The CVV (Card Verification Value) on an American Express (Amex) card is a four-digit security code located on the front of the card. It is typically found above the card number, on either the right or left side, usually on the right side above the last four digits of the card number. This is different from Visa and MasterCard, where the CVV is a three-digit code printed on the back of the card near the signature strip
. It is important not to confuse the Amex CVV with the three-digit CID number, which is printed on the back of the card near the signature panel. The CVV is used primarily for verifying card-not-present transactions, such as online or phone purchases, to confirm that the buyer has physical possession of the card
. In summary:
- Amex CVV: 4-digit code on the front of the card above the card number
- Visa/MasterCard CVV: 3-digit code on the back of the card near the signature strip
- Amex CID: 3-digit code on the back, different from the CVV
This front placement of the Amex CVV adds an extra layer of security by not including the code in the magnetic stripe or chip data
