Verified by Visa is free to Visa cardholders and was developed to help prevent unauthorized use of Visa cards online.

Verified by Visa protects Visa cards with personal passwords, giving cardholders reassurance that only they can use their Visa cards online.

Once your card is activated, your card number will be recognized whenever it's used at participating online stores. A Verified by Visa window will automatically appear and your Visa card issuer will ask for your password. You'll enter your password to verify your identity and complete your purchase.

At stores that aren't participating in Verified by Visa yet, your Visa card will continue to work as usual.

MasterCard® SecureCode™ is a new service from MasterCard and your card issuer that provides added protection when you buy online. There is no need to get a new MasterCard or Maestro® card. You choose your own personal MasterCard SecureCode and it is never shared with any merchant. A private code means added protection against unauthorized use of your credit or debit card when you shop online.

Every time you pay online with your MasterCard or Maestro card, a box pops up from your card issuer asking you for your personal SecureCode, just like the bank does at the ATM. In seconds, your card issuer confirms it's you and allows your purchase to be completed.