Security

Protecting you online

Protect yourself

Protect your personal details

Your personal details are the key to your online accounts. Keep them safe and keep your accounts secure.

Do

  • Use the 'log out' button when you've finished.
  • Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers in your password.
  • Use trusted PCs only - be extra careful if using public computers,
  • Think about if your wireless or mobile device is safe for storing your personal details.
  • Check your accounts regularly.
  • Report any suspicious transactions to our Online Helpdesk on 0500 40 50 60.

Don't

  • Tell anyone your password and security details.
  • Leave your PC unattended and unlocked when you're logged in.
  • Open emails if you don't recognise the sender.
  • Respond to emails asking for your password, even if they appear to be from Sainsbury’s Finance - forward any suspicious emails to onlineinvestigations@sainsburysbank.co.uk.

SafeOnline

Log in to Online Banking to download SafeOnline for free

To ensure that you and your information are kept as secure as possible when you use the internet, Sainsbury’s Finance have asked Prevx to offer registered online servicing customers SafeOnline software free of charge. Anti-virus software will protect your PC from viruses and malware, but doesn’t protect your personal information, like passwords, credit card and bank account details, when you use the internet. SafeOnline will protect these details on all websites, giving you added protection on top of any anti-virus software you have. SafeOnline protects these details in the following ways:

  • It helps to ensure the websites you visit are genuine and makes sure they're not phishing websites.
  • It can help to ensure the log in information you enter is meant for the website you're entering it into.
  • It helps protect your personal information, even when there's malicious software running on your computer.


SafeOnline takes only seconds to install and will protect you immediately. You don’t need to set anything up, and it is compatible with all leading PC security software.

By downloading and installing Prevx SafeOnline you agree with Prevx's terms and conditions. Sainsbury’s Finance is not responsible for, nor do they guarantee, the content or services associated with this product. All queries regarding Prevx SafeOnline should be directed to Prevx Support


Using your credit card abroad

Using your credit card abroad

Going somewhere nice? Your Sainsbury's Credit Card is accepted around the world at retail outlets and cash machines, wherever you see the MasterCard, Visa or Maestro/Cirrus sign (depending which card type you have). You can use your card at more that 24.6 million locations worldwide.

If you do plan on using your card whilst you're away, please call us on 0500 40 50 60* and let us know. This will allow us to support the use of your card whilst overseas. We can also help make sure you get the most from your card when travelling.

* Telephone calls may be recorded for security purposes and monitored under our quality control procedures.

Tips for using your card safely

As well as letting your card provider know before you leave, follow these important steps for safe credit card use abroad:

  • Firstly, if you have any issues using your card abroad there is usually a specific overseas telephone number for your card issuer on the back of the card.
  • Only take cards with you that you intend to use; leave others at home in a secure place.
  • Make sure you have details of your card number and your card company's 24-hour contact number and report any lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.
  • Make sure your card company has up-to-date contact details for you, including your mobile number.
  • When overseas, don't let your card out of your sight - especially when making purchases in bars or restaurants.
  • Never hand your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be from the police or your card company.
  • Shield your PIN when typing into a keypad either in a shop or cash machine.
  • When you return home, check your card statement for any unfamiliar transactions, and report them as soon as possible.

Please note

  • You cannot unlock or change your PIN using a cash machine abroad.
  • You will be charged a fee of 2.75% for using your credit card abroad (unless you are a Sainsbury's Gold Credit Card customer).

Any payment you make abroad will be converted into Sterling at the exchange rate determined by Visa International or Mastercard International depending on which card you have.


Protect your computer


Keep your computer's security up to date and stay safe from Trojans, viruses and other online risks.


How we protect you


We use the latest security measures available to keep your money and personal information safe when you're banking with us online.

Our online servicing system includes:

Secure sign in
Only gives you access once you've entered your username, password and the answer to one of the memorable questions you set up when you registered.

Secured Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates
Your proof that we are who we say we are and that your information is encrypted to prevent others from reading it. (Look for the yellow padlock at the bottom of your browser.)

Firewall protection
Prevents unauthorised access from third parties and safeguards your account information in our systems.

Time-out facility
Automatically logs you out after 10 minutes of inactivity. Dedicated security team Monitors the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If there is any suspicious activity we are the first to know.

Online fraud guarantee

If you're a victim of online fraud do not worry we have an on-line fraud guarantee and where appropriate you will be reimbursed in full

Sainsbury's Bank Secure

Enjoy complete confidence when you use your Sainsbury's Finance Credit Card to shop online.

What are the benefits?

You'll be able to shop online safely, using any computer, anytime, anywhere. Sainsbury's Bank Secure gives you extra protection when you use your card online.

How does it work?

The service will assess each transaction you undertake online and either verify it automatically or, in some cases, ask you for some further information to help us verify the payment. For further information please read the Sainsbury's Bank Secure Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

For information on Sainsbury's Bank Secure, use the links below to go to specific topics, or scroll down the page to review the full list of commonly asked questions and answers.

What is Sainsbury's Bank Secure?

Sainsbury's Bank Secure is a free service provided by Sainsbury's Finance and certified by MasterCard® International, offering more secure Internet shopping, using your preferred form of Internet payment – your Sainsbury's Finance credit card. The service will assess each transaction and either verify it automatically or, in some cases, ask you for some further information to help us verify the payment. The Sainsbury's Bank Secure service only applies to online purchases at participating retailers.

You will sometimes see the Sainsbury's Bank Secure service being called MasterCard® SecureCode either online or in other communications, however these names all apply to the same service which protects your cards online.

How does Sainsbury's Bank Secure work?

When you make a purchase online, Sainsbury's Bank Secure issues a receipt to the retailer at the end of the checkout process. The receipt includes details of your current purchase, such as site name, purchase amount and date. You will get a "Processing…." Page after you have entered your payment details or, in some cases, you may be asked to provide further information to help us verify the payment.

How does Sainsbury's Bank Secure protect me?

With Sainsbury's Bank Secure your transaction is more secure as a security system is running behind the scenes to help prevent fraud.

Will I need to apply for a new card to use Sainsbury's Bank Secure?

No. All existing Sainsbury's Finance credit cards are enabled for purchasing using Sainsbury's Bank Secure.

When will my account be charged for Sainsbury's Bank Secure purchases?

There will be no change to your existing billing arrangements.

How many online retailers currently participate in the Sainsbury's Bank Secure service?

Many online retailers are already participating in the Sainsbury's Bank Secure service. As the service grows, more will be added.

How much does Sainsbury's Bank Secure cost?

Sainsbury's Bank Secure is a free service to Sainsbury's Finance customers.

What are the system requirements for Sainsbury's Bank Secure?

Sainsbury's Bank Secure requires the use of Windows Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5 and above, Windows Netscape® 7.2, Windows AOL ® 9, Windows Firefox® 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, Opera® 9.5 and Macintosh Safari®.

Can I use Sainsbury's Bank Secure from any computer?

Yes. One of the great advantages of Sainsbury's Bank Secure is that you can use it from any computer connected to the web that has a compatible browser.

I have more questions. Where can I get more help and information on Sainsbury's Bank Secure?

For more help and information, call the Sainsbury's Finance helpdesk who will be pleased to assist you. The number is on the back of your card.

Can I set my computer to reject cookies?

Yes. Both Netscape and Internet Explorer provide the means to alert you when a cookie will be placed on your computer and give you the opportunity to accept all, some or none of them. We do not recommend disabling cookies on our website because doing so may limit the ways in which we can serve you online. We use cookies to enable our computers to recognise you and facilitate your use of the website.

Purchases using Sainsbury's Bank Secure

What if I have software that eliminates pop-up boxes?

Some software may not allow pop-ups. If you have this software installed you must disable it or change the settings to allow pop-ups for Sainsbury's Bank Secure to operate correctly.

What should I do if I am purchasing online but the Sainsbury's Bank Secure summary box does not appear?

It may be that the retailer does not use Sainsbury's Bank Secure yet but you will still be able to purchase at these retailers. Simply follow the retailer's normal checkout process.

Making the site accessible

What Accessibility features are provided on this site?

The following accessibility features are provided:

  • Support for windows reader
  • Support of resizing the text
  • Support for No Java Script

How can I resize the text?

In the browser go to View ==> Text Size and choose "Largest".

Where can I find more information on Accessibility?

Accessibility reference can be found in:


Telephone banking security


We record and monitor all our customer calls to prevent fraud and to make sure our staff are trained to the highest standards.

If you think you've received a call from someone pretending to be from Sainsbury's Finance, here's what to look out for:

  • You don't recognise the caller number.
  • You receive repeated calls from this number.
  • Caller claims they're from your bank, but does not have your basic personal details, such as your first and last names.
  • You receive a recorded message that asks for your bank account or credit card details, login details or any other personal security details.

What you should do

  • If you are at all suspicious of the person who has called you, ask to call them back.
  • Don't call them back on the number they give you, instead check your bank's correct contact details.
  • Don't give your personal details in response to a recorded message.
  • If you suspect any suspicious activity on your account, call us immediately on 0500 40 50 60.

Mobile Security

What is Mobile Security?

Mobile phones have become so much more than a tool for calling people on. Now we can take pictures, record video, check email and surf the web. These labour saving gadgets can store our music, films and even carry out financial transactions. However these wireless networks use radio waves instead of wires to transmit data, which makes them more vulnerable to attack.

This means keeping your phone safe from online attack is more important than ever.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Check out what software your phone provider offers to protect against viruses and online hazards
  • Keep your Bluetooth connection switched off unless you want to share information with others
  • Do not accept any applications from unknown sources
  • Exercise caution when opening MMS (picture messaging) attachments, they may be carrying harmful viruses, don’t open an MMS attachment unless you know what it is or it is something that you are expecting to receive
  • Make use of your mobile phones security features, such as setting a Personal Identification Number
  • Treat mobile security as seriously as you would with your home computer

Report It

If you receive an email or text message that asks for your personal information, do not click on any link or provide any Internet Banking or telephone banking log on details. Please forward suspicious emails or details of text messages that ask for your personal information to onlineinvestigations@sainsburysbank.co.uk and then delete it from your inbox without responding. This information will be used to help reduce fraud online.

Protect yourself and your computer or phone by having up-to-date anti-virus software, operating systems and firewalls.


Social Networking

What is Social Networking?

With the rise in popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and MySpace, there are increased areas for fraudsters to operate.

These sites work by building networks and communications between individuals. They encourage us to divulge greater amounts of personal information about ourselves than ever before, sharing information, chat and photos online. This can be a lot of fun but at the same time there are risks associated with placing information about yourself online.

The information we post is increasingly being used illegally to obtain products and services without our knowledge. The more information you give about yourself, the more vulnerable you become to fraud. Problems include cyber stalking, bullying, identity theft and extortion. We urge you to be extremely cautious about the type of information that you make public. Think about who might see it and what could be used against you.

How to Protect Yourself

If you stick to some basic rules then social networking online can be a rewarding experience:

  • Never post your personal details such as telephone number, date of birth, address or employment details.
  • Learn about site security privacy features, and set them to a level you are comfortable with.
  • Be careful who you allow to be your 'friend' or join your network.

Report It

If you think that a fraudster already has any of your banking details, or that someone other than you has accessed your account online, you should contact your bank immediately.

If you think you may have fallen victim online fraud, please call us as soon as possible on 0500 40 50 60.


More information

For more information on protecting yourself when banking online, visit the UK banking industry's initiative Bank Safe Online.  You can also find more information at Get Safe Online.


Stay safe online

If you think something's not quite right when you're banking online or over the phone, get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Sainsbury's Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc.
Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT (registered in England, no. 3279730) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Register no. 184514. The Financial Services Authority does not regulate Loans and Credit Cards.
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