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Added Security for BECU Debit Card Transactions

Published Jul 11, 2023 in: Latest News

BECU recently implemented a new security feature to help reduce debit card fraud. You may be prompted to enter a one-time passcode to authorize some online debit card transactions.

Member account security is one of our highest priorities, and enabling this extra measure of security is one more way BECU is working to protect your accounts from fraud. When our system detects the need for additional security, we'll send a one-time passcode (OTP) to the mobile phone number we have on file. You'll need to enter the passcode to confirm you are the one making the transaction before you can complete the purchase using that card.

What To Expect

When you enter your BECU debit card information for the payment method during online checkout, a passcode request may pop up indicating that you'll need to authenticate the transaction with an OTP before you can complete the transaction. If this happens, check your mobile phone for a text message containing the passcode, then enter the passcode in the pop-up box on the screen where you were prompted. You'll be able to resume the payment process after you've entered the correct passcode.

Enhanced Security Protects You

BECU is enabling this security feature, which may help prevent thieves from using stolen card numbers to make fraudulent purchases online. By sending an OTP to your mobile phone number and requiring you provide it before proceeding with a transaction, we may reduce the occurrence of fraud committed by  bad actors who may have gained access to your debit card information.

Frequently Asked Questions 

The OTP is sent to your mobile phone in an SMS text message from 44397 (in the U.S.), +18888559935 (in Canada) or COOPOPT (international).

You will receive the following message: 
FreeMsg: CMS Alert. DO NOT Share this code with anyone. We will never ask for this code. Your one-time passcode from BECU is XXXXXX. Reply Stop to opt-out.
(Note: CMS stands for Card Management System)

No, an OTP will not be required every time. By monitoring your purchase behaviors, our security systems may help identify transactions that need further authentication. 

At this time, the OTP for online debit card transactions can only be sent to a mobile phone number and retrieved from a mobile device.

If you ever receive an OTP for no reason, contact us at 800-233-2328 or send a secure message through Messenger in Online Banking or the mobile app. It could mean that someone is attempting to use your debit card information. When we contact you, we will never ask for an OTP or any usernames or passwords. Learn more about how BECU communicates with members.

This security feature will apply to all BECU debit cards to help protect members from fraud. If you want to opt out of this feature, you can reply STOP when you receive the OTP message. However, any subsequent transactions attempted with a BECU debit card requiring OTP authentication will be denied. If you opted out and want to opt back in, you can text RESUME to 44397.

No. An OTP won't be required for all debit card transactions. 

If you enter the code incorrectly, you will need to contact us at 800-233-2328 for assistance, or use a different payment method to complete your transaction.

You will need to contact us at 800-233-2328 for assistance, or use a different payment method to complete your transaction.

If you decline to receive and authenticate an OTP, you won't be able to use your debit card for that transaction.

Like many financial institutions, we've seen an increase in online debit card fraud in recent years. Enabling this security feature adds an additional layer of security and fraud detection. When our monitoring systems detect a need for additional authentication, OTP authentication may help determine if the debit cardholder is the purchaser.

We recommend setting up alerts to notify you about activity in your account, so you can quickly identify any suspicious transactions. You may also want to consider adding a code word for another layer of account security. For other ways to protect your accounts from fraud, check out our Identifying and Preventing Account Fraud page.

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