Mastercard® ID Check

A new way to approve online card payments 

When you shop online, we may need to confirm it's really you before your card payment can go through. This extra security check is called Mastercard® ID Check. It helps protect your card from unauthorised use when shopping online.

We're introducing a new and easier way to approve some online card payments.

If you have the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app installed and notifications enabled, you may receive an in-app notification asking you to review and approve the payment.

If you do not have the Mobile Banking app installed, or in some cases where app approval is not available, you can still approve the payment using a One-Time Passcode (OTP) sent by SMS.

Here’s how it works

If you have the Mobile Banking app

When making a purchase at some online retailers, you may be asked to confirm the payment in the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app.

The process is simple:

  1. Make your purchase online. At checkout, your payment may be selected for additional security checks.
  2. Receive a notification. A notification will be sent to your mobile device.
  3. Open the app. Open the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app.
  4. Review the payment. Check the transaction details, including the merchant and amount.
  5. Approve or decline.
    • Approve if it's you making the purchase
    • Decline if you don't recognise the payment
  6. Complete your purchase. Once approved, your payment will continue as normal.

 

If you do not have the Mobile Banking app

If you do not have the Mobile Banking app installed, or if app approval is not available, you may receive a One-Time Passcode (OTP) by SMS instead.

Enter the code during checkout to confirm your payment.

Why this is changing

Approving payments in the Mobile Banking app is designed to be:

  • Faster- no need to wait for an SMS code
  • Easier- approve with a few taps
  • More secure- review the payment details before approving

SMS will still be available where needed, so you can continue to complete your payments.

What you need to do

To use in-app approval:

  • Install the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app
  • Make sure your app is up to date
  • Turn on notifications for the app
  • Keep your mobile number up to date

Need help?

If you have any questions about Mastercard ID Check, or need help with a payment, please contact First Credit Union.

If you receive a payment request you don't recognise, decline it and contact us immediately.

Got questions? We've got the answer.

  • Mastercard Identity Check adds an extra layer of security by helping to confirm your identity through a One-Time Passcode for some online purchases, such as when it’s a high-value purchase or one that’s unusual for you.

  • Some online card transactions require additional identity verification to help protect against fraud. This verification is known as Mastercard® ID Check.

  • You may receive a push notification from the First Credit Union Mobile Banking App.

    Open the notification, review the payment details and either:

    • Approve the transaction, or
    • Decline the transaction if you do not recognise it

  • First check:

    • That notifications are enabled for the Mobile Banking App
    • Mobile data or internet access is available
    • The app is updated

    If app approval cannot be completed, SMS verification may be offered as an alternative.

    If you continue experiencing issues, please contact us.

  • If you don't have the First Credit Union Mobile Banking App installed, or app approval isn't available, you may be able to approve the transaction using One-Time Passcode (OTP) sent by SMS to your registered mobile number. 

    For the best experience, we recommend installing and using the Mobile Banking App.

  • SMS verification is only used in certain situations when app approval is unavailable.

    If you normally use the Mobile Banking App, your payment authentication request may be sent there instead of by SMS.

  • Do not approve the request.

    Select Decline if available and contact First Credit Union immediately.

    If you decline a genuine transaction, the payment simply won't proceed and you can try again.

  • Yes, provided:

    • You have installed the First Credit Union Mobile Banking App on your new device
    • Your mobile number is current
    • Notifications are enabled

     

  • Yes. Mobile App approval can often used wherever you have internet access.

    SMS OTP may also be available where supported by your mobile provider.