
Card security and spending controls
Our fraud prevention features put you in control of your debit card payments. You can set spending limits and choose how your card works - and instantly update your preferences to suit your needs.
How we help to keep your money safe
We always look out for threats from fraudsters. Here are some measures we take to make sure your money is secure.
We’re looking out for you and your money round the clock so you can rest assured we never stop working to keep your finances safe.
Our PINsentry gives you a strong layer of protection to add to your log-in details, and helps keep your accounts even safer.
It works by asking you to insert your Barclays debit card and PIN into a card reader that we send you. The reader generates a unique security code that you'll then need to type into Online Banking. And if you register for our app, you can get the code on your smartphone using Mobile PINsentry. That way, you get the extra security when logging in without needing to carry your card reader around.
We’ve put three lines of defence in place to make it harder for fraudsters to get through.
We’re always checking for any suspicious activity on your account, so you may get a text message or call from our automated system to confirm a recent transaction or a change of address.
Sometimes, we may delay or decline transactions that we think are unusual, or even block your account until we can confirm that you’re making the transaction. Keep your contact details up to date so we can get in contact quickly to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.
What should I expect if someone does call?
If we do call, we’ll never ask for your passcodes, passwords, PIN, card details, PINsentry codes or sensitive account information. If we send you a text message, we’ll only ask you to reply with a ‘Y’ or an ‘N’. (These text messages are free to reply to in the UK and will cost no more than a standard text from other countries).
If you get a call, voicemail or a text from someone claiming to be from our fraud team and you think it’s suspicious, call us back using the number on the back of your card. Always make sure the line is clear first, to ensure the fraudster isn’t still on the line. You can also verify the phone number using our telephone number checker.
To give you greater protection against fraud, the way you pay online is changing.
New rules on payment services mean you’ll sometimes be asked to prove it really is you when making some online purchases.
You’ll have a choice of three ways to confirm it’s you
The quickest and easiest way to confirm is by using the Barclays app.
Find out more on how the changes could affect you.
Our fraud prevention features put you in control of your debit card payments. You can set spending limits and choose how your card works - and instantly update your preferences to suit your needs.
Think you’ve been a victim?
Get in touch with us right away if you think you’ve seen suspicious activity on your account. Here you’ll find the numbers you need, the next steps to take and what we’ll do to help.
Check whether a Barclays number you’ve been asked to call is genuine – and find out how to handle incoming calls that make you suspicious.
Learn to better protect yourself
Whether by email, text or on social media, fraudsters can fool you into handing over personal details they then use to commit crime. Our guide will show you steps you can take to help stay safe online.