What CVV do you use with Stripe test cards?

Use any three digits, such as 123, 000, or 456. Stripe does not validate the CVC value on its standard test cards, so the number you type has no effect on the result. For American Express test cards, use any four digits. The outcome of a test payment is decided by the card number, not by the CVC field.

The default card is 4242 4242 4242 4242. Pair it with any future expiry date, any three-digit CVC, and any postal code, and the charge succeeds in test mode.

Prerequisites

  • A Stripe account with access to the Dashboard
  • Test API keys that start with pk_test_ and sk_test_
  • A test card number from Stripe's testing documentation

How to run a test payment with a CVC

  1. Open the Stripe Dashboard and set the mode toggle to Test.
  2. Load your checkout page configured with the test publishable key.
  3. Type 4242 4242 4242 4242 in the card number field.
  4. Type any future expiry date, for example 12/34.
  5. Type any three digits in the CVC field, for example 123.
  6. Type any postal code in the billing field, for example 10001.
  7. Submit the form, then open Payments in the Dashboard and confirm the charge shows Succeeded.

Test cards that simulate CVC results

Stripe fakes verification outcomes through dedicated card numbers. The CVC field still accepts any digits; the card number alone triggers the response.

  • 4000 0000 0000 0101: the CVC check fails, but the charge can still go through.
  • 4000 0000 0000 0127: the payment is declined with an incorrect CVC error.
  • 4000 0000 0000 0010: the address line 1 check fails.
  • 4000 0000 0000 0028: the postal code check fails.
  • 4000 0000 0000 0002: generic decline, useful for testing error handling.

CVC length by card brand

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and JCB test cards take three digits. Amex takes four. To test Amex, use 3782 822463 10005 with any four digits in the CID field and any future expiry date.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving live keys in place. Live keys process real money, so always confirm the Dashboard shows Test mode first.
  • Typing a wrong CVC on 4242 4242 4242 4242 and expecting a decline. Use 4000 0000 0000 0127 when you need a failed CVC check.
  • Sending test card data through production logging or storage. Keep test values out of systems that handle real cardholder data.
  • Forgetting 3D Secure. Cards such as 4000 0025 0000 3155 require an authentication step before the charge completes.