What is the difference between AVS and CVV checks?
AVS and CVV checks verify different data during a card authorization. AVS compares the billing address entered by the buyer with the address the issuer holds. CVV compares the security code printed on the card with the issuer’s value. AVS works mainly in the US, Canada and the UK, while the CVV check is available worldwide.
In detail
AVS and CVV are both issuer checks returned with the authorization response. They verify different things.
AVS: the address
The Address Verification Service compares the postal code and street address typed at checkout with the billing address on the issuer’s file. The result is a code: full match, partial match, no match or not supported. Most cards issued in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom support it. In many other countries the issuer returns "not supported".
CVV: the code
The card verification code is the three- or four-digit value printed on the card. It is not in the chip or the magnetic stripe, and merchants may not store it. A match suggests the buyer has the card details in hand. The check is available worldwide for payments the customer initiates.
Key differences:
- Coverage: regional for AVS, global for CVV.
- Stored use: an address can be kept, the CVV cannot.
- Meaning: AVS tests knowledge of the billing address, CVV tests access to the card.
Neither one authenticates the cardholder or protects against fraud disputes. See AVS and CVV for the full comparison with 3-D Secure. A smart checkout requests each value only where it is useful.