You are about to validate an online transaction, but a security system has activated: what does “enter your CVV card security code” mean? Is it the same as the visual cryptogram of your bank card? Are you asked for each payment on the Internet? What if it is unreadable because erased over time? We answer your questions about the CVV (Card Validation Value) code, also called CVC (Card Validation Code).

Where can I find the CVV of a bank card?

The visual cryptogram called CVV is located:

• Visa and Mastercard cards: on the back and to the right of the signature area.
• American Express cards: on the front and above the stamped numbers.

Type of Card	CVV Location	Number of Digit
CVV Visa	Back of the card	3
CVV Mastercard	Back of the card	3
CVV American Express	Front of the card	4

Regarding the location of the CVV code, the leaders of the Visa and Mastercard networks have a more secure approach than American Express. Indeed, Amex has chosen to indicate on the same side of their bank cards all the elements allowing a potential thief to use it on the Internet to carry out fraudulent transactions. Having your information spread over 2 sides reduces the risk of credit card fraud.

What is CVV?

CVV or CVC (Card Validation Code) is the 3 or 4-digit code we all have on our credit cards. The number combination differs for each blue card, and these numbers are assigned randomly.

The CVV code allows your bank to verify that the concerned bank card is in your possession during an online transaction and that the physical or digital merchant does not have access. This makes it possible to counter cases where an ill-intentioned person would have a photo of your bank card without having all the faces, for example.

Depending on the bank, the CVV may be on the back or the front of your card. This detail plays on the security of your transactions and your financial resources. Depending on the banks, other elements are in place to ensure you use your credit card with peace of mind, both when traveling and for online payments. Launch our comparator if you want to know the different services set up by banking establishments. You will have an overview of the most secure offers on the market!

What is a credit card security code used for?

The cryptogram was created to limit the use of counterfeit or stolen cards. A CVV code is a security system during your online transactions. It protects your funds, preventing your credit card information from being hijacked by a malicious person. By asking you to enter this code which is not supposed to be known by a third party, your bank ensures that the purchase that is about to be confirmed is your fault and not that of a thief.

Indeed, it is now within reach of many people to hijack your bank details by taking a photo or copying the information on your credit card: cameras activated during your payments in stores, merchants leaving in reserve with your credit card to pick up his TPE… Your visual cryptogram is placed on the back of the card limits its access.

Credit card CVV number: 3 things to know

• Without your CVV code or secret PIN code, your card can no longer be used for payments in physical or online shops (excluding sites that do not use the 3D Secure security system, which is increasingly rare). Thus, do not take pictures of the back of your credit card (or cover it if it is an American Express). Never communicate your CVV code or your credit card secret code.
• The combination of 3 or 4 digits forming a CVV number is printed or engraved. As it is not stamped (raised), it is not readable by a machine, whether it is a payment terminal in a business or an ATM. Only you – and any people with physical access to your card – know these numbers.
• Some people take the side of erasing the CVV code from their card to reduce the risk of using their means of payment in the event of theft, loss, or fraudulent access to the information contained on the card. We do not recommend this action because it is easier and more effective to oppose in case of a problem with your card than to have a new bank card reissued if you forget the CVV code.

How to recover your CVV code if it has been deleted?

In this case, if you don’t know your cryptogram by heart or haven’t written it down somewhere, you can no longer make payments online.

• Generally, your banker will refuse to give you your code. However, you can always ask him; everything will depend on his relationship with you (seniority in the banking establishment, etc.). You can also try via your online space in the “cards” section; some banks allow you to have a visual of the card after having entered your access code to your customer account.
• If none of these actions is possible, a solution may be to subscribe to the e-credit card option. For each operation, a changing credit card cryptogram will be provided when the virtual number of the card is created. Almost all banks offer this option, which should only cost a few euros.
• If you do not want to use a virtual bank card because you prefer the real plastic one, you will only have one way to make online payments: have a new credit card be redone, which will have a new code. CVV and a new secret PIN!

Do you have to erase the CVV from your credit card yourself for more security?

As we have seen, it is relatively simple for a malicious person to recover all the information necessary for online payment, including your CVV code. Thus, some bank customers permanently erase these figures. If the deletion of this combination does not interfere with the use of your credit card, we still advise you to think twice before making them disappear:

• You risk forgetting these numbers; in this case, you will have to order an e-credit card or a new physical card to be able to use it fully. So, if you’re not sure you remember your CVV code by heart, write it down in a safe place, and don’t hesitate to use a code (or any other way to hide it) so it is not guessable. Easily.
• You can also stick a sticker on your CVV code to prevent it from being intercepted by a malicious merchant, for example. Admittedly, in the event of theft or loss, it will be removable, but do not forget that in the event of fraud, loss, or theft of your credit card, the first reflex to have is to oppose it: your bank card will be therefore immediately rendered unusable and depending on the amounts, you can be reimbursed for fraudulent transactions.

In the event of theft of your credit card, or even loss, it is essential to quickly oppose your bank card and check any movements on your account, withdrawals, bank transfers, etc.

How to apply for a credit card?

If you are thinking of applying for a credit card, let us remember that this is a tool that works to be able to buy different products or services and pay for them later; and that by acquiring it, you obtain a new financial responsibility that must be covered on time to prevent it from becoming a growing debt.

To apply for a credit card, you have to go to any financial institution and meet the requirements. Among the main ones are being over 18 years old and being able to verify a minimum income.

Also, it is essential to have a good credit history that shows that you pay on time and the know-how to manage your financing correctly.

If you comply with them, the next thing is to consider all the elements that make up a credit card to choose the one that best suits you.

What is the available balance?

This is the total amount that you have available on your credit card, and it is essential to emphasize that you avoid overdrawing it, that is, that you do not spend more than what the bank has decided to lend you since you could fall into debt.

To establish how much it is feasible to lend to you, banks estimate your payment capacity based on the income and expenses you have.

Interest when applying for a credit card

Interest is the extra amount you must pay for using the line of credit. Also, when you fail to meet the monthly payment before the cut-off date, more interest is added, making your debt grow.

What is the cut-off date?

The cut-off date is when you must settle the amount used or pay the minimum payment for the credit used. However, contributing only the minimum payment can make your debt fit for more terms but raise its cost.

How to apply for a credit card?

Once you know the general aspects of credit cards and the minimum requirements, the next thing is to familiarize yourself with the process.

Personal documents

You must first present your documents, such as personal identification, proof of income and proof of address, and sign a document in which you permit the financial institution to consult your credit history.

Physical Request Format

The physical request format is generated to legally process the acquisition of the card with the bank if you have decided to contract it directly at a branch. In this, you only have to complete the fields with your data and thus be able to obtain your card.

Online card application

Today, most banks also offer the opportunity to request a card through the internet, either on their website or directly in the app. It would only be necessary for you to complete additional fields and receive the card at your address or, if necessary, pick it up at the branch.

Before applying for a credit card, it is recommended that you ask about the costs and benefits that they can offer you to decide on the most appropriate one for your needs and, above all, your abilities.

When is it advisable to apply for a loan for your business?

The Mexican business ecosystem continues to adapt to changes. With the arrival of the vaccine against Covid-19, the expectations of economic strengthening of the businesses affected during the pandemic were reactivated; However, with the approval of the outsourcing reform package, which implies the internalization of payroll and a more significant financial and administrative effort to cover it, 2021 poses a new challenge for employers to overcome.

Given these changes, the question arises: Is it time to apply for a loan to strengthen a business? We share what you should consider before making a decision.

External factors

Economic projections point to a recovery based on the production of the vaccine against Covid-19, more significant demand for Mexican exports in the United States, and the local economic rebound seen in the fourth quarter of 2020.

For example, the rating agency Moody predicted an increase in local GDP in 2021 of 3.5 to 5.5%. While the International Monetary Fund forecasts that the Mexican economy will grow its Gross Domestic Product by 4.3%, driven by foreign demand and exports from the United States. In other words, if your business is somehow linked to the external sector, this would be an excellent time to strengthen it and increase its productivity.

Clarity where you will take your business

Renewing the equipment or machinery to increase the production or services of your business is a good investment. Still, first, we recommend that you list the priorities and all the steps that you must follow to scale production and the money you will need to invest in each of them. These them. Delimit your financial goals and define how you will do it to achieve them.

Order in all legal requirements

To request a loan, your business must be formalized. Formal financial institutions will not want to lend you money if you are not already established. The best thing is that you do all the relevant paperwork and formalize your business before applying for a loan.

History of economic stability

Do not forget that you cannot request a loan if the economic situation of your business is not going to let you pay. It is not harmful to ask for a loan to pay some debts, as long as you make sure that the future profits of your business will give you what is necessary to be able to pay a loan later. If the credit exceeds your income, it is not a good time to apply for a loan for SMEs.

For those who have the need and the possibility of continuing to grow, a strengthening opportunity could open up with a loan, as long as short- and medium-term risks and scenarios and growth expectations are kept in mind.

Once you have reviewed these details, you will be ready to make the best decision. Look for your best option and make sure you meet the requirements of that institution. Do not forget that each financial institution asks you for different needs.