How to Enable OTP or 3D Secure for Online Credit Card Purchases

Protect your online shopping experience with safer transactions.

In today’s world, shopping online is fast, convenient, and part of everyday life. From Lazada to Shopee to food delivery apps — credit cards make it easy to pay in seconds. But with this convenience also comes one big concern: How do you make sure your credit card is safe online?

That’s where OTP (One-Time Password) and 3D Secure technology come in. These are your digital bodyguards — ensuring that only you can approve purchases made with your card.

If you’re a first-time credit card user or new to online shopping, this guide will explain what OTP and 3D Secure mean, why they’re important, and how to enable them so you can shop confidently and safely.

💡 What Is OTP and 3D Secure?

Before activating anything, it’s important to understand the terms.

🧩 OTP (One-Time Password)

An OTP is a unique 6-digit code sent to your registered mobile number or email each time you make an online purchase using your credit card.
It’s valid only for that specific transaction.

Even if someone knows your card number and CVV, they can’t complete a purchase without the OTP — because it’s delivered directly to you.

🛡️ 3D Secure: The Extra Layer of Protection

3D Secure stands for Three-Domain Secure, a security protocol developed by Visa and Mastercard to prevent online fraud.

It verifies your identity before the transaction goes through by linking your credit card to OTP verification.
Depending on your card type, you might see this branded as:

Visa Secure (for Visa cards)
Mastercard SecureCode (for Mastercard)

When both features (OTP + 3D Secure) are active, your credit card transactions are verified twice — by your bank and by the merchant — before payment is approved.

🧭 Why Enabling OTP and 3D Secure Matters

If you shop online without 3D Secure, your card might still work, but it’s less protected.
Scammers could try to use stolen card numbers on unverified websites — and if the merchant doesn’t require OTP, the charge could go through.

That’s why enabling OTP and 3D Secure is essential:

✅ Protects your card from unauthorized use
✅ Confirms that you’re the one making the purchase
✅ Reduces chances of online fraud or hacking
✅ Gives you peace of mind every time you shop

🧱 Requirements Before Enabling OTP or 3D Secure

Before setting up, make sure you have the following:

Requirement	Why It Matters
Active Credit Card	The card must be active and not expired.
Registered Mobile Number	OTPs will be sent here for every online transaction.
Stable Internet Access	Needed for app or online setup.
UnionBank App or Online Account	You’ll manage your OTP settings through this platform.

Tip: If you recently changed your phone number or email, update it through the UnionBank app or by visiting your branch before enabling OTP.

⚙️ How to Enable OTP and 3D Secure for Online Purchases

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to activate OTP and 3D Secure on your UnionBank credit card (and similar cards in the Philippines).

🪜 Step 1: Log in to UnionBank Online

Go to the UnionBank Online app or website.
Sign in with your registered username and password.

🪜 Step 2: Select Your Credit Card

Tap on your credit card account.
Check your card settings or “Manage Card” options.

🪜 Step 3: Enable “Online Purchases” or “3D Secure”

Under Card Controls, look for “Online Purchases” or “Security Settings.”
Toggle the option to Enable 3D Secure / OTP Verification.
The system may ask you to confirm your registered mobile number.

🪜 Step 4: Verify Through OTP

You’ll receive an OTP via SMS or email.
Enter it to confirm the setup.

🪜 Step 5: Test with a Small Online Purchase

Try using your card on a small online purchase (like a ₱100 transaction).
If the OTP prompt appears before payment, congratulations — your 3D Secure protection is active!

📲 How OTP Works When You Buy Online

Here’s what typically happens when you make an online purchase:

You enter your credit card number, expiry date, and CVV.
The merchant sends a request to UnionBank.
You receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS or email.
You input the OTP on the screen to confirm.
Transaction completes successfully once verified.

If you don’t receive the OTP, it means either your mobile number isn’t updated or the transaction site isn’t 3D Secure-enabled.

⚠️ Common Issues When Enabling OTP or 3D Secure

❌ Didn’t receive the OTP?

Check if your phone has signal or internet connection.
Make sure your SIM card is active and your number is registered with UnionBank.
If the issue persists, contact UnionBank customer service.

❌ Transaction was declined despite OTP setup?

Sometimes, the merchant’s website may not support 3D Secure. In that case, UnionBank might automatically decline the transaction for your protection.

❌ Changed your mobile number?

Always update your contact details immediately to avoid missing OTPs.

💬 Real-Life Example: Why OTP Matters

Let’s say you’re shopping online and find a good deal on a ₱3,000 gadget.
Unknown to you, someone got hold of your card number through a compromised website.

If your OTP and 3D Secure are enabled, the fraudster will fail — because:

The system will send the OTP to your registered mobile number.
Without that OTP, the transaction will not proceed.

Result: Your card stays protected, and your money remains untouched.

💳 Managing Credit Card Costs While You’re At It

Once your card is secured, it’s also smart to manage how you use it.
You can easily estimate your monthly payments, interest, and total cost using the Credit Card Cost Calculator.

It’s a free, simple tool that helps you understand:

How much you’ll pay if you don’t settle your full balance
How interest builds over time
How to plan your spending wisely

Especially for first-time cardholders, this calculator is a must-have for building healthy financial habits.

🧩 Benefits of Using OTP and 3D Secure

Benefit	Description
Enhanced Security	Prevents unauthorized use even if your card details are exposed.
Peace of Mind	You’ll know every online transaction must be approved by you.
Fraud Protection	Reduces risk of online scams or misuse.
Global Acceptance	Most major online stores now require 3D Secure authentication.
Better Control	You can manage which transactions push through via the app.

⚙️ What To Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you think your credit card was used without your permission:

Lock your card immediately via the UnionBank mobile app.
Call the UnionBank Hotline at (02) 841-8600.
Report unauthorized transactions as soon as possible.
The bank will block the card, investigate, and replace it if necessary.

With the Zero Liability Policy, you won’t be charged for verified fraudulent transactions — as long as they’re reported right away.

✳️ TL;DR – Quick Summary

Feature	What It Does	Why It Matters
OTP (One-Time Password)	Sends a one-time code to confirm each online transaction.	Prevents unauthorized purchases.
3D Secure (Visa Secure / Mastercard SecureCode)	Adds an extra identity check before payment.	Keeps your card safe during online purchases.
UnionBank Online Controls	Lets you enable, disable, or lock your card anytime.	Gives you full control over your card’s use.
Credit Card Cost Calculator	Helps estimate your card payments and interest.	Helps you plan spending wisely.

❓ FAQs: OTP and 3D Secure Activation

1. Do I need to activate OTP manually?
For most UnionBank cards, OTP is automatically active, but check your card settings to confirm.

2. Will I get charged for receiving OTPs?
No. OTPs are free and sent via SMS or email.

3. Can I receive OTP abroad?
Yes, as long as your mobile number has international roaming or can receive SMS overseas.

4. What happens if I enter the wrong OTP?
The transaction will fail. You’ll have to request a new OTP to retry.

5. Is OTP required for every online purchase?
Yes, especially for merchants that support 3D Secure authentication. Some foreign merchants may skip it, but UnionBank can still decline suspicious attempts.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Enabling OTP and 3D Secure is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect your credit card online.

It ensures that only you can approve transactions — even if someone else has your card details.
Combine this with UnionBank’s security tools like real-time alerts and card locking features, and you’ll have full confidence in every purchase you make.

And once your card is secure, don’t forget to manage your payments smartly using the Credit Card Cost Calculator.

Because the best kind of credit card use is safe, smart, and financially aware. 💳✨

How to Enable OTP or 3D Secure for Online Credit Card Purchases