Validation Code

Validation code is a series of three or four numbers on the front or back of a credit card. This code helps provide an additional layer of security when a credit card is used to make a purchase online or over the phone. Validation codes are also called security codes or card verification values and are sometimes referred to as CVV, CV2 or CVV2 codes. On American Express cards, the validation code is a four-digit number located on the front of the card on the right-hand side, in small print above the credit card account number. Most other credit card issuers print the validation code on the back, on the far right side of the signature panel.