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What is Strong Customer Authentication?

Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) acts as an additional layer of security for all iCard customers by providing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This is an authentication process based on the use of two or more secure elements and it’s applied when you log into your account, send money transfers, or make payments with your cards. 

As a licensed financial institution, we operate according to the Payment Service Directive (PSD2)  and strong customer authentication is one of its requirements. It ensures the safety of online and contactless payments and reduces fraud. SCA requires that the authentication process includes at least two of the following three elements:

• Something the customer has (e.g. mobile device);
• Something the customer knows (e.g. a passcode);
• Something the customer is (e.g. biometric data like a fingerprint or face ID).

When you log into your iCard account from the web, you’ll be asked to confirm a push notification from your mobile device to confirm your login. This ensures that only you can log into your iCard account.

When you send money, you need to confirm the transfer with your fingerprint, face ID, or with your passcode.

When you use your card to make a purchase, you may be asked to take an additional security step before your transaction is approved.