What is a CVC?

A Card Verification Code, or CVC, is a number that provides extra security to credit and debit card holders, in case an unauthorized person gets a hold of your account number. CVCs are one way to make sure someone has the actual card in his or her possession. On Discover, MasterCard and Visa cards, the CVC is the last three digits of the number that appears on the back of your card in the signature bar.