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What is “Verified by Visa” / “Mastercard SecureCode” (3D Secure)?

3D Secure protects a buyer's credit card against unauthorized use when shopping online. This service enables buyers to validate transactions you make over the internet by requesting a personal code (usually sent to your cellular phone or email address as a one-time PIN). It helps protect against fraudulent use by unauthorized individuals.

Verified by Visa (or VbV) is an advanced anti-fraud tool Visa offers to businesses. Similar to Mastercard SecureCode, it requires an additional level of verification in the form of a passcode/securecode to prove only valid cardholders make purchases. How this code is obtained depends on the type of credit card and the arrangments that the cardholder has made with the bank.
 
Verified by VISA:
If you are already enrolled in Verified by Visa, you will see a screen similar to the following (this example is specific to the Royal Bank, but all banks typically will request similar information). You will see the personal message that they you have set yourself when you signed up for the Verified by Visa service, and then enter your password below.
 
Signup:
If it is the first time you shop online with your personal Visa credit card, you will be shown an option to enroll in the program. In this case, you click on “I am not enrolled in Verified by Visa”. The password used is not a banking PIN, nor the password for their online banking.
Forgot Password:
If you have already enrolled in the “Verified by Visa” program but you have forgotten your password, you will be presented the option to reset your password.
 
Mastercard SecureCode
If you are already enrolled with a MasterCard SecureCode, you will see a screen similar to the following (this example is specific to MBNA, but all banks typically will request the same information). In this case, before asking you for a password (your “SecureCode”), you will be asked to provide information found on the physical card as well as the primary cardholder’s date of birth.
Signup:
If it is your first time shopping online with your personal MasterCard, you will most likely be asked to sign up for a MasterCard SecureCode.
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