FAQ

Valuable information about Verified by Visa

Learn more by reviewing these frequently asked questions.

Find out about system requirements.

Overview

What is Verified by Visa?

Verified by Visa is a unique service that uses personal passwords or identity information to help protect Visa card numbers against unauthorized use. Once activated your Visa card number cannot be used for online purchases without your personal password. Verified by Visa is available for most Visa cards from participating financial institutions.*

Why should I sign up for Verified by Visa?

Verified by Visa provides an extra level of protection for online shopping. Visa always protects its cardholders against unauthorized use, but Verified by Visa helps to prevent unauthorized use online before it can happen.

Will I need to apply for a new Visa card to use Verified by Visa?

No, Verified by Visa is designed to protect the Visa card(s) that you already have. To see whether Verified by Visa is available for your card, click Activate Now and enter your card number in the activate field. Why this is safe.

When I enter my Visa card number on the Verified by Visa (visa.com/verified) Web site to activate my card, how does Visa protect this information?

Visa takes extensive precautions to secure your card number, and it is only used for the purposes of providing this service. We want you to be assured that your information is properly safeguarded. Payment card information is transmitted using a high level of encryption, and is stored on our secure server behind a firewall to protect against unauthorized access. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. The financial institution that issued your Visa card will have additional privacy and security policies. You can access these policies during the activation process.

I am not an Internet expert. How easy is Verified by Visa to use?

Verified by Visa is quick and easy to use. When you submit an order at a participating online store, a Verified by Visa window will appear. If you have not activated your Visa card, simply complete the authentication information requested by your card issuer and create a password. After your Visa card is activated, you just enter your password, submit, and you're done.

I share the same card number with other family members. How does Verified by Visa work for all of us?

Whether you and your family members share the same password will be determined by your Visa member bank. Some member banks require everyone on your Visa account to activate their individual card and create a personal Verified by Visa password. Other member banks activate the card for you, in this case, all account holders use the same password.

Can I use Verified by Visa from any computer?

Yes. One of the great advantages of Verified by Visa is that it can work with just about any PC with an Internet connection. There is no special software to install. Once you activate your card, you simply shop as you usually do. Your Visa card number is automatically recognized at checkout. Be sure that Cookies and JavaScript are enabled and that pop-up killers are disabled on your computer. See more information on supported browsers and how to enable Cookies and JavaScript in System Requirements.

Does Verified by Visa have a new symbol?

The Verified by Visa symbol has been updated. Look for the new Verified by Visa symbol; it’s your way of knowing that you are shopping with an additional layer of security.

Your issuer will ask you to identify yourself and to create a password. Once you have activated your existing card with the Verified by Visa service, you will only be asked for your personalized password. (As a reminder, a Verified by Visa screen will never ask for your complete social security number.)

Activating your card

How do I activate my card?

Click Activate Now and follow the steps outlined.

How do I know activation is secure and safe?

Personal and payment card information is transmitted using a high level of encryption (SSL), and is stored on a secure server behind a firewall to protect against unauthorized access. To learn more about online security, view our Email, Phishing & Security Tips.

What are the Verified by Visa password requirements (number of characters, numbers, upper case, etc.)?

Password requirements are determined by each Visa card issuer/member bank. Contact your Visa card issuer to learn more about their password requirements.

Can I activate more than one card?

Yes, you may activate all of your Visa cards, as long they were issued by participating financial institutions and Verified by Visa is available.

I received notice from my Visa card issuer that my card has been activated in Verified by Visa. What does this mean?

Some Visa card issuers provide additional security by initiating activation for cardholders. Just follow the instructions provided by your card issuer and start shopping with added safety and confidence.

Shopping with Verified by Visa

How do I shop with Verified by Visa?

When you pay with your Visa card, the Verified by Visa service is automatically extended to you at participating online stores. After you enter your Visa card number and submit your order, a Verified by Visa window will appear. Your card issuer will display an authentication page. You will enter identity information or your password and click submit. Your identity will be verified and the purchase process will proceed. For more information, visit How It Works.

Where can I shop using Verified by Visa?

For a list of participating online stores, visit the Places to Shop section. The list of participating stores is growing, so bookmark that page or set it as one of your favorites, and check back often.

Look for the Verified by Visa symbol displayed at many participating stores:

Once I activate my card, will I use my password wherever I shop?

You'll use your Verified by Visa password only at participating online stores.

How will online stores know that my card is activated?

Whenever you use your activated card to pay at participating online stores, your Visa card number will automatically be recognized and the Verified by Visa password window will appear. Your password will be required to complete your purchase.

What if I forget my password?

If you forget your password, click “Forgot your password” on the Verified by Visa password window and follow the instructions provided by your Visa card issuer.

What is a Personal Message?

Your Personal Message appears in your password screen when you make purchases. When the Verified by Visa window appears during the purchase process you should always check to see that your Personal Message appears correctly. This confirms that it's an authentic Verified by Visa window.

What should I do if I suspect that someone has my password or has used it to make a fraudulent purchase?

If you ever suspect that a fraudulent purchase has been made with your Visa account, contact your Visa card issuer immediately. Always be sure to keep your password safe.

Will Visa's Zero Liability policy cover me if someone uses my password to make a purchase using Verified by Visa?

The Zero Liability policy** protects you against the unauthorized use of your Visa card. For further details about the Zero Liability policy and Verified by Visa contact the financial institution that issued your Visa card.

While I was making a purchase online, I was notified that my card has been activated in Verified by Visa. What does this mean?

Some Visa card issuers provide additional security by initiating activation for cardholders. Just follow the instructions provided by your card issuer to shop at participating online stores with added safety and confidence.

Contact us

I have additional questions about Verified by Visa. Who can I contact?

Contact your Visa card issuer directly for the most up-to-date information about using Verified by Visa with your Visa card.

If you have other questions about Verified by Visa, please contact us.

Important: Please be sure to include the name of your Visa card issuer. We'll do our best to answer your questions in a timely manner.