How It Works

Protecting both merchants and consumers against fraud

Verified by Visa protects merchants from fraud-related chargebacks on all Visa personal debit and credit card transactions, even when processing transactions from non-participating issuers. Verified by Visa also protects consumers by requiring a password during online purchases, helping ensure that no one else can use their Visa card online.

More than 70 percent of consumers surveyed* indicate that they would be more likely to make purchases at Web sites offering Verified by Visa protection.

Activating Verified by Visa

To use Verified by Visa, consumers must first activate their existing card(s).

Cardholders may activate Verified by Visa in a number of ways:

1. Card issuers typically provide an online activation site and have integrated Verified by Visa activation in the card issuer’s online banking site.
2. Visa, Issuers, and participating merchants may display “Activation Anytime” banners or buttons that enable cardholders to activate their Visa card by clicking on the banner or button.
3. Cardholders may also activate during shopping.

Activating cards during shopping is quick and easy

Visa card issuers may enable cardholders to activate while shopping. During checkout at participating online stores, a cardholder may encounter a message offering the opportunity to activate Verified by Visa for their Visa card.

If the cardholder chooses to activate during shopping, they provide information to their Visa card issuer to confirm their identity, and then create their password. On future purchases at participating online stores, the cardholder’s Verified by Visa password will be required during checkout, reducing fraudulent use of the card.

Simple for consumers to use

Once Verified by Visa is activated, a consumer’s card is automatically recognized when used for purchases at participating online stores. The consumer is asked for their password; the password is verified; and the transaction is completed.

Cardholders will see Verified by Visa symbol within the password window.

Learn more about the changes to Verified by Visa.

Get started today

For more information on how you can participate in Verified by Visa, contact your financial institution or Visa Representative.

For additional information select from the resources in the column at right.

*Visa Tracking Study, Wave 6, September, 2005