Mastercard boasts that it’s the world’s fastest payment network, safely processing payments among banks and merchants. Each Mastercard in your wallet is issued by a financial institution like a bank and is protected under that institution’s own safety regulations. Nevertheless, all cards are part of Mastercard’s multilayer security designed to help keep your account safe.
What security features come with Mastercard credit cards?
These are the main security features and services provided by Mastercard credit cards:
Chip technology. A chip is embedded inside each credit card to enhance payment security. This chip creates unique data with each new transaction, and it also makes counterfeiting much more difficult.
Zero liability policy. This policy protects you from unauthorized transactions made in stores, online, on your mobile device or over the phone. With reasonable care to protect your card against loss and theft and prompt reporting to your card provider, you aren’t liable for transactions at the hands of someone else.
Identity theft resolution. Get help resolving identity theft 24/7 at 1-800-307-7309 or call collect at 1-636-722-7111. Its certified resolution specialists help you notify relevant credit bureaus to cancel your compromised card and arrange for a replacement.
SecureCode. Select card issuers offer this service that enhances the security of online transactions when you’re shopping at participating online stores. This extra step at checkout results in a code received by text that you enter before your purchase can be processed.
Tokenization. Translate chip technology into the online environment with this process that replaces your Mastercard account number with a unique token good for an online, mobile or contactless payments.
Are Mastercard’s contactless payments secure?
Mastercard contactless payment
Contactless payments come with encryption that is unique to every purchase. And since the card or your mobile device doesn’t leave your hand, it reduces the risk of loss or counterfeit. In case you tap twice by accident, Mastercard will make sure to bill you only once. This makes the payment method one of the safest ways to pay.
Contactless payments are just as popular in Canada as regular debit and credit card transactions. Smartphone technology and apps such as Google Wallet and Apple Pay allow contactless payments from your mobile phone or other smart devices. These methods are also covered by Mastercard’s Zero Liability policy and tokenization.
Other credit card security features
Security features offered by your credit card issuer can include a selection of features that include:
Chips and physical security. Your unique account number, 3-digit CVV code, signature panel, hologram and account name work together to keep your card secure.
Fraud monitoring. Most card issuers offer specialized teams that routinely monitor your account for fraud, reporting and investigating irregular transactions immediately. Many issuers also call or text to confirm that it was you who authorized a purchase.
Chargebacks. If you discover an error or suspicious charge on your statement or fail to receive the merchandise you’ve paid for, you can start an investigation on your behalf. Your card provider may initiate a dispute with a merchant to reverse the transaction.
Compare Mastercard credit cards
Bottom line
Mastercard adopts intelligent safeguards to protect your card, your purchases and your identity. If you lose your Mastercard credit card or notice something fishy on your account, contact your card issuer to report it. You aren’t held liable for unauthorized or fraudulent activity.
Jeremy is finder's Global Head of Publishing & Editorial. Jeremy has been with finder since the very beginning and is part of the founding team working closely with Fred and Frank to build finder.com into the comparison network it is today.
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