Despite the fact that the financial institution responsible for issuing you a credit card protects your card against unauthorized use in various ways such as one being the three-digit code called a Card Verification Value (CVV) located on the rear of the card adjacent to the signature line, you can now add an additional layer of security to protect you online transactions. This convenient new program is a service known as Verified by Visa. This program protects Visa credit and check cards by allowing cardholders to add a personal password to their card ? at no cost ? for added security while shopping online.

A verified by Visa password helps one ensure that only you (the card owner) can use your Visa card to make a personal online product or service purchase. No, your not required to register your Visa card in this program however, if you do not participate in the verified by Visa program you may not be permitted to use your card at online stores that do participate in the program. Participating stores may prompt you during the order process to either (1) immediately register or (2) request you pay for your order by selecting another payment method.

There are two ways to register your Visa credit or check card. You can register at any time by visiting http://www.visa.com/verified. You will be asked to enter your card number and additional identifying information. A fast ID verification will take place and you will subsequently be requested to create a personal password. The second way to register is when initiating a purchase with a online verified by Visa merchant. Just as before, you will be asked to enter card details and additional identifying information. A quick ID verification takes place and you create a personal password. Once the process is completed, you are returned to the merchant site to finalize the sale.

Verified by Visa is designed to protect the Visa card(s) you already have. The password you create must be 6-10 characters in length and must include at least one number and at least one letter. You do have options to change the password you selected for your Visa credit card by visiting their site already mentioned or by calling 1-888-918-7490 for a re-registration. Or, if you bank online, go to the Personal Account Manager, access ?Manage Your Profile? and select ?Change Your Password? or, call the institute you favor to bank with. If after establishing your password you forget the number, click on ?Change Your Password? or call Visa or your banking institution.

You don't have to use your verified by Visa password when you use the card at a brick and mortar establishment; it's only required when conducting transactions online at participating merchant sites. The verified by Visa will work with Internet Explorer 5x and up, Netscape 6.2 and up and AOL 7 and 8 Internet browsers. If you use your verified by Visa card at an online merchant that does not participate in the program, your online purchase would be processed as before, without requiring entry of your verified by Visa password. You use your verified by Visa card to shop with added safety from any computer that has Internet access because security is linked to your card, not your computer.

The Verified by Visa service is available for all Visa accounts for the cards issued in the United States. For additional or up-to-date information about this program visit the Visa site or your card issuer. As you know Visa protects you against unauthorized purchases and with Verified by Visa, this is your added ability to help prevent unauthorized purchases before they even happen.