There are some new regulations coming in from 14 September 2021 to the way you shop online, which means all banks are adding an extra layer of security during checkout.
These new regulations will make it safer and easier for you to approve your online transactions.
How does it work?
- When you pay for a purchase online using your credit or debit card we may ask you to authenticate the payment so we know it’s really you
- If you have our Mobile Banking App you can quickly and easily approve your purchases, without the need for one time passcodes
- Access our App and pay with confidence using your fingerprint or Face ID
- If you don’t have the App, we will send a one-time passcode to your mobile number or home number to approve your purchase
- When prompted enter the code to confirm it’s you. Without this your payment will be declined
Have we got the correct phone number for you?
To make sure you're able to make payments, we need the correct number for you and any additional cardholders on your accounts.
You can check the phone numbers on each of your accounts in Online Banking.
If you're an additional credit card holder, choose your phone number from the options we show that codes can be sent to. If your phone number doesn't appear or is incorrect, just ask the primary cardholder to update your number on their account.
Some frequently asked questions
What is Secure Customer Authentication (SCA)?
From 14 September 2021 all banks are adding an extra layer of security during checkout when you shop online.
These regulations will make it safer and easier for you to approve your online transactions.
What is Mastercard Identity Check and Visa Secure?
Mastercard Identity Check and Visa Secure offer an extra layer of security when making card purchases online to check it's you.
How do I approve payments using the Mobile Banking App?
We’ll send a push notification to your device through the App asking you to authenticate the payment. Access our App and pay with confidence using your fingerprint or Face ID. You can then quickly and easily approve your purchases without the need for one-time passcodes.
What is a one-time passcode?
A one-time passcode is a 6-digit code that we may send to your phone to check it's you when you buy things online. We'll ask you to choose the phone number we send it to, then prompt you to enter the code to complete the payment.
How do I know the passcode is from Tesco Bank?
You'll see the sender of the text is 'TescoBank', and will include the name of the company you're making a purchase from.
What if someone asks me for my passcode?
You should never share your passcode with anyone - it's only to be used as part of the Mastercard Identity Check or Visa Secure when you're making a payment online.
Why isn't my phone number showing?
We only show the phone numbers that you've given to us for your account. If your number isn't there, you can change your contact details in Online Banking.
What if I don't have a mobile?
You can choose to have the passcode sent to your UK landline number.
What if I have a new phone number or my number is wrong?
Just follow these simple instructions to check and update your phone number.
My code hasn't arrived, what can I do?
The code can take a little bit of time to arrive. Make sure that your mobile or landline is able to receive the code then wait a few minutes and ask us to resend a new code. If you still don't receive a code, please get in touch.
Remember, if you're using your phone abroad, even if it is a UK mobile number, this could cause a delay in receiving the code.
My code isn't working, what can I do?
Check you're entering the code correctly and if it doesn't work, wait a few minutes and ask us to resend a new code to start again. Still not working? Please get in touch.
I'm using the right code, but my payment has been declined?
We use the code to check it's you, but there are other reasons why the payment may have been declined. You might not have enough money available to make the payment, you may have made a mistake entering your card details, or your card could have expired.
Will I be charged for the text?
You won't be charged for receiving the text in the UK, if you're abroad you may be charged, but this depends on your contract and phone provider.