5 security features to help you keep your money safe this shopping season
Think the only risk this shopping season is overspending? You might want to think again.
5 min read
Shopping season is just around the corner, and while you might think that the only risk facing your bank account in the coming months is spending more than you budgeted, you might want to think again. With increased too-good-to-be-true promotions, Black Friday “deals,” and larger-than-usual crowds, there are more than a few security risks to navigate. So, to help you shop more safely and securely this season, we’ve put together some key N26 features — from virtual cards to instant notifications — to help you focus on the joy of giving, worry-free.
Secure online seasonal shopping with virtual cards
The weeks leading up to the festive season are prime time for online shopping — and unfortunately, also for scams and fake websites. It's all too easy to get caught up in the rush and accidentally share your card details where you shouldn't. That's where N26’s virtual cards come in. Think of them as your bank card's digital twin, complete with a unique card number, expiry date, and CVC for an extra layer of protection while shopping.With virtual cards, you can create a dedicated card specifically for your holiday spending, helping you keep your finances organized and secure. If something doesn’t feel right, you can instantly lock or unlock your virtual card through the app, without affecting your physical card or your whole bank account. Plus, for premium customers, N26 offers up to six virtual cards in a range of designs. Simply pick a fun, festive card to remind you of your holiday budget and keep it separate from your other expenses!
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The holiday season is full of tempting sales, flash deals, and shopping splurges — which makes it more important than ever to keep your spending in check. N26’s spending controls let you set your own limits, helping you avoid overspending while keeping your online shopping safe. With just a few taps in the app, you can adjust how and where your Mastercard can be used. For example, you might temporarily block foreign-currency payments, or set daily spending limits to stick to your budget.Worried about unauthorized transactions during the shopping rush? N26 has you covered. You can disable online payments, block ATM withdrawals, or restrict contactless payments whenever you want, giving you extra peace of mind. And if you've misplaced your card, or need to pause all activity for a while, simply lock and unlock it instantly through your N26 app.
Notifications that have your back this season
Holiday shopping can be a whirlwind, and it’s easy to lose track of spending amid all those gifts and sales. But with instant push notifications, each time you make a payment — whether it’s a perfect gift or quick coffee stop — you’ll get a real-time update on your phone. No more guessing where your money went or waiting days to spot a transaction!Think of these notifications as your personal shopping assistant. They let you keep an eye on your spending in the moment, so you can catch any unusual activity right away. If something doesn’t look quite right, you'll know instantly and can take action to protect your funds.
Avoid prying eyes with Discreet Mode
The holiday season means more time out and about, whether you’re on a crowded train, grabbing a coffee between shopping trips, or picking out the perfect gifts. But keeping an eye on your finances during all this festive hustle shouldn't mean sharing your account details with everyone around you. That’s where Discreet Mode comes in.Discreet Mode lets you check your account and manage transactions while blurring out sensitive information like your balance totals and transaction amounts. It’s perfect for when you’re shopping in busy places — it keeps prying eyes off your finances, so you can shop confidently and securely, no matter how hectic the season gets.
3D Secure, your online shopping season safeguard
The festive shopping season is the perfect time to snag great deals online, but it also comes with added risks. With so many transactions happening, it's important to keep your payments secure. By adding multi-factor authentication to your online purchases, 3D Secure (3DS) makes sure that no payments go through unless you authorize them. When you’re busy shopping for gifts, 3D Secure gives you an extra layer of defense.N26 uses Mastercard SecureCode to take this protection even further. If a transaction requires extra verification, we’ll text a one-time PIN directly to your phone — just enter the code to complete the purchase, simple and secure! And don't worry, 3DS isn’t triggered for every single transaction. It only activates when a potential security issue is detected, keeping the process smooth and stress-free while ensuring you can shop confidently during the busy season.
Holiday shopping peace of mind with N26
At N26, we know that holiday shopping can be hectic, but your security shouldn’t be. That’s why all N26 Mastercards come with 3D Secure technology, offering an extra layer of protection for every online purchase this festive season. If you spot any suspicious activity while shopping, you can instantly lock your card right from the app. Plus, with real-time notifications for every transaction, you’ll always have peace of mind knowing exactly what's happening with your account. Ready to shop safely? Visit our accounts page to find the perfect one for you.
