Credit card security

You should not have to worry about your credit card security and privacy. At MBNA, we have taken specific measures to make sure your valuable information remains protected.

  • Our secure encryption technology keeps your information confidential.
  • If a fraudulent charge appears upon your statement, we can help make it right.

With MBNA, you won't be held responsible for any unauthorized use of your credit device (i.e. card plastic), PIN or account number, provided you take reasonable steps to protect each of them against loss and theft and you cooperate fully with any investigation into any such unauthorized use. You can feel comfortable knowing your information is being valued and protected.

See your Account Agreement for full details.

Your security is a top priority at MBNA. Our real-time fraud detection system monitors your account 24/7 days a week for any transactions that appear out of character or that we suspect may be fraudulent. Here are the key features you will get with your MBNA credit card:

  • MasterCard® Zero Liability: As a MasterCard® credit card cardholder, you will not be responsible for unauthorized purchases made in the store, over the telephone or online. (Some conditions apply; see your Account agreement for details)
  • Card Verification Code (CVC): All our credit cards use a CVC code that can normally be found on the signature strip on the back of a credit card (the last 3 digits). The purpose of this is to verify that the genuine credit card is being used to make the purchase.
  • Chip & PIN: We continue to convert all of our credit cards to Chip & PIN technology, one of the most secure ways to pay by credit or debit card. Instead of a signature, you will be asked to enter a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) known only to you. Learn more about Chip & PIN.
  • MasterCard SecureCode™®: This MasterCard service offers an additional level of security when shopping online. You will create a password that can be used like a PIN when shopping online with participating retailers. Learn more about MasterCard SecureCode®™.
Expand What is Chip & PIN security?
Chip & PIN is state-of-the art technology that is already widely used in many parts of the world. It's the next evolution of the Canadian payments industry, helping to make an already safe system even more secure by providing enhanced protection against lost, stolen and counterfeit card fraud. Over the next few years, MBNA, along with the rest of the financial services industry in Canada, will continue incorporating Chip & PIN technology into credit card products.
Expand What is a Chip & PIN credit card and how does it work?

The introduction of Chip & PIN involves embedding a microchip into your credit card. The encrypted chip securely stores and processes data and provides enhanced security and protection to help guard against fraud.

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Chip & PIN credit cards are virtually impossible to copy due to the encrypted chip in the card. When used at retail locations and automated teller machines (ATMs) with chip-enabled terminals, the system validates the chip as well as your PIN. This provides you with an extra layer of security above and beyond the chip, because your PIN is unique to you. Chip & PIN credit cards are the future of electronic payments.
Expand Are Chip & PIN credit cards more secure than other credit cards?

Yes. The encrypted chip from the Chip & PIN credit card includes a range of security measures that work together to provide multi-layered protection against fraud. The enhanced security features of Chip & PIN credit cards also make them virtually impossible to replicate and therefore less likely to be a target for criminals.

In addition, MBNA's fraud detection systems continue to protect you around-the-clock and, as an MBNA customer, you also have the option to enroll in programs such as MasterCard SecureCode®™ for even more security and peace of mind.
Expand Where can I use my Chip & PIN credit card?
You can use your Chip & PIN card at any retail location or ATM around the world where MasterCard® credit cards are accepted. If you shop at a merchant that does not yet have a chip-reading terminal, the merchant will swipe the card and you will sign the receipt as usual.
Expand How can I use my Chip & PIN credit card to make a purchase?
If a retail store does not yet have a chip-enabled terminal, your credit card will be swiped and your card's magnetic stripe with your signature will complete the purchase.

When making a purchase using your chip credit card at a chip-enabled terminal, rather than swiping your credit card, you insert it into the terminal and leave it there for the entire transaction. The chipenabled terminal will prompt you on next steps. You will enter your unique 4-digit PIN instead of verifying the transaction with a signature. Once the transaction is complete, remove your credit card when prompted. This completes the transaction.
Expand Will my Chip & PIN credit card be accepted at all ATM terminals?
Yes, Chip & PIN credit cards still have a magnetic stripe and will still work at any ATM showing the CIRRUS® or MasterCard® logo.
Expand How does the chip technology work for online and telephone transactions?
Transactions made online or over the telephone with your Chip & PIN credit card are conducted the same as your non-chip credit card. This may include using your 3-digit verification code on the back of the card. Never give your PIN to anyone; it's not needed for online or telephone transactions.
Expand Will I be able to use my chip credit card for retail purchases and cash advances outside of Canada?
Yes, your Chip & PIN credit card can be used anywhere in the world where MasterCard® is accepted. Many countries have already adopted chip technology and Canadian chip credit cards will be fully compatible with these systems. In countries that have yet to switch to chip technology or do not plan to, cardholders will be able to use the magnetic stripe on the back of their Chip & PIN credit cards.
Expand Will Chip & PIN technology eventually replace the magnetic stripe technology?
Over the next few years, all major Canadian banks will be converting to chip technology. For now, magnetic stripes will remain on credit cards to allow consumers to use their credit cards at Canadian ATMs and store terminals that have not yet been upgraded, and in countries that have not migrated to Chip & PIN. The transfer to chip technology represents an evolution of the electronic payments system designed to make a safe payment system even more secure.
Expand Is my magnetic stripe on my credit card still safe to use?
Yes. Magnetic stripe technology is safe, reliable and convenient. The migration to chip technology represents a forward-looking evolution of electronic payments systems designed to make an already safe payments system even more secure.
Expand Once I receive a new MBNA Chip & PIN credit card, can I use my original MBNA credit card instead of the new Chip & PIN credit card?
No. Once you're issued a new Chip & PIN credit card and it has been activated, destroy the old credit card and securely discard it.
Expand How do I get a PIN for my Chip & PIN card?
To securely obtain a PIN, or to change it at any time, call us at 1.888.876.6262. If you're registered for online banking, you can also securely view your PIN online by logging into Online Banking. A brochure detailing additional information about Chip & PIN technology will also be sent along with your new or replacement MBNA Chip & PIN MasterCard® credit card.
Expand Do the other cardholders on my account need a PIN too?
Yes. All cardholders on the account will need a PIN to utilize their account at chip-enabled terminals.
Expand How can I protect my PIN number?
Your PIN is unique to you and it must be kept confidential. To protect yourself against unauthorized use of your account, you should memorize your PIN and not carry it with you. Never lend your card or disclose your PIN to anyone, including our own Customer Service Associates. Your PIN is only required at chip-enabled and ATM terminals. Never disclose your PIN over the phone, internet or when making a mail order transaction.
Expand How can I change my PIN or have it reset because I have forgotten it?
If you'd like to change your PIN or if you've forgotten your PIN, simply call us at 1.888.876.6262 and select the option to change your PIN.

Protection made simple

MasterCard SecureCode®™ is like a Chip & PIN for your online purchases, designed to protect you by asking a secret password and a personal message. Developed by MasterCard ® and used by most online retailers, it has rapidly become a widely-accepted standard.

Quick and easy registration

Registering involves a quick, one-time process. Simply access MasterCard SecureCode®™ , select your financial institution and register your credit card, create a secret password and personal message and you're done. The next time you shop online using your credit card, you'll be automatically prompted for your secret password during checkout. A secured screen will also appear with your personal message so you know it is your financial institution who is asking for your password. Please note, you may also be prompted to register while shopping at a participating online retailer site. Again, a secured screen will appear during checkout and you'll be asked to follow the same simple and safe registration steps. Not all online retailers participate in MasterCard SecureCode®™ at the moment but this may change over time. Look for the MasterCard SecureCode®™ logo when shopping at participating online retailers:

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We strongly recommend that you register today.
Expand What is MasterCard® PayPass®?
MasterCard PayPass is a new "contactless" payment feature on your MBNA MasterCard® credit card that contains an embedded chip and radio frequency antenna. It's a safe and secure way to transmit your payment details wirelessly. At participating merchants there is no longer a need to swipe your credit card or hand it to a merchant. Just Tap & Go®™.
Expand What are the benefits of using a MasterCard® PayPass®?
The best thing about using your MasterCard® PayPass® for transactions is that it never leaves your hand. In other words, you have added security by knowing where your credit card is at all times. You can use your MasterCard® PayPass® at millions of international locations where PayPass® is accepted. It's a great way to pay when you want to get in and out quickly, like at fast food restaurants, grocery stores, movie theatres or gas stations.
Expand How do I use the PayPass feature on my MasterCard® PayPass®?
Simply tap your MasterCard® PayPass® on the PayPass® terminal (rather than swiping your credit card) and your account details will be immediately communicated to the reader, then processed through the highly-trusted MasterCard® acceptance network. Shortly after tapping the reader, a green light will flash, and you'll receive payment confirmation. No signature is required for purchases of $50 or less. It's as easy as that.
Expand Where can I use my MasterCard® PayPass®?

You can use it anywhere you see the MasterCard® PayPass® symbol.

Image-Logos-Paypass If you don't see the symbol, your credit card can still be swiped or inserted into the chip credit card reader at checkout. MasterCard® PayPass® is currently accepted at many merchants with more are being added all of the time. See the full list of MasterCard® PayPass® merchants.
Expand Is the MasterCard® PayPass® secure?
When making a transaction, your MasterCard® PayPass® credit card never leaves your hand during payment; so you're always in control. With MasterCard® Zero Liability, you won't be get stuck paying for any unauthorized use of your credit card or account (some conditions apply; see your Account Agreement for details). In addition, you can feel secure that PayPass® transactions are processed through the same secure and reliable payment network as all other MasterCard® transactions.
Expand How do I get MasterCard® PayPass®?
Call us at 1-888-876-6262 to learn how you can get MasterCard® PayPass®.
Expand How will I know if my MasterCard® has the PayPass® feature?
Just look for the MasterCard® PayPass® logo on the right side of your credit card. Image-Logos-Paypass
Expand What happens if I tap my credit card twice by accident? Will I get charged twice?
The clerk has to initiate a transaction, so it doesn't matter how many times a credit card is read by the PayPass® reader. The charge will only appear once on your statement.
Expand Do I have to treat my MasterCard® PayPass® in any special way?
Carry your MasterCard® PayPass® as you would any credit card. Always know where your credit card is and keep it in a safe place.
Expand Are signatures/PIN required with purchases made using the PayPass® functionality?
To keep your MasterCard® PayPass® transactions easy and convenient, select merchants have waived the need for a signature/PIN for smaller purchases. The exact dollar amount varies from merchant to merchant, but is generally below $50. For purchases above that limit, a cardholder signature or PIN verification is usually required.
Expand What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
Your MasterCard® PayPass® has the same MasterCard® Zero Liability protection as it always has. Please be sure to contact us immediately at 1-888-876-6262 if you suspect your credit card has been lost or stolen or if you suspect your credit card or account has been used without your authorization.
Expand Are there any fees associated with my credit card?
No. There is no fee for the PayPass® functionality when you use your MasterCard® PayPass® at a PayPass® terminal.