

The code is uniquely associated with each individual piece of plastic and ties the PAN to the plastic. For American Express payment cards, the code is a four-digit unembossed number printed above the PAN on the face of the payment cards. For Discover, JCB, MasterCard, and Visa payment cards, the second type of card verification value or code is the rightmost three-digit value printed in the signature panel area on the back of the card.CSC – Card Security Code (American Express).CVV – Card Verification Value (Visa and Discover payment cards).PAN CVC – Card Validation Code (MasterCard payment cards).CAV – Card Authentication Value (JCB payment cards).The following list provides the terms for each card brand: Referred to as CAV, CVC, CVV, or CSC depending on payment card brand. Data element on a card’s magnetic stripe that uses secure cryptographic processes to protect data integrity on the stripe, and reveals any alteration or counterfeiting.Refers to either: (1) magnetic-stripe data, or (2) printed security features. Also known as Card Validation Code or Value, or Card Security Code.
