Tesco - Card authentication

When making a payment for the first time with your debit or credit card, you may be asked to authenticate your card.

This allows us to confirm your details are correct, and verifies without any fee, so authentication is zero.

This step is part of a regulation in the UK to help fight fraud and increase the security of your online payments.

It's important that you do NOT press back as this will create an error and you must follow the on-screen instructions.

Depending on your bank, this might be done a number of ways. Most providers will ask you to verify via your banking app, this can be either approving in app or by adding in a one-time code.

Why do I have to authenticate my card?

• When making a top up for the first time with a debit or credit card, you'll be asked to authenticate it
• This allows us to confirm your details are correct
• It's part of a UK regulation to help fight fraud and increase the security of your online payments

Does authentication cost anything?

• No. It verifies your card without any fee, so authentication is £0

How does card authentication work?

• It depends on your bank, and can be done a number of ways
• Most providers ask you to verify via your banking app, either by approving in the app or by entering a one-time code
• Follow the on-screen instructions
• Do NOT press back, as this will create an error

Where can I find out how my bank does authentication? If you are unsure how to do his, we’ve put together a few links below on what to expect with different banks:

• Lloyds
• Santander
• Barclays
• Virgin
• NatWest
• HSBC
• Monzo
• Revolut

Can I avoid card authentication?

• Yes. As an alternative, you can always make payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay

How do I contact customer services?

• Chat to us via Help & Support in the app
• Or email tescointernationalcalling@wavecrest.com