We collect your Credit Card Verification number (CVV2 for Visa, CVC2 for MasterCard, CID for Discover) to protect you and us against fraudulent charges on your credit card. If your card number were to be stolen (e.g. from an old statement you threw away), the person who stole the number would not be able to complete the transaction because they would not have the verification number. This number along with your card's billing address, number and expiration date helps protect against fraudulent use. The CVV/CVC/CVV2 does not tell us anything about you. It's only purpose is an additional level of security for you. All of these credit cards have this number. 

Visa's Card Verification Value (CVV2) is a three-digit number on the back of your card. The full credit card number is reprinted in the signature box and at the end of the number is the CVV2.

Validation Code (CVC2) is a three-digit number on the back of your card. The full credit card number is reprinted in the signature box and at the end of the number is the CVC2.

Discover's Card Identification number (CID) is the last 3 digits that come after your credit card number on the back of your card. A Discover card is shown above with the security code highlighted.

The preprinted (non-embossed) Card Identification Number ("CVV2") should always appear above the account number, on either the right or the left edge of the Card.