Mastercard® ID Check

A new way to approve online card payments is coming on the 13th August 2026

When you shop online, we may need to confirm it's really you before your card payment can go through. This extra security check is called Mastercard® ID Check. It helps protect your card from unauthorised use when shopping online.

We're introducing a new and easier way to approve some online card payments.

If you have the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app installed and notifications enabled, you may receive an in-app notification asking you to review and approve the payment.

If you do not have the Mobile Banking app installed, or in some cases where app approval is not available, you can still approve the payment using a One-Time Passcode (OTP) sent by SMS.

Here’s how it works

If you have the Mobile Banking app

When making a purchase at some online retailers, you may be asked to confirm the payment in the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app.

The process is simple:

  1. Make your purchase online. At checkout, your payment may be selected for additional security checks.
  2. Receive a notification. A notification will be sent to your mobile device.
  3. Open the app. Open the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app.
  4. Review the payment. Check the transaction details, including the merchant and amount.
  5. Approve or decline.
    • Approve if it's you making the purchase
    • Decline if you don't recognise the payment
  6. Complete your purchase. Once approved, your payment will continue as normal.

 

If you do not have the Mobile Banking app

If you do not have the Mobile Banking app installed, or if app approval is not available, you may receive a One-Time Passcode (OTP) by SMS instead.

Enter the code during checkout to confirm your payment.

Why this is changing

Approving payments in the Mobile Banking app is designed to be:

  • Faster- no need to wait for an SMS code
  • Easier- approve with a few taps
  • More secure- review the payment details before approving

SMS will still be available where needed, so you can continue to complete your payments.

What you need to do

To use in-app approval:

  • Install the First Credit Union Mobile Banking app
  • Make sure your app is up to date
  • Turn on notifications for the app
  • Keep your mobile number up to date

Need help?

If you have any questions about Mastercard ID Check, or need help with a payment, please contact First Credit Union.

If you receive a payment request you don't recognise, decline it and contact us immediately.

Got questions? We've got the answer.

  • When you make a purchase at some online retailers you may see an extra screen pop up while your payment is being processed. This could be because it’s a high-value purchase or one we think is unusual for you.

  • Mastercard Identity Check adds an extra layer of security by helping to confirm your identity through a One-Time Passcode for some online purchases, such as when it’s a high-value purchase or one that’s unusual for you.

  • No, all First Credit Union Debit Mastercards are automatically enrolled in Mastercard ID Check.

  • When you correctly enter the One-Time Passcode during an online purchase you confirm that you are the authorised cardholder and your purchase continues. If the One-Time Passcode is answered incorrectly, the purchase will not go through.

  • Check the details on the screen of where the One-Time Passcode has been sent to, if this is not your mobile phone number or email address you’ll need to update your details with us and then select ‘Resend Passcode’.

  • You will need to contact us to update your details.

  • We're here to help, simply contact us.

  • The One-Time Passcode will be 6 digits in length.