CDB MasterCard Secure Code FAQ

Q: What is MasterCard Secure Code?

A: MasterCard Secure Code is a service to enhance your existing MasterCard account. A private code means added protection against unauthorized use of your card when you shop at participating online retailers.

Q: How does MasterCard Secure code work?

A: Once you’ve registered and created your own private Secure Code, you will be automatically prompted by your financial institution at checkout to provide your Secure Code each time you make a purchase with a participating online merchant. Your Secure Code is quickly confirmed by your financial institution and then your purchase is completed. Your Secure Code will never be shared with the merchant. It’s just like entering your PIN at an ATM.

Q: How does MasterCard Secure Code protect me?

A: When you correctly enter your Secure Code during a purchase at a participating online merchant, you confirm that you are the authorized cardholder and your purchase is then completed. If an incorrect Secure Code is entered, the purchase will not be completed. Even if someone knows your credit card number, the purchase cannot be completed without your Secure Code at a participating merchant.

Q: Will I be able to Use the Existing MasterCard Credit card for secure code?

A: Yes, You will be able to use any of your existing MasterCard credit cards, as long as the cards are from a participating financial institution. If you’re not sure if your financial institution provides this service, please review our list of participating financial institutions. If you don’t see your financial institution listed, check back frequently as the list is updated.

Q: How many cards can I register with MasterCard Secure Code?

A: We encourage you to register all of your MasterCard cards (Primary and Supplementary Cards) if any. There is no limit on how many cards you can register.

Q: Can I use MasterCard Secure Code from any computer?

A: Because there’s no special software to install, you can shop from any computer meeting the system requirements outlined above and still receive the added protection afforded by MasterCard Secure Code.

Q: What happens when my card expires or my billing information changes?

A: Your card issuer will automatically update this information in your profile.

Q: What happens if I cancel my existing card then get a new one with a different account number?

A: You will need to register the new card for MasterCard Secure Code. Simply visit to the registration site, and complete the registration process with your new card.

Q: How do I know whether a merchant participates in Secure Code?

A: Most participating merchants will display the MasterCard Secure Code logo on their site. However, even if you don’t see the Secure Code logo, the merchant may still be a participant and you will be prompted to provide your Secure Code.

Q: How will the online merchant know that I’m registered for MasterCard Secure Code?

A: When you use a card that is enrolled in the MasterCard Secure Code program at participating online merchants, the merchant automatically recognizes your MasterCard card number during the transaction.

Q: What happens when I use my Secure Code at a participating merchant?

A: There is no need to login or sign in. When you make a purchase at a participating merchant and enter your registered MasterCard payment details, you will automatically be prompted by your financial institution to enter your Secure Code. After reviewing the details of your purchase and confirming that your Personal Greeting is correct, simply type in your Secure Code to complete your purchase.

Q: What is a Personal Greeting?

A: The Personal Greeting is a message that you create during sign-up. Each time you make an online purchase at a participating merchant, you will be prompted to enter your Secure Code. At this time, you’ll see your Personal Greeting and other purchase details. The Personal Greeting is your assurance that you are communicating with your financial institution. If the Personal Greeting displayed in the pop-up box is incorrect, you should not enter your Secure Code, but should instead contact Customer Service immediately by calling the phone number on the back of your enrolled MasterCard card, to report a possible fraud.

Q: What are the Secret Question and Answer?

A: If you forget your Secure Code when making an online purchase, you will be supplied with your Secret Question. If you then supply the correct Answer, your purchase will be completed. Once your purchase is completed, you should visit the registration site, click on the “Forgot Secure Code” link and follow the subsequent instructions.

Q: How will Secure Code change the online purchase process?

A: The online purchase process will not change except that now you will be prompted to provide your Secure Code during checkout. Your Secure Code will never be revealed to the merchant during the checkout process.

Q: Will I be able to make purchases at merchants that accept MasterCard but do not participate in the MasterCard Secure Code program?

A: Yes, you will not be asked for your Secure Code during these purchases. You will continue to be protected from unauthorized purchases by Zero Liability from MasterCard.

Q: How is Secure Code different from Zero Liability*?

A: Using MasterCard Secure Code provides added security to prevent your card from unauthorized use. Exceptions apply.* Zero Liability provides coverage if your card has been used fraudulently.

*Conditions apply