Protect your card

Protecting your credit card is a joint effort — we provide state-of-the-art security measures and systems so your information is always protected and safe. But there are some things you can do to ensure your card’s details don’t fall into the wrong hands.

We offer enhanced security chip protection

We've added a safety feature to all new and replacement MasterCard® and Visa cards. It's called 'secure chip' technology and it's designed to make your credit card transactions more secure and will help minimise the risk of credit card fraud. The chip card provides greater security because it is more difficult to fraudulently copy the details of your card.

We provide a guarantee

When you shop on the internet using your Commonwealth Bank credit card, the Commonwealth Bank provides a guarantee that you will not be liable for unauthorised transactions provided you comply with the Credit Cards Conditions of Use (PDF 248KB).

We monitor your accounts, 24/7

We have advanced security and fraud detection systems in place, monitoring your account 24/7. Our state-of-the-art technology detects any abnormal transactions or spend patterns. If a transaction is thought to be suspicious, we will contact you to confirm the transaction was yours.

And with the introduction of the voice-activated Adeptra telephone alert system, we can now contact you within seconds of any potentially fraudulent activity on your account.

You can protect your card with Secure Sentinel (optional)

Secure Sentinel offers a range of services that can help you deal with the loss or theft of your personal possessions. Fees apply.

With a single phone call, you can report your lost or stolen credit card, along with your keys, mobile phone, passport and other valuables. Once you’ve made the call, the Secure Sentinel Customer Service centre will:

• Arrange to cancel and reorder your lost or stolen credit, debit and ATM cards.
• Arrange cancellation of your missing passport and provide you with the contact details of the Australian Embassy to organise a replacement.
• Get an up to A$1,000 emergency cash advance, anywhere in the world (conditions apply).
• Arrange to block your lost or stolen mobile phone.

For more information or to register for this service, call 1800 022 043 and quote AU-CBA-095, or visit the Secure Sentinel website.

Secure Internet Shopping

The internet has changed the way we shop for the better. Now you can find what you need without having to leave the house, or worry about a car park. So to help keep you even more protected when you shop online, we will be enhancing our current Security Internet Shopping service with NetCode.

What is NetCode?

NetCode is a security feature currently used in our online banking service, NetBank, to authorise certain transactions or activities. NetCode is used to authorise some purchases on websites supported by MasterCard^® SecureCode and Verified by Visa. These websites can be easily identified as they will display one of the following logos.

 

NetCode offers greater security and convenience for online shopping by using one-time passwords, instead of having to remember a set password.

You can protect yourself online

If you use your credit card to shop online, make sure you only deal with merchants you trust, such as those with a reputable trading name or brand, or merchants you've previously purchased from by phone or in store. If you’re in doubt, call the merchant to verify their authenticity and to check their delivery and return policies.

And always look for a padlock icon at the bottom of your web browser. This indicates that the merchant's site offers an encrypted line of communication to protect your details. When you're completing your online transaction, be sure to see if the merchant is displaying one of the following logos:

        

Watch out for scams

Online fraudsters and scammers have become masters at their trade and many unsuspecting people fall victim to their ploys everyday. As a rule of thumb, if the offer seems too good to be true then it probably is. If you have been the subject of fraud, call us on 13 2221 or visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch.

Here are a few tips on what to look out for:

• Be aware of scams, such as spam e-mails, chain letters and persons purporting to be representatives of government departments, financial institutions or other businesses.
• Do not give or send your name, bank account details, copies of your passport, birth certificate or any other personal details to anyone other than for legitimate purposes.
• Be suspicious of any correspondence received from overseas where you have been advised to forward large sums of money or that you have won a prize.

Watch out for phishing scams, where a criminal, claiming to be from a legitimate business or bank, sends you an email (or SMS) asking for your account details. You’ll know it’s a scam because there will be a link in the email which will direct you to another site where you will be asked to enter your PIN. Do not click on any links but forward it to hoax@cba.com.au immediately.

• Important information
  MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark and SecureCode are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.