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Verified by Visa program

Protect your finances while you shop online with Verified by Visa.

Shopping online has never been easier, with personal shoppers, grocery delivery services and same-day shipping options. But with each credit card transaction, you’re opening yourself up to the world of credit card hackers. Here’s how Verified by Visa helps keep you protected when you shop online with your credit card.

What is Verified by Visa?

Verified by Visa (VBV) is a free program offered by Visa that gives you an added level of protection when shopping online. It’s designed to make online purchases with your Visa credit card even more secure.

Non VBV credit cards only have first-level protection — requiring just your card number, expiration date and CVV number on the back of your card. Unfortunately, hackers can often find ways around this level of protection to gain access to your card information.

When you shop online, you want quick and easy transactions — and you expect safety. Thousands of online merchants have enrolled in Verified by Visa, adding an extra layer of protection to make shopping online safer. What this means for you is more confidence in your purchases knowing your identity is protected.

Compare Visa credit cards

Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
35,000 points
Up to 1 point per $1 spent
20.99%
$120
Min. recommended credit score: 650
Get up to 35,000 Welcome Points. Apply by January 21, 2024.
RBC ION+ Visa
7,000 points
3 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$48
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get up to 7,000 welcome points. Get 3,500 points on approval and earn 3,500 bonus points when you spend $500 in your first 3 months.
RBC ION Visa
3,500 points
1.5 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 3,500 Avion points when you get approved for the card.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege
90,000 points
5 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$499
Min. recommended credit score: 760
Get up to 90,000 welcome points in your first year.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
35,000 points
Up to 3 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 750
Earn up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and get the first year annual fee waived (that’s up to $1,100 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by January 3, 2024.
Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card
5,000 points
Up to 2 points per $1 spent
19.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Earn 5,000 Scene+ points when you spend $750 in the first 3 months. Apply by February 29, 2024.
Scotiabank Value Visa Card
0% on balance transfers for 6 months
N/A
12.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by October 31, 2024.
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card
10% cash back
Up to 4% cash back
20.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 750
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months. Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by October 31, 2024.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite
60,000 points
Up to 5 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 760
Get up to 60,000 points, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.
Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card
Up to 5% cash back
1% cash back
19.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 spend). Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months with no balance transfer fee. Apply by October 31, 2024.
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How does VBV work?

Verified by Visa works by asking you to provide additional information — either from you directly (by entering your VBV password and your email address) or by looking at your past purchasing behaviour to ensure it’s you making the purchase. This security check gives your card an added level of protection each time you use it.

  • Making a purchase. Aside from entering your credit card details, you’ll typically be redirected to a page that allows you to enter your Verified by Visa credentials, or, a message box will pop up. This is your bank communicating with you directly.
  • Verify. You’ll need to enter your email address and your VBV password. Entering a password each time you use your card online adds another layer of security, helping to prove your identity and ultimately protect you. If you don’t see the Verified by Visa message, and instead see a revolving wheel, not to worry, it means that your bank is verifying your purchase with a background check. The first time you make use of Verified by Visa, you will need to create an account. You verify your identity with a password or a code that is sent to your cell phone, depending on your bank.

Why should I enroll in VBV?

  • It’s free. It’s free to sign up for and to use — every time.
  • Security. Be confident each time you make a purchase online with the extra layer of protection.
  • Easy to use. There’s no apps or software to upload and can be used on your phone or computer.

How do I enroll?

In order to use Verified by Visa, both your Visa credit card and the merchant you’re buying from need to be registered. Check with your Visa card provider to see if it participates in the Verified by Visa program.

It’s quick and easy to activate any of your Visa credit cards online and there’s no need for you to get a new Visa card. You’ll need to create a Verified by Visa account the first time you use it. From then on, you’ll be able to use it with your login details.

  • Creating your account. Depending on your bank, you may be able to create an account online by using your banking details, email and creating a password, or you’ll get a personal password sent to your cell phone which you can use to create your account. Once you’ve registered and created your VBV password, you’re instantly protected.
  • Authorized users. If you have more than one cardholder on your credit cards, each one needs to be registered to create individual VBV accounts.

Tips for safe online shopping

It’s easy to think your credit card is protected each time you shop online, but hackers are looking for unsecured sites and unsuspecting users all the time. Keep these tips in mind when you use your credit card to shop online:

  • Trust your merchants. Shop on sites you know and trust — or research them first.
  • Delivery and return policies. Know your rights when it comes to delivery and return policies.
  • Customer service. Make sure the site has customer service contact information.
  • Security. To be sure you’re on a secure website, look for the lock or key signs at the bottom of your browser window.
  • Address. The website address should appear https:// rather than http:// — the “s” denotes a secure website.
  • Confirmation email. Hang on to your confirmation email after you make a purchase — it’s your receipt and proof if something goes wrong.

Bottom line

Online shopping isn’t going anywhere — we’ve grown to appreciate our groceries delivered to our door and Amazon Prime packages delivered hours after we order them. To protect yourself from potential hackers, check with your bank to see if they participate in the Verified by Visa program.

Frequently asked questions

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