CVC Downgrade
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CVC downgrade allows you to process payments without requiring the Card Verification Code (CVC), which can help increase your transaction acceptance rates.
The Card Verification Code (CVC) is the 3 or 4-digit security code on payment cards that helps verify the customer has the physical card. While this adds security, requiring CVC can sometimes cause valid transactions to be declined.
With CVC downgrade enabled, Amazon Payment Services will process transactions without validating the CVC code. You can still include the CVC field in your payment form, but the system will ignore it during processing. This means customers can complete purchases even if they enter an incorrect CVC or leave it blank.
How CVC Downgrade Works
Service Activation
CVC downgrade is enabled on your merchant account after bank approval and Amazon Payment Services configuration.
Payment Processing
When processing transactions, the CVC value is not sent to the processor for validation, even if provided in the request.
Transaction Completion
Transactions can be processed successfully without CVC validation, relying on other security measures.
Key Features
- Increased acceptance rates - Process transactions without CVC validation requirements
- Flexible implementation - CVC field remains available but validation is bypassed
- Custom integration only - Available exclusively for custom integration method
- Optional CVC collection - Choose whether to collect CVC from customers
Prerequisites
Before implementing CVC downgrade, ensure you meet these requirements:
Bank Approval Required
Critical Requirement: Prior approval from your bank is required before activating this service.
Contact your acquiring bank to discuss and obtain approval for CVC downgrade implementation.
Service Activation
Once you have bank approval, contact Amazon Payment Services to enable the feature:
Email: merchantsupport-ps@amazon.com
Provide your bank approval documentation and merchant account details.
This service is only supported for custom integration.
Support
Need assistance with CVC downgrade implementation? Contact our technical support team at merchantsupport-ps@amazon.com.