Visa® Secure

As a BankIowa Visa debit cardholder, your online transactions are secured with Visa. Visa enhanced its security for online purchases making the experience more seamless and easier, while protecting you from fraud. There's no need to download anything or install any software, and there is no service charge.

Learn more about how Visa Secure works at https://usa.visa.com/products/visa-secure.html.

To ensure your transactions are processed efficiently, please review your account contact information so that BankIowa has your most current cell phone and email information. To do this, you may either call or visit the bank directly during normal business hours or log into online banking and request the change(s) through the Customer Service tab, then Account Maintenance, and then click on “Manage contact information.”

How it Works

Step 1: Shop at Participating Online Merchants

Look for online merchants that display the Visa Secure symbol – it's your assurance that your transaction will have an added layer of protection. This program helps confirm your identity when you make an online purchase with your BankIowa Visa branded debit card.

Step 2: Visa Secure Automatically Activated at Checkout

With an online purchase, you may be guided through an additional check to verify your identity. If you need to take action, BankIowa uses a process that asks you to select verification using either a text message sent to your cell phone, or an email sent to your email. For example, a purchase at BestBuy may present you with a screen that looks like this, requesting you to either select to receive a text message or an email to verify your identity:

If you select to receive a text message, you will be sent a one-time code to your smart phone. You will enter that code into this new screen:

When the one-time passcode is accepted, your payment transaction will be verified and complete. It is that easy!

Visa^® is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are my online purchases secured with Visa?

Visa has developed a program that helps confirm your identity when you make an online purchase. There’s no need to download anything, install software, or register your account.

During an online purchase from your desktop, mobile or other digital device, you may be guided through an extra check to verify your identity. This helps us ensure you’re you and better protects you from fraud. This is one way BankIowa and Visa have teamed up to secure your account(s).

What is the benefit?

Through this program, you have an added layer of protection that helps prevent the unauthorized use of your Visa card while shopping online. This service helps us know you’re really you and most importantly it protects you from fraud.

Does this service cost me anything?

No. There are no costs associated with this service.

How will I know if my online purchase has this added layer of protection?

This service will automatically work at checkout at any of Visa's participating online merchants. Remember, there’s no need to download anything, install software, or register for an account to get this added layer of protection.

When using this service, you may occasionally be prompted at checkout to verify your identity, but this is to ensure you’re you and protect you from fraud.

Lastly, if you see the following Visa Secure badge on participating online merchants’ websites this also indicates the use of this service.

Can I still use my BankIowa debit card at online merchants that are not participating in this program?

Yes, your BankIowa Visa debit card will continue to work as usual if the merchant is not participating in this program. Your transaction will still be protected by multiple layers of security and zero liability for fraudulent purchases. (If the merchant you are shopping with is does not have the VISA SECURE logo on its page, this extra layer of protection is not available).

Can I use both credit and debit cards?

Yes! This service was designed for both Visa credit and debit cards when shopping online. When you use your BankIowa Visa debit card, your online transaction experience will be similar to a credit transaction.

What happens when I finish shopping?

When you are finished shopping, proceed to the merchant's checkout page. As you complete the transaction, you may be prompted to verify your identity if additional authentication is required. It’s important to take special precautions when shopping online. This extra verification step helps ensure the person using your card is you.

If I do encounter this extra verification step, what will the extra check be?

BankIowa has a number of tools that can help verify your identity such as a one-time passcode. If you encounter this extra step, simply follow the instructions on your screen to verify your identity.

I see the Visa logo when I'm going through the extra check. What's this about?

If you do encounter this extra verification step, Visa helps transmit the information being shared between the merchant and us. The logo is there to give you peace of mind that the transmission is secure.

What happens if my identity is not verified through Visa Secure?

If your identity is not verified through a Visa Secure check, your online transaction will be declined. This is for your protection, since the system is set up to ensure you are the legitimate cardholder and prevent potential fraud.