CVC in card or PIN?

CVC in card vs CVV

CVV and CVC both name the printed security code, but different card networks prefer different abbreviations, so learners may see either on a form.

CVC in card vs PIN

A PIN is a secret number you choose and type at a cash machine, while a CVC is printed on the card and cannot be changed.

Practice

A customer is paying for a hotel room over the phone. Which piece of information is the CVC in card?

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