Verified by MasterCard/Visa Card Secure Code

xlnc99

Anyone else find this process strange. Sometime it asks for the secure code and other times it does not.

Any one shed any light on this? I notice Mastercard tend to ask more often then Visa.

kuratowski

It is supposed to be risk-based. So if the transaction is "large" then you are more likely to be asked. Similarly if the website in question is more prone to being used for fraud. And in theory the card issuer should be aware of your "usual" spending patterns and prompt for a code whenever a transaction is out of character.

EssexExile

I've not see either used in years. Perhaps all my transactions are boringly predictable.

agrinnall

Some card issuers use it, some don't. Nationwide stopped completely several years ago, but I'm still asked quite often for Santander (MC) and Co-op (VbV). Nationwide say they are moving to sending a code by text but I haven't actually received one yet.

Terry_Towelling

In addition to kuratowski's post, I believe these security systems are also programmed to recognise when a transaction is coming from a different 'device' and to prompt for a password just in case it is not you making the purchase.

I wonder whether some security settings (in-private browsing/VPN etc) can potentially hide your 'device' ID and lead to this happening - just a guess.

jonnygee2

I notice Mastercard tend to ask more often then Visa.

It's the bank who make the decision, not the card processor, based on risk profile.

Anything could be the trigger, from your IP address changing, to the bank having seen a sudden increase in fraud on that merchant. There's no way to know the logic behind the deicison.

londoninvestor

agrinnall wrote: »

Some card issuers use it, some don't. Nationwide stopped completely several years ago, but I'm still asked quite often for Santander (MC) and Co-op (VbV). Nationwide say they are moving to sending a code by text but I haven't actually received one yet.

Since Nationwide introduced it, I've had exactly one code by text (last month).

(Edit: and it's my main current account, so I do a fair few online purchases with the debit card.)

brianposter

I have stopped using my HSBC card because they keep trying to send me secure codes which I cannot receive.

PRAISETHESUN

Terry_Towelling wrote: »

In addition to kuratowski's post, I believe these security systems are also programmed to recognise when a transaction is coming from a different 'device' and to prompt for a password just in case it is not you making the purchase.

I wonder whether some security settings (in-private browsing/VPN etc) can potentially hide your 'device' ID and lead to this happening - just a guess.

This happens to me a lot - however my VPN blocks interferes with how some websites work (it blocks trackers, cookies, etc which can break some websites) so it actually gets in the way of this quite a bit.

@OP - as above, it'll depend on the card issuer and their tolerance for risk. I rarely get asked for codes, but when I do it's usually for large purchases, or when I'm buying things from overseas.

sheramber

Tesco bank have advised they are going to use this

https://www.tescobank.com/security/3d-secure/

We’re changing how you use your credit and debit card to make a purchase online - instead of using a password you'll be sent a unique passcode by text message so we can make sure it’s you and keep your account as secure as possible.

If we don’t have your current mobile number, you may not be able to make purchases online.

Find out how to check and update your credit card number here, and your debit card number here.

Fingerbobs

agrinnall wrote: »

Some card issuers use it, some don't. Nationwide stopped completely several years ago, but I'm still asked quite often for Santander (MC) and Co-op (VbV). Nationwide say they are moving to sending a code by text but I haven't actually received one yet.

I contacted Santander several months ago to ask how to change my SecureCode password because I couldn't find any way to do it, and they said they don't use it any more, so there is no password to change.