Verified by Visa

Verified by Visa protects your card against unauthorized use and gives you peace of mind when shopping online

Verified by Visa offers an additional layer of security, adding one step to your process of paying online. Provided in association with anti-fraud schemes, Verified by Visa works by enabling you to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) to the registered phone number whenever you shop online at any of the tens of thousands of retailers registered under the scheme. When purchasing online, you will be asked to enter the OTP that will be sent to you by SMS before your card can be debited to make the purchase. Therefore, even if someone does manage to get hold of your card details, they will not be able to use it without the OTP.

Shop safely online

If you wish to use your Visa card on a website that isn’t offering Verified by Visa, we recommend following a few simple safeguards:

• Shop with retailers you know, or research them first to ensure they are reputable and reliable
• Keep a record of your online transactions, including the retailer's website address. Many online stores send customers emails summarizing the purchase details – make sure you save or print these.
• Before purchasing, read the delivery and return policies that should be on the retailer’s website. Can unsatisfactory items be sent back? If the items are faulty, can you get a refund or a credit note?
• The retailer’s website should also have information about delivery arrangements and costs, currencies they accept, and taxes that may apply.
• Look for a telephone number or email address and note them down in case you have any queries.
• Make sure that your card details will be encrypted securely before being sent across the internet – look for an unbroken key or lock at the bottom of your browser window or check the website address, which should begin https:// rather than http:// .
• Use the latest version of your browser's software and check your computer's operating system software is up to date.