Check the site certificate

When you log in to a secure Barclaycard area such as Barclaycard online services, you can verify if the session is encrypted by checking the site certificate…

Make sure Barclaycard owns the secure session

1. Double-click on the padlock in your browser window.
2. A dialogue box will open. It should show that the website is owned by, or the certificate is issued to, bcol.barclaycard.co.uk.

Check our security certificate is valid

1. Select the option to ‘View certificate’. You may find it in the tab that says 'Security’, depending on your browser.
2. You can check how long the certificate is valid for. Depending on the browser you’re using, you may see further verification saying 'This certificate is OK'.

Is your web browser secure?

Manufacturers are constantly updating their browser applications to help improve performance and security. So every time a new update is available for your web browser, it’s best to download it immediately.

Install a firewall and antivirus software

These are great at keeping unauthorised people and viruses at bay when you’re online. Use them to keep your computer secure and install any updates as soon as they’re released.

Keep your personal details private

Avoid writing down your security details you use to log in to Barclaycard online account services, so it’s less likely to fall into the wrong hands. To protect your account, we’ll block access if we notice a number of failed attempts to log into online servicing.

Be alert for scam emails

If you receive an email asking for your banking or log- in details, it’s best to treat it with suspicion, as we’d never ask for your account information in an email. Such emails may use an urgent or threatening tone to coax you into supplying the information they’re asking for.

Scam emails may look authentic, as though they were sent by us or another reputable financial organisation. Often, they’ll have a link directing you to a fake website where you’ll be asked to enter your details. Even just clicking the link could activate a virus, so it’s best to delete the email without opening it.

If you’ve clicked on a link and are still unsure whether you’re on a Barclaycard site, just check the website’s certificate.

If you think you’ve received a scam email, forward it to: internetsecurity@barclays.co.uk.

Check your account

It’s important to check your account on a regular basis, so you can spot any unusual activity sooner rather than later. If you notice a transaction you don’t remember making, make a note of the details and contact us right away.

Always log out

Once you finish using Barclaycard account services or any secure site, make sure you’ve logged out before you close the window. If you’re using an internet cafe or a shared computer, the next person on the computer may be able to access your account if you haven’t logged out.

Never leave your computer while you’re logged in

If you need to take a break, it’s safer to finish what you’re doing and log off. Then log back in when you’re ready to carry on.

As an added precaution, you’ll be automatically logged out if your computer’s been inactive for a while.

Clear your browser cache

When you visit a webpage, your browser stores the page so you can access it quickly when you next return to it. However, if you’re using a shared computer, it’s safer if the page you’re on isn’t stored for someone else to visit.

We automatically instruct most browsers not to store your personal information in their memory or cache. For extra peace of mind, it may be worth clearing your browser cache manually by following the instructions of your browser manufacturer.