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Card payments abroad

Card Payments -

Buying goods from abroad? Some changes you need to know about

From the start of 2021, items you purchase from a merchant based in the European Economic Area (European Union, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) using your debit, credit or charge card will be subject to greater security checks. 

These changes are designed to improve security, reduce the risk of fraud and enable compliance with the regulatory requirements for strong customer authentication that came into force in many EEA countries from 1 January 2021. In the UK, similar requirements are due to come into effect on 14 September 2021

This means that if shopping online, you will pay in the usual way, but in order to complete the transaction, you might be sent a one-time passcode which you are then required to enter. If paying for goods within the EEA, you may be asked to enter your PIN when making face-to-face transactions.

Here is a summary of the changes you might notice:

  1. Where previously you might have been able to swipe your card and use the mag stripe on the back, this may no longer be allowed - you will notice this at places like traffic tolls.
  2. When shopping online, you might need to enter a one-time passcode more frequently as there are strict rules on how much can be processed before authentication has to occur.
  3. When using contactless in person, the merchant may require the PIN to be entered more frequently than when in the UK.

Please continue to make sure you shield your PIN when entering it, also, never tell anyone a one-time passcode that is sent to you (other than typing it in when requested by an online merchant).

If you ever receive a one-time passcode for a transaction you are not making, or do not recognise it, please contact us immediately.  

Please continue to be vigilant when making online purchases. For more advice on fraud, please read our latest tips.

If you have any queries, please contact your relationship manager or call our service line on +44 (0) 20 7012 2900 24/7.

 

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