Card security

Protecting your credit card from theft and fraud is important. Here are some tips to ensure your card is protected while you enjoy the convenience of your NAB credit card. This page contains information about: The basics - how to protect your card Top tips for protecting your card Sign your new card as soon as you receive it. When making purchases, never lose sight of your card to reduce the chance of someone ‘skimming’ your details, i.e. using a device to copy the details from your card. Look out for suspicious devices on ATMs or pinpads. Watch for people looking over your shoulder while you are using the ATM. Keep your receipts and check them against your statements. Destroy expired or unwanted cards properly by cutting through the signature and magnetic strip and any chip. Never give your card to anyone, even family or friends. Instead, if needed you may want to request an additional card for their use. Never write down your PIN and, if you change your PIN, avoid choosing obvious numbers like your date of birth or the last four digits of your phone number. Keep us up to date if you change your contact details including home, work and mobile phone numbers as well as your email address. This assists us in contacting you quickly if we detect suspicious transactions.

Secure online shopping 

If you're worried about card security when you shop online, register for the free card protection service by Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode.

These services bring you another layer of security, similar to a PIN at an ATM, giving you peace of mind when you shop at participating online retailers.

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Simple tips for shopping online

• Only shop online at secure websites - look for the padlock  at the bottom of your screen which helps to protect the information you send via the internet.
• Look for reputable internet merchants or stores - anyone can set up a website, so if you are unsure of the company or their online security then ask for more information before you use their service.
• Ensure the computer you use has current anti-virus and firewall protection.
• Print out copies of online receipts to make it easier to check your statement.

For more information on electronic security read our Conditions of use for Electronic Banking (cards based) Product Disclosure Statement [PDF 174kb](opens in a new window).

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Internet Banking and protecting your financial identity

The Internet Banking security system and protection of your financial identity is very important to NAB and our customers. In addition to industry standard security features, customers can choose to further protect themselves by using additional security services such as our SMS security service. This service sends a unique code via SMS to your mobile phone to authorise an online payment, and is available free of charge to all registered NAB Internet Banking¹ customers. Learn more...

Tips to help protect your financial identity:

• Don't provide your PIN or Internet Banking password to anyone if asked
• Delete spam and scam email - if the offer sounds too good to be true - it probably is
• Keep your anti-virus and firewall software up-to-date
• Avoid using public computers for Internet Banking, eg: Internet cafes, libraries or hotels

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Lost Card Cover

Lost Card Cover² is a registration service which will keep a confidential list of your registered credit cards, or any other cards you keep in your wallet that you would want to cancel and replace urgently if they were lost or stolen.

VIP Lost Card Cover for Gold and Platinum credit card customers
Lost Card Cover for all other NAB credit card customers

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Lost or stolen cards

Call us free on 1800 033 103, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable mobile phone rates.)

If you are overseas, call us on + 61 3 8641 9083, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Chip Credit Cards

What is a chip credit card?
A 'chip' credit card has a security microchip embedded in the card. The chip securely stores the data previously held on the magnetic stripe on the back your card, making it harder to fraudulently access this information. The chip also provides the ability to store additional applications securely and will allow card issuers to provide enhanced services and new payment options in the future.

Can I continue to use my magnetic stripe card?
Yes. Although chip cards are becoming more widely used, magnetic stripe cards continue to be the standard type of card issued in Australia and many parts of the world. ATMs and merchant terminals remain fully compatible with both chip and magnetic stripe cards, so your card will continue to work in all the places you currently shop.

I am travelling overseas. Can I use a non-chip credit card in other countries?
Yes. A credit card without a chip can continue to be used in the same locations as a chip credit card. However, in some countries you may be asked to use your PIN instead of signing to authorise your purchase or you may even be asked for both a PIN and a signature. For this reason, we recommend that you always know your PIN when travelling overseas.

Travelling to the UK and Europe - Customers travelling to the UK or Europe should not be concerned about card acceptance if they have a non-chip credit card. Merchants should continue to accept foreign-issued, non-chip cards. In addition, payment terminals being used in the UK and Europe can identify a non-chip card. When the card is inserted, the terminal will know if a PIN or signature is required and will provide prompts accordingly. If you encounter a problem with a merchant, you can ask them to swipe the card and follow the prompts on the terminal.

If you require further assistance when overseas please call:
Visa Global Customer Assistance: +1 443 641 2004
MasterCard Global Assistance: +1 636 722 7111
American Express Global Assistance: +61 2 9273 2730

What should I do if I do not know my PIN?
You were sent a PIN when your NAB credit card was issued. If you cannot remember your PIN, please call us on 13 22 65 or visit any NAB branch. Platinum Cardholders please call 1300 730 213, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A reminder, for security reasons cardholders have three attempts to key the correct PIN. If you key an incorrect PIN three times your account will be locked. Your account will remain locked until the next day.

More questions?  Learn more about NAB Chip credit cards.

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1. NAB Internet Banking Terms and Conditions apply and are available upon registration for the service. Fees and charges may be payable.
2. Lost Card Cover is provided for NAB Standard Cards, NAB Low Rate Visa Card, NAB Visa Mini, and Velocity NAB Standard Cards cardholders. A membership fee applies. VIP Lost Card Cover is provided for NAB Gold Cards, Velocity NAB Gold Cards, NAB Qantas Gold Cards and NAB Qantas Platinum Cards cardholders. VIP Lost Card Cover membership is complimentary for the first 12 months, for the Gold and Platinum cards detailed. VIP Lost Card Cover and Lost Card Cover are provided by Card Alert International Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 249 885 of Level 10, 68 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
   

™ Ant is a trademark of National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937
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