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You are in: Internet Banking → Online security → How we keep you safe → Verified by Visa
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Verified by Visa

Verified by Visa (VbV) provides you with your own personal password, designed to stop unauthorised purchases and make online shopping even more secure.

Below you can find out more about this service, including how to register, how it affects you when you use your Visa card to shop online, and how you can manage your Verified by Visa (VbV) account.

This is just one more initiative in our ongoing fight to stamp out financial fraud.

Verified by Visa gives you:

  • Another level of security to your online transactions - by using a password only you can use your card online
  • Safer Internet shopping - the more cardholders that register, the more retailers will sign up to Verified by Visa (VbV), making Internet shopping safer for everyone
  • Peace of mind - even if you don't currently shop online, registering your card for Verified by Visa (VbV) increases your protection against potential online fraud

* Important: If you do not register you may not be able to make purchases using your debit or credit card with any online Verified by Visa retailer until you have completed registration.

  • How to register
  • How to shop
  • Manage your account
  • FAQs

There are two ways to register for Verified by Visa (VbV).

You may be prompted to register for VbV whilst shopping online with a participating retailer using your Visa debit or credit card.

This is quick and easy to do, and once you've registered you'll be returned to the checkout to complete your purchase. View example of screens you will see when registering whilst shopping.

Important: You'll be given the opportunity to register when shopping online at Verified by Visa retailers. If you do not register during the first attempt, you will be able to complete your transaction as normal. However, if on the second request you do not register, you will not be able to use your debit or credit card with any online Verified by Visa retailer until you have completed registration.

You can also register here.

It's simple to shop with Verified by Visa (VbV) once you've registered your card:

  • When you make a purchase online at a participating online retailer, a receipt is displayed at the end of the checkout process
  • The receipt includes details of your current purchase, such as site name, purchase amount and date
  • Check the receipt is showing the Personal Message you chose when you registered before signing it as this proves it is a genuine Nationwide receipt
  • Sign the receipt using your personal password and click 'Submit' to proceed with the purchase. Without your password, the purchase can't take place

For more information on shopping with Verified by Visa (VbV), view our demo.

You can still shop online as normal with retailers who don't currently offer Verified by Visa (VbV), you just won't benefit from the additional level of security.

If you have any queries or encounter any problems when shopping with VbV see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Your Personal Account Manager is a service that enables you to manage your Verified by Visa (VbV) account profile. Here you can:

  • Change your password
  • Change your Login Name
  • Update your e-mail address
  • Change your Personal Message
  • Register additional cards

You can also view receipts for any purchases you make using Verified by Visa (VbV) a great way of keeping track of your online shopping.

You can access your Personal Account Manager here.

If you'd like to know more about this service and what to do if you have any problems see our Frequently Asked Questions.

About Verified by Visa (VbV)

What is Verified by Visa (VbV)?

It's a free service from Visa in association with Nationwide and over 50,000 retailers. When you register for Verified by Visa (VbV) you are allocated a Personal Message. You'll also be asked to create a password so that when you make an online purchase from these retailers, you'll be asked for this additional password along with your card number details before you can complete your transaction. This adds a whole new layer of security to your online shopping.

Why are Nationwide introducing this service?

It adds another level of security to your online transactions. You will be asked to register when shopping online at Verified by Visa (VbV) retailers. If you do not register, you will not be able to use your card with any online Verified by Visa (VbV) retailer until you have completed registration. The more cardholders that register, the more retailers will register, making Internet shopping safer for everyone. Even if you don't currently shop online, by registering your card for Verified by Visa (VbV) you're increasing your protection against online fraud.

How does Verified by Visa (VbV) work?

When you make a purchase online at a participating online retailer, Verified by Visa (VbV) issues an online receipt at the end of the checkout process. The receipt includes details of your current purchase such as site name, purchase amount and date. You sign the receipt using your password and click 'Submit' to proceed with the purchase. Without your password, the purchase can't take place.

For added security you are also assigned a Personal Message. Each time we present you with a Verified by Visa (VbV) receipt you should look for the Personal Message as this proves it is a genuine Nationwide receipt.

Where can I buy with Verified by Visa (VbV)?

Over 50,000 retailers are already part of Verified by Visa (VbV), and more are signing up! Click here to see a list of participating online retailer sites.

What are the system requirements for Verified by Visa (VbV)?

In order to get the most out of the Verified by Visa (VbV) service, Visa recommend the following browsers: Windows Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5, 6.0 (including 6.0 on XP SP2), 7.0 and 8.0, Windows Netscape® 7.2, Windows AOL ® 9, Windows Firefox® 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, Opera® 9.5 and Macintosh Safari®.

Registration

How do I register for Verified by Visa (VbV)?

From June 2007 all participating online retailers started to ask any unregistered Nationwide FlexAccount debit and credit card holders to register before completing any online purchases. Full on screen instructions are provided, and registration is completed in 2 easy steps. You will then be returned to the checkout to complete your purchase.

You can also register here.

Important: If you do not register, you may not be able to make purchases from participating organisations via the internet until you have successfully registered.

I don’t want to use Verified by Visa (VbV), can I opt out?

No. Once you've registered for the Nationwide (VbV) service you can't de-register.

You will be asked to register when shopping online at Verified by Visa (VbV) retailers. If you do not register, you will not be able to use your card with any online Verified by Visa (VbV) retailer until you have completed registration.

Verified by Visa (VbV) is an industry initiative which will greatly reduce the risk of online fraud when you're making purchases. By choosing Verified by Visa (VbV), you'll be able to safely shop online as each transaction you make will be protected by your own personal password. Not using Verified by Visa (VbV) could leave you open to an unnecessary risk of fraud.

What cards can I register for Verified by Visa (VbV)?

You can register any of your existing Nationwide Visa debit and credit cards. There's no limit to the number of cards you register.

When can I use Verified by Visa (VbV) with my credit card?

We're phasing the introduction of Verified by Visa (VbV) so we can provide the same level of service to all cardholders when they register. From October 2007 credit card holders will be invited to register.

What is a password?

When you register for Verified by Visa (VbV) you create a password. We recommend you choose something that's easy for you to remember and difficult for others to guess. It must be between 8-15 characters, and include at least two numbers and two letters, one of which must be uppercase and one lower case.

This password can be used for any of the cards you have registered.

What is a login name?

When you register for Verified by Visa (VbV) whilst shopping online a pre-assigned Login Name that Nationwide has selected for you is displayed. This is based on your first and last name. You'll need this Login Name to make future purchases and access your Personal Account Manager.

If you supply your e-mail address when you register you'll receive an e-mail from nationwide@securesuiteemail.com confirming your Login Name. You don't need to reply to this e-mail. Remember, Nationwide will never ask you for any personal details in an e-mail.

What is a Personal Message?

When you register for Verified by Visa (VbV) during shopping, a pre-assigned Personal Message that Nationwide has selected for you is displayed. Each time we present you with a Verified by Visa (VbV) receipt you should look for the Personal Message as this proves it is a genuine Nationwide receipt.

After activating Verified by Visa (VbV) we recommend you change your personal message to something you'll easily recognise. You can't select a Personal Message that will be identical to your password. It must be 6-30 characters long and spaces can be used.

You can change your Personal Message in your Personal Account Manager.

Why do I have to supply personal details to register?

The personal information you supply is used as a security measure to make sure you're the real cardholder. This information is automatically checked against your Nationwide account records.

Why do I have to supply my e-mail address to register?

Entering your e-mail is optional and will only be used for important notifications from Nationwide, and in full accordance with the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

If you supply your e-mail address when you register you'll receive an e-mail from nationwide@securesuiteemail.com confirming your Login Name. You don't need to reply to this e-mail. Remember, Nationwide will never ask you for any personal details in an e-mail.

We recommend you also enter your e-mail address in your Personal Account Manager. This means you'll receive an e-mail confirmation each time you amend any of your details so you know when a change has been made to your Verified by Visa (VbV) account.

Can two people with a joint account use the same password or should they register for Verified by Visa (VbV) separately?

Both cardholders of the account can register their debit cards separately and can each establish a personal password.

Can an additional cardholder on a credit card account register for the Verified by Visa (VbV) service?

Yes additional card holders can register for the service. They will create their own login name and password at registration. However, the main cardholder is still liable for all transactions on the account. If an additional cardholder has difficulty registering for VbV they should contact Credit Card Services. They can be contacted on 08457 99 88 99 (charged at local rate) between 8.00am and 10.00pm Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm on Saturday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday.

What happens when my Nationwide debit or credit card expires?

When you're re-issued a new Nationwide debit or credit card, the Verified by Visa (VbV) service is automatically updated with the new card information. You don't need to re-register in order to continue using the Verified by Visa (VbV) service.

What is the Signature Panel Code?

The Signature Panel Code is the last three digits printed on the signature panel on the back of your card. It's used as an extra security measure to make sure you are in the possession of the card being registered.

When will my account be debited with Verified by Visa (VbV) purchases?

There will be no change to the way your account is debited for purchases made with Verified by Visa (VbV).

Shopping with Verified by Visa (VbV)

How do I buy with Verified by Visa (VbV)?

When you make a purchase online at a participating online retailer, Verified by Visa (VbV) issues a receipt at the end of the checkout process. The receipt includes details of your current purchase, such as site name, purchase amount and date. You sign the receipt using your personal password and click 'Submit' to proceed with the purchase. Without your password, the purchase can't take place.

Each time we present you with a Verified by Visa (VbV) receipt you should also look for the Personal Message before signing it as this proves it is a genuine Nationwide receipt.

For more information on shopping with Verified by Visa (VbV), view our demo.

What should I do if I purchase online but the Verified by Visa (VbV) receipt does not appear?

Check the card you used for the purchase is one that you've registered for Verified by Visa (VbV), and that the retailer is a participating Verified by Visa (VbV) retailer. If this is the case you'll need to contact the retailer for help.

Can I still purchase from retailers who don't participate in the Verified by Visa (VbV) service?

Yes. However you won't benefit from the added security of Verified by Visa (VbV). To complete the purchase at such retailers, simply follow the regular checkout process.

Where can I view the history of my Verified by Visa (VbV) purchases?

You can view your receipt history by logging in to your Personal Account Manager.

I've forgotten my password. What do I do?

If you forget your password whilst shopping, select the 'Forgot your password, click here' link that appears on the receipt page. Enter your Login Name and registration information. You can then select a new password and complete your purchase.

I don't see my Personal Message on the receipt. What should I do?

When shopping with a VbV retailer, always look for your Personal Message before signing the online receipt. If your Personal Message doesn't appear on the receipt, please don't sign it. Send us an e-mail and we'll investigate this for you as a matter of urgency.

The Personal Message on the receipt is not mine. What should I do?

When shopping with a Verified by Visa (VbV) retailer, always look for your Personal Message before signing the online receipt. If a Personal Message other than yours appears on the receipt, please don't sign it. Send us an e-mail and we'll investigate this for you as a matter of urgency.

The Personal Account Manager

What is your Personal Account Manager?

Your Personal Account Manager is a service that enables you to change your account settings (e-mail address, password, Personal Message) and register additional cards. You can also view receipts for your Verified by Visa (VbV) purchases

How do I access my Personal Account Manager?

Once you've registered for Verified by Visa you can click on here to access your Personal Account Manager.

I'm trying to Login to my Personal Account Manager but I've forgotten my password. What do I do?

Select the 'Forgot your password, click here' link that appears on the Personal Account Manager login screen. Then enter your Login Name and registration information. You can now create a new password.

How do I change my password?

In your Personal Account Manager, choose 'Manage your Profile' then select 'Change your Password'. You'll be required to enter your old password, create a new password, and re-type it to confirm.

We recommend you choose something that's easy for you to remember and difficult for others to guess. It must be between 8-15 characters, and include at least two numbers and two letters, one of which must be uppercase and one lower case.

How do I change my Personal Message?

In your Personal Account Manager, choose 'Manage your Profile' then select 'Change your Personal Message'. Your old message will be presented and you'll be able to enter a new Personal Message.

You can't select a Personal Message that will be identical to your password. It must be 6-30 characters long and spaces can be used.

How do I update my e-mail address?

Your e-mail address is used for important notifications from Nationwide about Verified by Visa (VbV), so we recommend you keep your e-mail address up to date. To do this access 'Manage your Profile' from your Personal Account Manager and choose 'Manage your Profile' then 'Update your e-mail'. Your old e-mail will be presented and you'll be able to enter your new one.

Do I need to write down the details of my online purchases?

No, you can view all your previous receipts online through the Personal Account Manager. All receipts will be shown from the date you registered your card for Verified by Visa (VbV).

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Nationwide Building Society is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority under registration number 106078. Credit facilities other than regulated mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority. You can confirm our registration on the FSA's website, www.fsa.gov.uk or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.