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Security tips for credit cards

Security comes first at Swisscard. As your reliable partners, we ensure that your credit card and online transactions are optimally protected. With state-of-the-art technologies, comprehensive security measures and intuitive solutions such as the Swisscard app, we ensure that you can pay without any worries at any time.

Use your card’s security features

  • Swisscard app: Keep control of your credit card at all times with the Swisscard app – check your spending and spending limit in real time, confirm 3-D Secure payments and activate push notifications for full control.
  • Biometric log-in: Log in securely and conveniently with fingerprint or facial recognition – password-free and protected.
  • Push notifications: Enable transaction notifications and stay informed of all activities at all times.
  • 3-D Secure: Confirm online payments quickly and securely using the app – it doesn’t get easier than that.
  • Click to Pay: Register and pay securely online without entering a password – with just a few clicks at participating merchants.
  • Mobile payment: Use wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payment – safe, modern and convenient.

Warning: increased number of fraud cases in South Africa

Travelers are increasingly reporting fraudsters in uniform forcing people to pay for tickets at ATMs in public places, gas stations or car parks. While doing so, the manipulated ATM swallows the card and skims the PIN. Then the offenders use the stolen cards and PIN codes to debit high amounts.

Our advice:

  • Do not respond to such requests and leave the place immediately!
  • If your card has gone missing: Have it blocked immediately – either directly using the Swisscard app or by calling +41 44 659 69 00.
  • Save the emergency number (on the back of the card) in your mobile contacts.

Act quickly and securely in the event of fraud

Your security is our top priority. If you suspect fraud, acting quickly is critical. With our handy tools and services, you can instantly block your card, report suspicious transactions and get comprehensive cover with our Cyber Security Insurance. So you remain protected and able to act even in an emergency.

  • Block card: If you suspect fraud, block your card immediately using the Swisscard app or contact customer service by phone.
  • Cyber Security Insurance: Protect yourself against online fraud with a special insurance.
Cyber Security Insurance

Fraud methods

Swisscard is actively committed to protecting you from fraud and to educating you about the most common methods of fraud. Whether it’s phishing, smishing or scam calls, criminals are constantly developing new tricks to obtain sensitive data. Find out more about these methods and how you can effectively protect yourself against them here.

  • Phishing using QR codes (letter fraud)

    Scammers send letters by mail that look like they came from a trusted source such as Swisscard. These letters contain a QR code that is supposed to be scanned for quick authentication or account update. As soon as the code is scanned, the victim is taken to a scam website that steals sensitive data such as account numbers, passwords, or credit card details.
    Important: If you receive a request from Swisscard to scan a QR code, it should only be scanned using the Swisscard app and never the camera app.

  • Phishing

    Phishing is a fraud method where criminals attempt to obtain personal and sensitive data such as passwords or credit card data through scam emails, SMS or websites. You can always report phishing emails and websites to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on antiphishing.ch.

  • SMS phishing (smishing)

    Fraudulent SMS contain links to scam websites that aim to steal your credit card information. Do not click these links and delete such messages. Swisscard will never send you an SMS asking you to enter personal data.

  • Phone scams

    Fraudsters can impersonate computer specialists or Swisscard employees on the phone and ask you to provide your credit card details to pay for an alleged service. Be alert and question unsolicited calls. In case of questionable inquiries, you can hang up and contact our customer service by phone.

Tips for enhanced security / Security tips

  • Vacation strategy: Inform Swisscard about trips abroad to verify transactions.
  • Biometric log-in: Log in securely and conveniently with fingerprint or facial recognition – password-free and protected. If you still want to use passwords, use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
  • Be alert: Do not disclose your card details (card number, expiry date, security code on the back of the card) in case of suspicious requests. Reputable companies will never ask for this information for information purposes only.
  • Secure shopping: Only use secure websites that display "https" in the URL and a lock icon in the address bar. Check the URLs for typos or unusual characters that may indicate phishing sites. If an online shop seems suspicious to you, you can use the "Watchlist Internet" to find out whether it is already mentioned in the fraud list. Enable notifications for each transaction to be notified immediately of payments.
  • Keep your devices up to date: Always keep your browser and all devices up to date. Security updates often fix critical security vulnerabilities and protect you from new threats.

You can find more information on how to use credit cards safely and responsibly on the following websites: