CVN Locations and Terminology {#payments-auth-cvn-locations}
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For most cards, the CVN is a three-digit number printed on the back of the card, to the right of the signature field. For American Express, the CVN is a four-digit number printed on the front of the card above the card number.

#### Figure:

CVN Locations ![Image depicting the location of the CVN on the back of most cards and the front
of an American Express card.](/content/dam/documentation/cybs/en-us/topics/payments-processing/card-processing/payments/images/CVV_Location.svg/jcr:content/renditions/original)  
Each payment card company has its own name for the CVN value:

* Mastercard calls it the *card validation code* (CVC2).
* Visa calls it the *card verification value* (CVV2).