The CVV (card verification value) is a 3 or 4-digit number on the back of credit and debit cards that is used in combination with the PAN (primary account number) to add an additional layer of security to transactions. Entering both the PAN and CVV as part of an online transaction is intended to verify that the customer has access to the physical card.
Depending on the card brand, this may also be referred to as CSC (card security code), CVC (card verification code), CAV (card authentication value) or CVD (card verification data) etc.
The CVV is generated for each card by the issuer using an algorithm known only to the issuer based on the card number and expiry date.
Can the CVV be stored for future use (i.e. for card on file or recurring transactions)?