FAQs

Learn more about MasterCard SecureCodeā„¢. You can use the links below to jump to specific topics, or scroll down the page to read the full list of questions and answers.

About MasterCard SecureCode Shopping with MasterCard SecureCode Security and Privacy

About MasterCard SecureCode

What is MasterCard SecureCode?
MasterCard SecureCode is a new service from MasterCard and your card issuer that provides added security when you shop online by providing added protection against unauthorised use of your enrolled card.

How does MasterCard SecureCode work?
Once you've registered and created your own private MasterCard SecureCode, every time you make an online purchase at a participating merchant, a box will automatically pop-up asking for your MasterCard SecureCode, similar to the way your bank asks for your PIN at the ATM. When you correctly enter your MasterCard SecureCode, your card issuer confirms that you are the authorised cardholder and your purchase is completed.

How does MasterCard SecureCode protect me?
When you correctly enter your MasterCard SecureCode during an online purchase at a participating merchant, you confirm that you are the authorised cardholder and your purchase is then completed. If the correct MasterCard SecureCode is not entered, the purchase will not go through. So even if someone knew your card number, they would not be able to use your account at that merchant.

Is MasterCard SecureCode easy to use?
Yes. When you make an online purchase and enter your MasterCard payment information, a pop-up box from your card issuer will automatically appear and prompt you for your MasterCard SecureCode. After reviewing the details of your purchase and confirming that your Personal Greeting (see "What is a Personal Greeting?" for more details) is correct, simply enter your MasterCard SecureCode to complete your purchase.

Will I need to get a new card to use MasterCard SecureCode?
No. You will be able to use any of your existing MasterCard credit or debit cards, as long as the cards are from a participating card issuer.

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Shopping with MasterCard SecureCode

How do I use my MasterCard SecureCode?
There is no need to login or sign in. When you make a purchase at a participating merchant and enter your MasterCard payment details, a box will automatically pop up from your card issuer requesting your MasterCard SecureCode. After reviewing the details of your purchase and confirming that your Personal Greeting is correct, simply enter your MasterCard SecureCode to complete your purchase.

How will MasterCard SecureCode impact my purchase?
Aside from the added protection that MasterCard SecureCode provides, the only impact to your purchase will be that you will need to type in your MasterCard SecureCode when the request box pops up, and then wait a few seconds while your card issuer confirms your identity.

Will I be able to purchase at merchants that accept MasterCard but do not participate in the MasterCard SecureCode service?
Yes, but you will not be asked for your MasterCard SecureCode at these merchants. To complete your purchase, simply follow the traditional checkout process.

How will the online merchant know that my card is protected by MasterCard SecureCode?
When you use a card you have enrolled in the MasterCard SecureCode service at participating online merchants, your MasterCard card number is automatically recognized via a MasterCard directory.

How do I know whether a merchant participates in MasterCard SecureCode or not?
Most participating merchants will display the MasterCard SecureCode logo on their site. However, even if you don't see the MasterCard SecureCode logo, the merchant may still be participating.

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Security and Privacy

How does MasterCard SecureCode work?
First you must register and create a MasterCard SecureCode. Each time you make an online purchase at a participating merchant, a pop-up box will appear automatically, asking for your MasterCard SecureCode, like the bank does at the ATM. When you correctly enter your MasterCard SecureCode, your card issuer confirms that you are the authorised cardholder and your purchase is completed. If the correct code is not supplied, your card issuer cannot confirm your identity and so the purchase may not go through.

How does MasterCard SecureCode protect me?
First you must register and create a SecureCode, each time you make an online purchase at a participating merchant, a pop-up box will appear automatically asking for your MasterCard SecureCode, like the bank does at the ATM. When you correctly enter your MasterCard SecureCode, you confirm that you are the authorised cardholder and your purchase is completed. If the correct code is not supplied, your card issuer cannot confirm your identity and so the purchase will not go through.

Aren't I already protected by zero liability?
If your MasterCard® card is issued, it has zero liability as one of its features. But even if you already have this protection, MasterCard SecureCode can help to save you from the hassle of disputing a charge that isn't yours, saving you time and aggravation. MasterCard SecureCode helps to prevent unauthorised online use of your account at participating merchants and provides added protection and peace of mind above and beyond zero liability.

How will the online merchant know that my card is protected by MasterCard SecureCode?
When you use a card you have enrolled in MasterCard SecureCode at participating online merchants, the merchant does not know that your account is protected until you finish the purchase and confirm your identity to your issuer. At that point, your issuer guarantees your purchase to the merchant, but never shares your MasterCard SecureCode.

Where can I view Terms and Conditions?
You should visit your card issuer's website for the Terms and Conditions specific to your issuer and the type of MasterCard card you have.

Where can I review the privacy policy?
To review your card issuer's privacy policy, please visit their website.

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