A debit card is a plastic payment card that banks provide to their customers during the account opening process and is included in the banking welcome kit. Before using the debit card, the user must first activate it. After activating the debit card, it can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs and make payments both online and offline.
The debit card includes a 16-digit embossed or printed card number, a signature strip, a CVV number, a magnetic stripe, a bank logo, a hologram, and the card’s name. All details on a debit card are important, and the CVV number is one of the most important.
This blog will explain the significance of CVV in debit cards and what it is.
What is CVV in a Debit Card?
CVV is an abbreviation for Card Verification Value. It is a ¾ digit code embossed on the back of the debit card. A CVV number from a debit card is required to complete a number of online transactions. It should never be shared because it protects the debit card from misuse or theft.
- The bank generates a CVV number
- It is generated based on the debit card number, the card’s expiry date, the service code, and the unique code of the issuer. Because the CVV number in a debit card protects it, it is also known as the CSC number or Card Security Number
- Despite the fact that it is a three-digit code, there are some cards on the market that have a four-digit CVV number
- A debit card CVV number is different from a debit card PIN
- It is printed on the card’s backside
What are the components of a CVV in a debit card?
The components of a CVV in a debit card are-
- A magnetic strip covers the first part of the CVV number. It contains critical and one-of-a-kind information about a debit card. When a magnetic strip passes through a magnetic card reader machine, the information on it is read
- The second section of the debit card contains three or four digit codes. They must be entered in order to complete the transaction online
What is the Importance of a CVV Number in a Debit Card?
The significance of a CVV number on a debit card is mentioned below-
- As an added security measure, the CVV number on a debit card protects and shields the user’s data
- Debit card CVV number confirms that the person processing the online transaction has the debit card
- CVV in the debit card is secure because online payment portals are not permitted to save the debit card CVV number. As a result, even if the debit card information is saved on the portal, the user must always enter the CVV number each time he or she makes a payment.
A CVV number is printed on the backside of the debit card. The first three or four digits of the CVV number are hidden by a magnetic chip, leaving only the last three or four digits visible to confirm the transaction. This three or four-digit CVV number is required to complete the transaction online, but it should never be shared with anyone.
Tip – CSC (Card Security Code), CVC (Card Verification Code), CIN (Card Identification Number), or CVV2 are all different names for CVV; therefore, don’t be confused if you are required to enter any of the substitute names.
What is the Difference between a Debit Card CVV Number and a Debit Card PIN?
Debit card CVV number and Debit card PIN are two different things and should not be confused with each other. The table below illustrates the difference between debit card CVV number and debit card PIN –
| Debit card CVV number | Debit card PIN |
| Assigned by the bank only | Can be set |
| Remains static | Can be changed |
| Required for online transactions | Can be used offline and online |
| CVV is different and unique for all the users | Same debit card PIN can be used for multiple cards |
| It is a 3 or 4 digit number | It is a 4 digit number |
How to protect the CVV Number in a Debit Card?
Transactions made with cards or through online channels should be used with caution and care. The following are the top tips for protecting your CVV number from fraud or theft:
- Never share the CVV number with anyone. Banks never call, message or ask for the CVV number via any medium of communication
- Never share the banking details or card information over the email as emails can be hacked
- Avoid using public internet or Wi-Fis
- Do not share the photo of the bank card through the mail, message or other media
- Call immediately to your bank in case of lost or stolen debit card
FAQs
Is the CVV number on a debit card the same as the PIN on a debit card?
No, the debit card CVV number is not the same as the debit card PIN. The bank provides the debit card CVV number, whereas the user sets the debit card PIN.
What is the significance of a CVV number?
A CVV number protects a debit card from theft, fraud, or unauthorised transactions. The transaction cannot be completed online unless the CVV number is entered.
How many digits does the CVV number have?
A CVV number is typically a three to four digit number provided solely by banks.
Is it possible to obtain someone’s CVV number?
No, the CVV number is printed or embossed on the back of the debit card. It is based on the user’s debit card information, such as the expiry date, card number, service code, and so on.
Priyanka Juyal
Priyanka Juyal- a Writer with a curious mind & vision to create the best out of words. Other times, see her playing the guitar, sketching or narrating folk tales!
