MasterCard® SecureCode™ - FAQ

MasterCard SecureCode is coming in March 2012.

What is MasterCard SecureCode?

Which products are MasterCard SecureCode available on?

How does MasterCard SecureCode work?

Do I have to register for MasterCard SecureCode?

How do I register for this service with ME Bank?

What is a Personal Message?

What are Challenge Questions?

What if my ME Bank MasterCard has additional cardholders?

How can I tell if an online store uses MasterCard SecureCode?

What happens if I shop at an online store that doesn't participate in this service?

What happens to my MasterCard SecureCode information if my card is lost or stolen?

What happens to my MasterCard SecureCode information if my card expires?

What if an unauthorised purchase occurs on my card using MasterCard SecureCode?

Does the online store see my SecureCode or any of my details?

What happens if I forget my SecureCode?

What is MasterCard SecureCode?

MasterCard SecureCode is a free service that enhances your ME Bank MasterCard by providing an extra layer of security when you shop online at participating merchants. From March 2012, you will need to have registered for SecureCode in order to continue shopping at participating online merchants.

Your SecureCode is a password that you create during registration. Like using a PIN at an ATM, you enter your SecureCode every time you shop at a participating online store. It must be 8-16 characters long, include alpha, numeric or special characters and contain no spaces. Your SecureCode is case sensitive. You can reset your SecureCode using the customer service menus after registration.

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Which products are MasterCard SecureCode available on?

MasterCard SecureCode is mandatory on the ME Bank MasterCard and Business MasterCard. It is not currently available on the EveryDay Transaction Account with Debit MasterCard.

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How does MasterCard SecureCode work?

Once you are registered for MasterCard SecureCode, you will see a Personal Message that confirms the web page's authenticity each time you shop at a participating online merchant. A MasterCard SecureCode authentication window will then appear and you will be asked to enter your SecureCode. You will then be asked to answer one Challenge Question. The system will recognise your username chosen during registration so you will not need to re-enter it for the life of your card.

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Do I have to register for MasterCard SecureCode?

You will need to register for MasterCard SecureCode in order to shop at participating online stores.

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How do I register for this service with ME Bank?

When the service becomes available in March 2012, you will be able to register via the ME Bank website at mebank.com.au/SecureCode or at your next purchase via a participating online store.

When registering at a participating online store, a pop-up window will appear and you will be asked to register. You will have to register in order to complete your purchase.

The basic registration process consists of answering six proof of identity questions, then selecting your username and SecureCode, then answering six Challenge Questions.

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What is a Personal Message?

The Personal Message proves that you are dealing with ME Bank. You will see your Personal Message whenever the MasterCard SecureCode authentication window appears. If you register through our website, you'll be able to make up your own Personal Message. However, if you register during shopping, you will see the default 'ME Bank is your bank.' message instead. You can reset your personal message after registration.

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What are Challenge Questions?

Challenge Questions are personal questions that assist with providing an added layer of security while shopping online. During registration you will need to choose and answer six questions from the 20 that are available. Whenever you shop at a participating online store, one of these questions will randomly appear after you are asked to enter your SecureCode. You will need to answer this question to continue with your purchase.

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What if my ME Bank MasterCard has additional cardholders?

SecureCode is a per card service, therefore each cardholder will need to register separately for this service.

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How can I tell if an online store uses MasterCard SecureCode?

Most participating online stores display the MasterCard SecureCode logo. However, there are some that don't display the logo but still offer this service. If the ME Bank pop-up window displaying the Personal Message appears during checkout, then you know that the store is a MasterCard SecureCode participant.

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What happens if I shop at an online store that doesn't participate in this service?

You will simply continue your purchase using the existing security provided by the online store.

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What happens to my MasterCard SecureCode information if my card is lost or stolen?

Once you report your card lost or stolen, your MasterCard SecureCode will be cancelled. Whenever your card number changes you will have to re-register for the service once you receive your replacement card. This applies for all replacement scenarios except for renewal cards.

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What happens to my MasterCard SecureCode information if my card expires?

Because renewal cards do not cause the card number to change, your MasterCard SecureCode stays the same. You do not have to re-register and may continue to shop online with your current SecureCode.

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What if an unauthorised purchase occurs on my card using MasterCard SecureCode?

See "How do I report a problem with my ME Bank MasterCard?"

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Does the online store see my SecureCode or any of my details?

As the window displaying your SecureCode and Personal Message is from ME Bank, the online store cannot view or access this information.

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What happens if I forget my SecureCode?

If you type in your SecureCode incorrectly three times, your access will be blocked. You will need to re-register for the service by selecting the Forgot Password link or calling ME Bank on 1300 130 106. If you block your SecureCode you will still be able to use your card at online stores that do not offer SecureCode or in person at a regular store.

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