I’m working on an ecommerce project at work and it’s been a long time since I posted to this site, so I thought I’d share something that I learned today.

We’ve all seen those 3 digit security numbers on the back of credit cards, but what exactly are they called? Are they called CCV, CVV, CVC, or CVVC? Well according to sir Wikipedia, the overarching term is actually CSC, or Card Security Code, which encompasses all the different flavors that are out there. CVC1 or CVV1 is actually encoded on the magnetic strip. CVC2 or CVV2 is the 3 digit code on the back of the card in the signature panel. This code is often asked for by merchants for “card not present” transactions over the internet, by mail, fax or phone. Still confused? Check the Wikipedia link above for all the boring details.