Stripe Test CVV: Test Card Numbers and CVC Values

Stripe test cards accept any 3-digit CVC. The exception is a card built to return a CVC error. The default success card is 4242 4242 4242 4242. Use any future expiry date, any 3-digit CVC, and any postal code.

These numbers come from Stripe's public documentation. They work only in test mode with a test API key. No funds move.

What the CVC field does in test mode

Card Verification Value is the 3-digit code on the back of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card. American Express prints a 4-digit code on the front. Stripe holds a CVC length rule for each card brand. Test mode follows the same rule. A test charge with a 3-digit CVC on an American Express test card returns an error.

Test card numbers by brand

• 4242 4242 4242 4242, Visa, 3-digit CVC.
• 5555 5555 5555 4444, Mastercard, 3-digit CVC.
• 5200 8282 8282 8210, Mastercard debit, 3-digit CVC.
• 3782 822463 10005, American Express, 4-digit CVC.
• 6011 1111 1111 1117, Discover, 3-digit CVC.
• 3056 9300 0902 0004, Diners Club, 3-digit CVC.
• 6200 0000 0000 0005, UnionPay, 3-digit CVC.

Test cards that trigger a CVC decline

4000 0000 0000 0127 is the Visa card for CVC failures. Any CVC value returns the decline code incorrect_cvc inside a card_declined error. Use it to test error handling in a checkout flow and to check the message a customer sees.

Other decline test cards

• 4000 0000 0000 0002 returns a generic decline.
• 4000 0000 0000 9995 returns insufficient_funds.
• 4000 0000 0000 0069 returns expired_card.
• 4000 0025 0000 3155 requires 3D Secure authentication.

Test keys and live keys

Test mode uses keys with the prefix pk_test_ and sk_test_. Live keys carry pk_live_ and sk_live_. A test card number sent with a live key fails at the network. Stripe blocks that path.

Resale value of test card numbers

Stripe publishes these numbers at no cost. They pass no real authorization and move no money. A sold test CVV is a copy of a public string.

Limits of test mode

Test mode does not model issuer risk checks, velocity limits, or regional rules. A charge that succeeds in test mode can fail in production. Test CVC checks confirm length and format only. They do not confirm that a real issuer would approve the charge.