Your card's CVV code is an important element of the card, especially when it comes to online shopping. Most merchants require your CVV code to complete your purchase and it is largely up to them to decide whether to use your card's CVV code or not.
So is online shopping without using a CVV code even possible? That's just what we'll be seeing today.
Where Can I Find My Card's CVV Code?
Depending on the issuer, the CVV number is usually found at the front or the back of the card.
- Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards have a three-digit CVV printed on the back of the card, usually next to the signature panel. Along with the three-digit CVV, you could notice the last four digits of your card's account number stated; those four numbers appear before your CVV and don't count as your CVV, so don't enter them when prompted for your CVV online.
- American Express cards have a four-digit CVV located on the front of the card, just above and to the right of your account number.
Online Shopping Without CVV Code
You know how important a CVV code can be for a card when using it online.
To clarify things out, online shopping without CVV code is generally not possible but can only be possible in some situations.
For example, you can shop online without CVV code if your card issuer lets you shop online without CVV code or if you're shopping at a merchant that doesn't require a CVV code to process your payment.
Generally, it is entirely up to the merchants to determine whether or not to use CVV codes for payments.
It's usually more about them trying to prevent chargebacks than it is about your safety.
It's also worth noting that, while most payment gateways need you to enter the CVV code, not all of them check to see if it's valid.
At the end of the day, the only way to know is to visit the website and confirm whether or not it requires a CVV code.
However, if you swipe your card in a store, the CVV number will be automatically provided.
Shop Online With Credit Card Number Only No CVV
Some stores that allow you shop online with credit card number only no CVV include:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Express
- Lacoste
- Target
- Infibeam
- Urbanladder
- Shopbop
- Lazada
- L.L.Bean
- Zappos
- Snapdeal
- Zalora
- Fanatics
- Pcnation
- Frontierpc
- Arrow
- Staples
- Goducks
- Puritan
- Shopbot
- Xheli
- Ibuypower
- Sears
- Cyberguys
- Chinavasion
- Eddiebauer
The Purpose of CVV Numbers
CVV numbers are important because of how merchants retain your credit card information.
Merchants who process credit card transactions are authorized to keep your card information (with your agreement) so you don't have to fill it in every time you make a purchase.
If your card information is stored, however, it could be stolen in one of the many data breaches that have become routine.
The CVV adds an extra layer of security. The payment industry's security standards forbid retailers from holding CVV numbers.
Even if a database is breached, hackers will still be unable to access the CVV and use the stolen card information anywhere that requires the code.
This brings up the question of why sites that handle recurring payments, such as Amazon or Netflix subscription services, can accept payments on a stored credit card without requiring you to re-enter your CVV every time.
When you initially use a card, these sites will usually ask for your CVV. They will treat the card as valid for your account from then on.
However, if your data is taken, the CVV will not be included, making it useless in other situations.
What Makes A CVV Code So Important?
If you accept payments through an online store or over the phone, a CVV code will provide you with an additional means to confirm that the cardholder is making a purchase from you.
However, this isn't the only reason why you should use a CVV number when making a purchase.
As of 2018, the majority of the leading card issuers began forcing retailers to make their codes available during card-not-present purchases.
This was done in response to an increase in internet fraud. Aside from preventing fraud, the CVC code also aids in the prevention of chargebacks.
This is a scenario in which a consumer requests that funds from certain payments be refunded.
Chargebacks can happen for a variety of reasons, and while a CVV code won't protect you from all of them, it can assist show that the customer was aware of the sale in the first place.
It is therefore sufficient to state that the CVV code aids in the prevention of friendly fraud, which occurs when a consumer claims they did not purchase an item from you while they are aware that they did.
What Is The Idea Behind CVV Checks For Merchants?
It's worth noting that only cards and not live transactions require the usage of a CVV code.
This means that even if the potential consumer is there, if you manually enter the credit card info via the virtual terminal or mobile POS application, you will receive the CVC.
If you accept payments online, your customers will be required to enter the CVV code while checking out.
You should be aware that any merchant who accepts certain in-person payments with a card reader does not need to use the CVV code. They shouldn't give up their codes willingly, either.
CVC Code Entry For eCommerce
A CVC number is frequently required by numerous payment platforms in order for your transaction to be processed for individuals who have an eCommerce presence.
By default, all online transactions are treated as cards, rather than present transactions, and as a result, you should be aware of the hazards.
Small businesses are frequently targeted by fraudsters looking for potential loopholes.
This is why you need a payment and processor gateway that is PCI compliant.
Entering The CVV Numbers For Manual Transactions
If you already used a PCI compliant payment processing institution, you may have noticed that the CVV code is already included on the payment form for manual entry.
The reason for this is that it will be requested by payment companies during a card-not-present transaction.
Processors nowadays are aware of the instances in which a CVV code request is appropriate.
If it is required in this scenario, you or your customer will be required to input it.
You should also be aware that if you plan to swipe or tap your card at your outlet, the CVV number is not necessary.
Why CVV Isn't a Fail-safe?
Not all retailers, as you may have noticed, require you to submit a CVV. It is possible to authorize transactions without it.
A thief with your card number and expiration date could use it at such sites.
Plus, there's always the threat of phishing. A fraudster might ask for both your credit number and your CVV, or they might get your credit card account number and use that to trick you into giving your CVV.
Keep your personal information and account numbers safe from phishers, and become familiar with the most frequent scams.
FAQs About Online Shopping Without CVV Code
Can you pay online without CVV?
CVV codes are an important layer of security to validate your identity while making online payments, offering an extra layer of safety in the event that your card information falls into the wrong hands.
As a result, while making an online payment or sending money, your CVV is necessary.
What website does not require CVV?
Many websites still do not require a CVV code.
Some websites such as www.amazon.com www.sierratradingpost.com www.fanatics.com www.goducks.com www.puritan.com. Some shops such as www.cyberguys.com and worldpay, do not require CVV code.
Can you use a card without CVV?
Generally, you can't use a card without CVV but you can if the merchant does not require you to enter your card's CVV.
Is there a universal CVV code?
In recent years, the Universal CVV code used to be 000.
However, this number credit card processing systems have recorded spams with this number and no longer accept it.
How are CVV codes generated?
CVVs aren't just random three- or four-digit number, as it turns out.
Banks create them using four pieces of information: the primary account number, the four-digit expiration date, a pair of DES (Data Encryption Standard) keys, and a three-digit service code.
Final Thoughts
The CVV is a three- or four-digit code that's printed on your credit card as a fraud-prevention measure.
When you give this number to a merchant for an online or phone purchase, the merchant will send the CVV when the transaction is authorized.
It's an attempt to ensure that you have the physical card in your possession and aren't simply using stolen card data.
Online shopping without CVV code is possible only if your card issuer lets you shop online without having to use your card's CVV or if the merchant let's you complete your purchase without having to use your CVV code.