We’ve got some big news, guys.
You can now use your card in even more places than ever. Online, that is (you can already physically use the card in over 180 countries).
Because WeSwap cards are (drum roll please) 3D Secure (or 3DS for short) verified. This opens up a whole new world of online payment options for WeSwap users (opening up new worlds is something we’re very keen on here). Meaning you can now book the flights, the hotel, the skis, the sun loungers, the lot. All on your WeSwap card. All tracked in the app. In more places than ever before.
Plus, and this is a big plus, if the website wants to charge you in a foreign currency, as many airlines and hotels do, you don’t have to pay their fees.
Wait, what’s 3DS?
It stands for 3D Secure and, if you’ve ever bought anything online before, you’ve probably come across it already.
It’s the verification pop-up that usually shows your bank’s name or the VISA/Mastercard logo. The box appears at check out after you enter your card details, then keeps you anxiously awaiting the confirmation screen that says your order has been placed.
It verifies that you are who you say you are. It’s a fraud prevention measure that helps to protect businesses and customers from having their details stolen when making online purchases.
How does it work?
When you’re using your WeSwap card online on a 3DS enabled website, once you’ve entered your card details at the checkout, the below pop up will appear:
To complete the transaction, you will need to enter a One Time Passcode (OTP).
The OTP is a 6-digit code and will be sent via SMS to your verified mobile.
If you don’t receive the OTP, don’t worry, there’s a resend button.
The OTP is valid for 3 minutes and you have 3 attempts to get it right. If you enter it wrong 3 times, the transaction will fail, and you’ll need to restart the payment process to have a new OTP generated.
To receive the OTP, and complete the transaction, you must have your mobile number verified. You can verify it in the App or on our Website.
There’s no registration required, 3DS will automatically be enabled on your WeSwap card.
What can I use it for?
It’s especially useful for those pre-holiday essentials. The flights, the hotels, the activities, that sort of thing.
That’s because when you buy these things online, merchants (the airline, the hotel) often charge you in their own currency. If you opt to pay these in GBP, you can end up paying some pretty hefty exchange rates. Either from the merchant or your UK bank.
Just make sure you pay in the local currency on the merchant’s website (you should be offered a choice at the checkout). If you’re being charged in one of the 18 currencies in the app, just make sure you’ve got enough in that specific wallet. If you’re being charged for any currencies outside of those, just make sure there’s money in your home wallet.
Then, when the merchant charges your WeSwap card, you’ll get our rates. Which are up to 10x cheaper. Which is nice.
Can I use the WeSwap card anywhere online?
Your card will work on most major airlines and travel accommodation providers. However, it's possible that the card won't work for certain websites if they authorise recurring payments. Some websites, such as PayPal and Netflix, to name a few, authorise recurring payments by storing your card details. They only ask for the CVV (the final 3 digits on the back of your card) on an initial purchase and not of further purchases. WeSwap asks for your CVV on every transaction which will cause these transactions to fail.
The WeSwap card has CVV2 implemented, this means that when you enter your WeSwap card details into a website, you will be asked for your CVV (the 3-digit code on the back of your card) to authorise every transaction. This is an added security measure which will prevent anybody from using your card without your permission.
Further to this, your WeSwap card won't work on online merchants that do not request a CVV at all, such as Amazon, Waitrose or Ocado.
