First, let’s briefly explain the term CVV/CVC. CVV is short for Card Verification Value, a term used for Visa. CVC is short for Card Verification Code, a term used for MasterCard. The CVV/CVC code is a 3-digit numerical value used for cardholder verification and to reduce fraud risk; it is generated during the card’s production stage and encoded onto the card’s magnetic data (Track 1 and Track 2). The CVV value is generated according to an algorithm.
So is the CVV/CVC code always 3 digits?
No. Unlike other credit cards, the CVV, meaning the security code, on American Express cards is 4 digits instead of 3, and it is located on the front of the card. Your security code entry screens need to be configured to accept 4-digit codes as well.
For this reason, if payment screens require the CVV code to be entered as 3 digits, transactions cannot be completed with Amex cards.
The Four-Digit Code on Amex
On American Express cards, a 4-digit security code is located on the front of the card. This code serves the same purpose as the 3-digit codes of other schemes.
Payment pages should determine the card scheme by looking at the card number and adjust the length of the code field accordingly. Otherwise, Amex users will not be able to complete transactions.
Adding a small image to show the user which side of the card the code is on is also helpful.
