Strong Customer Authentication

A new security measure - what you need to know.

A new layer of protection may change how you pay online and in-store

New requirements are taking effect across Europe on 1st January 2021. A key part of this is the requirement Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). This means, as a Visa Cardholder, you may be asked to provide additional information when making some purchases.

Banks are introducing these new security measures for Visa cardholders who shop online or make contactless payments. This will help them ensure only you can use your Visa and give you even more confidence and protection when paying with Visa.

  • Online: You may have to enter a passcode, which would be sent to your mobile phone or landline or authenticate your payment in another way, depending on how your Visa Card issuing bank has implemented the new security measures.
  • In-store: For contactless purchases, you may be asked to enter your PIN more often.

You may be asked to take an additional security step to confirm you are you when making a payment using your banks’ chosen authentication method. This is called Two-factor authentication, which means you will have to provide information from at least two of the three categories below. Your bank will have informed you by now on how to do this. If they have not, please contact your bank.

 

Knowledge:
Something they know
(such as a password or PIN).

 

Possession:
Something they have
(such as a mobile phone, card reader or other device evidenced by a one-time passcode).

 

Inherence:
Something they are
(such as a fingerprint).

 

Shopping online

The new security measures will assess each online transaction and decide if you will need to take an extra step at checkout. If you do, you’ll be guided through this process.

Many banks in Europe have chosen Visa’s solution to support Two-factor authentication called Visa Secure.

Visa Secure helps banks confirm you are you when you make an online purchase. This service helps make shopping online more secure by protecting the unauthorised use of your Visa card.

When you shop online and see the Visa Secure badge on participating merchant sites, this means your online purchases are secured with Visa.

There’s no need to download anything, install software or register. During an online purchase from your desktop, mobile or other digital device, you may be asked to provide additional information to confirm you are the genuine cardholder.

This will give you even more confidence and protection when paying with your Visa.

 

Shopping in-store

For contactless purchases, you may be asked to enter your PIN more often.

If you are unable to complete the contactless transaction after entering your PIN, you may be asked to insert your card and enter your PIN to perform a chip and PIN payment.

If the problem persists, please speak to your issuing bank, which will be able to provide more information.

Find out more about Contactless.

Disclaimer: This information is provided “AS IS” and intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for operational, marketing, legal, technical, tax, financial or other advice. The products and services described in this communication may be subject to further development.