What does Verified by Visa mean?

Verified by Visa is an online security measure for Visa debit and credit cards that now goes by the name of Visa Secure. It's sometimes referred to as or VbV/VBV and is designed to protect your card from fraud when shopping online.

How does Visa Secure (or Verified by Visa) work?

Visa Secure is an extra layer of security applied to some online transactions made using your Visa debit or credit card. You will see the Visa Secure logo for any transactions that use this service. This security check happens on every Visa Secure purchase, but you will only occasionally need to manually enter information to complete it.

The most common check is a one-time password sent to your mobile phone or email address. But it could involve other personal identifying information, such as a security question or a biometric check like a fingerprint.

Sometimes, your bank or credit card issuer will run the security check in the background. When that's the case, you might just see a loading circle on the page while the Visa Secure check is being done. Once you've passed the check, your purchase will proceed as usual.

How can I change my details for Visa Secure?

Since the security check is run through your bank, you will need to contact it to update any relevant details. Make sure your bank has your correct phone number, email address or security questions, as you may not be able to complete Visa Secure transactions otherwise.

If you have problems paying for purchases because of Visa Secure, check all your account details are updated or contact your bank.

How do I get Visa Secure?

You get automatic access to Visa Secure when your bank or credit card issuer is signed up to the Visa Secure program. Participating institutions should have details about Visa Secure on their websites, although some may still refer to it as Verified by Visa.

To give you an idea of the cards that come with Visa Secure, below are some of the major banks and card issuers participating in the program. This is not an exhaustive list, so check with your own institution if it is not here.

How do I know which websites use Visa Secure?

Although Visa Secure does not keep a database of participating websites, you should be able to find out by looking for the Visa Secure logo or glancing at the site's payment security information.

Can I turn off Verified by Visa or Visa Secure?

You cannot disable Verified by Visa/Visa Secure in Australia. Since it's an additional security measure designed to protect both you and the merchant you're buying from, participating websites will not let you bypass the Visa Secure feature. If you really don't want to use it, you will have to shop with websites that don't support Visa Secure.

What if Visa Secure is not working?

• Call up your bank or institution. If it's a verification issue, you may need to update your details or security questions.
• Use another card. Try another card, if you have one.
• Pay by other means. Other payment options like PayPal or a mobile wallet may work if your card does not.

Verified by Visa/Visa Secure is just one of many security measures protecting you from fraud. Others include fraud monitoring by your bank and zero-liability policies when someone else uses your card illegally. For a closer look at these measures or for what to do when fraud occurs, see our guide about credit card fraud and security measures.

Written by

Sam Baran

Writer

Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney. See full bio

Co-written by

Amy Bradney-George

Editor

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio

Amy's expertise

Amy has written 565 Finder guides across topics including:

• Credit cards
• Frequent flyer
• Credit score
• BNPL
• Money management
• Sustainability