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Confirm Online Payments

Please note

Some retailers have not yet updated their systems to allow Strong Customer Authentication, and so they may reject your online card transaction. If this happens you should contact the retailer to see if you can pay for your goods or services another way.

Extra security when you use your card online

We've recently added an extra layer of security to online card purchases. It’s called Strong Customer Authentication and has been put in place to help protect you from digital fraud.

You won’t be asked to authenticate every transaction – but when you are asked to do it, the easiest way will be with our Metro Bank App, available from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also use Online Banking to confirm transactions.

When you’re shopping online, you might see a screen like this. You will need to choose how you are going to confirm it’s you making the transaction.

Below are step-by-step guides on how to authenticate transactions in the Metro Bank App and in Online Banking.

Authenticate a transaction using the Metro Bank App

Authenticate a transaction using the Metro Bank App

How to authenticate a transaction using the Metro Bank App

Step 1 – Log in

If you’ve allowed notifications on your mobile, you’ll receive a message like this. Click the notification and log in to the App.  

To allow notifications, log in to the Metro Bank App and tap the settings icon, go to ‘App settings’, then ‘Notification centre’ and turn on push notifications.

If you don’t have notifications set up, just log in to the App.

Step 2 – Confirm or decline

Once logged in to the App, you’ll see the transaction details.

  • If you are happy with the transaction, click ‘Confirm’
  • If you don’t want to go ahead with the transaction, please select ‘Decline’
  • If you don’t recognise the transaction please select ‘Decline’ and call us immediately on 0345 08 08 500.
Can't see a transaction? Show less

Tap on 'Transaction approvals' on the homepage under ‘Accounts’. If your transaction still does not appear, please return to the retailer’s site and make the payment again. If you still can’t see it in the App, contact us at 0345 08 08 500.

Step 3 – Go back to the retailer

After confirming in the App, you must go back to the retailer’s website and click 'Complete transaction' to finish paying.

Find out more about banking with the Metro Bank App

Authenticate a transaction using Online Banking

Authenticate a transaction using Online Banking

How to authenticate a transaction using Online Banking

Step 1 – Log in

Have your mobile ready – using the phone number that’s registered with us – as we may need to send you a one-time passcode.

Log in to Online Banking as usual.

Step 2 – Confirm or decline

Once logged in to Online Banking, you’ll see the transaction details.

  • If you are happy with the transaction, click ‘Confirm’
  • If you don’t want to go ahead with the transaction, please select ‘Decline’
  • If you don’t recognise the transaction please select ‘Decline’ and call us immediately on 0345 08 08 500.
Can’t see a transaction? Show less

Click ‘Transaction approvals’ in the top left corner of the home page. If your transaction still does not appear, please return to the retailer’s site and make the payment again. If you still can’t see it in Online Banking, contact us at 0345 08 08 500.

Step 3 – Enter security details

If we didn’t text you a one-time passcode (OTP) at login we will text you one now.
Enter your OTP and Online Banking password into this Online Banking screen and click 'Submit'. Don’t forget step 4:

Step 4 – Go back to the retailer

Once you've clicked 'Submit' you must go back to the retailer's website and click 'Complete transaction' to finish paying.

Strong Customer Authentication tips

  • If you use both the Metro Bank App and Online Banking you can choose which one works best for you each time you confirm a payment
  • You must confirm within 10 minutes, or you will have to make the transaction on the retailer’s site again
  • If you know you have enough money in your account but your transaction is declined, try again using a digital wallet (e.g. Apple Pay or Google Pay) or contact the retailer directly
  • Make sure you return to the retailer’s site to complete your purchase once you have approved it
  • If you no longer wish to proceed with a transaction, please select ‘Decline’
  • If you are asked to approve a transaction that you did not make, this could be fraud – please decline the transaction and call us immediately on 0345 08 08 500.

Find out more about secure online payments

Call us on 0345 08 08 500, visit a store, or check our FAQs:

Strong Customer Authentication FAQs