Verified by Visa

To make shopping online safer for our members, we use Verified by Visa (VbV) to be sure it’s you before we process your payment. The VbV screen may appear when you confirm a payment online and ask you to enter a ‘one-time code’. This six-digit code will be sent to the mobile number we have listed for you, and used to prove your identity.

How does it work?

When you pay for something online using your Visa card, you might be shown a VbV screen asking for a code. We'll text the code to the mobile number we have listed for your account. You’ll then enter the code onscreen to prove it’s you and complete your purchase.

It’s even safer than proving your identity with your details because your code can’t be guessed. And because a new code is sent every time, no one can find it out and try to use it later.

Example of Verified by Visa code screen

Knowing the text is from Nationwide

You can tell the text from us is genuine when:


  • You’ve received it just after confirming your payment details with an online store that uses Verified by Visa.

AND


  • It contains the last four digits of your card number.

We’ll never ask you to tell us your code
If anyone calls, claiming to be from Nationwide and asks you for your code – don’t give it to them! Instead, hang up and call us on 0800 464 3053 (+44 1793 774 100 if you’re overseas).

If you’ve received a text you weren’t expecting
If the text contains a six-digit code and you have a joint account, it’s worth checking that the other account holder isn’t trying to make an online purchase. If you don’t have a joint account holder, please call us on 0800 464 3053 (+44 1793 774 100 if you’re overseas).

If the text asks you to confirm that you made a recent transaction; we sometimes send these texts to help protect our members from fraud. Find out more about automated text alerts.

Example of a text message from Nationwide

FAQs

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If you need to complete a purchase today and we don’t have your correct mobile number, please call us on 0800 464 3053 (+44 1793 774 100 if you’re overseas). We’ll change your number right away so you can re-attempt your purchase.

If you’re not in a hurry to make your purchase, you can log in to our Internet Bank to change your mobile number within the Manage tab. You’ll need your card reader handy.

You do need your code to complete your purchase. If you haven’t received it, try:

  • Checking the last 4 digits of the mobile number on the VbV screen are correct and using the ‘resend’ button to get a new code.
  • Checking your mobile phone network coverage. If it’s OK, use the ‘resend’ button to get a new code.
  • Checking that the other card holder hasn’t received the text (if you’re an additional credit card holder).

If you’re still stuck, give us a call on 0800 464 3053 (+44 1793 774 100 if you’re overseas). We’ll be happy to help.

The code will work for 10 minutes. After that time, you’ll need to use the ‘resend’ button to get a new code.

Use the ‘resend’ button to get a new code and try that one.

If there’s another cardholder, it might be that they’re trying to buy something online and your mobile is the one registered for the account.

If you’re the only cardholder, someone may be trying to use your card fraudulently. Call us on 0800 464 3053 (+44 1793 774 100 if you’re overseas) as soon as possible.

It could be that there isn’t enough money available in your account to cover the payment. Or it could be a problem with the card – it’s worth checking that the card hasn’t expired and that you entered all the card details correctly.

Not if you’re in the UK. But if you’re outside of the UK, some network providers might charge you – it depends on your provider and the terms of your agreement with them.

Only the primary account holders’ mobile can be listed for the account, so they’ll always get the code. It’s best to be with the primary account holder when you make the purchase. Or you could ask them to make the purchase for you.

Verified by Visa privacy policy

Verified by Visa terms of use