Authentication

A process during which the card user proves that they are the authorised cardholder. In the case of a ‘card present transaction’, a cardholder will be authenticated by inputting their Personal Identification Number (PIN) which is then checked against the number held in the computer chip on the card. In the case of a ‘card not present’ transaction, i.e. over the internet, then the cardholder will be authenticated using the 3D Secure Service, involving MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa, which again requires the cardholder to provide a personal password or PIN number when making online purchases.