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CVN Locations and Terminology

For most cards, the CVN is a three-digit number printed on the back of the card, to the right of the signature field.
For American Express, the CVN is a four-digit number printed on the front of the card above the card number.

Figure:

CVN Locations
Image depicting the location of the CVN on the back of most cards and the front of an American Express card.
Each payment card company has its own name for the CVN value:
  • American Express and Discover call it the
    Card Identification Number
     (CID).
  • JCB calls it the
    Card Authentication Value
     (CAV2).
  • Mastercard calls it the
    Card Validation Code
     (CVC2).
  • Visa calls it the
    Card Verification Value
     (CVV2).