CVC code | Secure credit card payment

If you have ever made a purchase online or made a reservation over the phone, you have probably been asked to enter your CVC code. This code has an important role in securing credit card payments. 
But what is a CVC code? Why is it important for safety? At dhese blog we explain all about the CVC code and we show how business payment cards from SimpledCard can help your organisation to safely and efficient make payments. 

What is a CVC code?

Meaning CVC: Card Validation Code. It is a security code designed to make credit card transactions more secure. It is a combination of three or four digits found on the card. You use the code as an additional verification step for online payments. 
Because the CVC is only on the physical card and not stored in payment terminals or shop systems, it provides protection against fraud. Even if someone knows your credit card number, they cannot complete a transaction without the CVC code. But beware: so it is important never to share your CVC with anyone else. 

Where can you find the CVC on a credit card?

The location of the CVC varies depending on the type of card: 

• Visa and Mastercard: the CVC code is usually found on the back of the card, in the signature field. It is a three-digit code. 

• American Express: here, the code is located on the front of the card, to the right of the logo and above the last digits of your credit card number. With American Express, the CVC code is four digits. 

What is the difference between CVC code credit card and CVV code credit card?

There are different names for the security code but the content remains the same. CVV stands for Card Verification Value. Also, the term CSC occurs, which stands for Card Security Code, like CVN, which stands for Card Verification Number.

How does a CVC code contribute to secure payments?

The CVC adds an additional verification layer Add to credit card transactions. This happens mainly at Cardholder Not Present (CNP) transactions. These are payments where the cardholder and card are not physically present, such as online shopping or telephone reservations. The code ensures that only someone with the physical card can complete a transaction. In addition, the CVC code is always verified by the card issuer, such as a bank or credit card company, before a transaction is approved. 

 When do you use a CVC code?

You need the CVC code in situations where the card itself is not physically scanned or passed through a payment terminal, such as: 

• Online purchases: think of webshops to order business purchases. 

• Reservations: booking hotel rooms, air tickets or rental cars for a business trip. 

• Subscriptions: taking out a subscription to business software, for example. 

For payments in a physical shop, the CVC code is not needed. There, a PIN or signature is usually used for verification. 

CVC and business payments 

For businesses, credit cards are an indispensable means of payment. They are used for a variety of expenses, such as business trips, subscriptions, software and more. But precisely because of the versatility of credit cards, it is important that companies keep their payment methods secure and manageable. Here comes SimpledCard in pictures.

The risks of traditional business credit cards 

Traditional credit cards have a number of risks, especially when multiple employees use the same card. Consider: 

• Data sharing: sharing credit card numbers and CVC codes between team members increases the risk of fraud. 

• Manageability: it is difficult to keep an overview when multiple transactions go through one card. 

• Limited control: employees can often make payments without managers having real-time insight into them. 

SimpledCard: a smart solution for business payments

SimpledCard offers businesses an innovative way to manage their spending with prepaid debit cards. This system combines the flexibility of a credit card with the control and security of a prepaid solution.
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How does SimpledCard?

1. Prepaid debit cards: with SimpledCard you can easily prepaid credit cards spend on employees. Each pass is linked to a specific budget, keeping spending manageable. 
2. Real-time management: an online environment allows you to track all transactions and set limits. Employees can only access the amounts pre-loaded on the card. 
3. Take immediate action: lost cards can be blocked or reactivated immediately.  
4. No shared data: employees get their own card, eliminating the need to share credit card numbers and CVC codes. 

How does a prepaid credit card work in practice?

1. A business prepaid card works simply and is similar to a regular credit card: 
   1. Charging: you load an amount onto the card via a linked account. This can range from €10 to €50,000, depending on your needs. 
   1. Pay: you use the card just like a normal credit card, including entering the CVC code for online payments. 
   1. Manage: the dashboard allows you to monitor spending and, if necessary, upload additional amounts. 

   The big difference? You can only spend what's on the card. This avoids being in the red, something that is often possible with regular credit cards. 
   The CVC is an essential component of secure payments, both for individuals and businesses. With solutions like SimpledCard, you can combine this security with maximum control and flexibility. By deploying prepaid debit cards, you get all the benefits of a credit card without the risks. 

Want to know how SimpledCard can help your business? Take contact with us or schedule a demo and find out how to make business payments more efficient, secure and convenient.