Card Security

Card misuse is successful or attempted fraud with a payment card, such as a Visa debit card. The aim of the fraudsters may be to obtain goods, services or cash. Credit and debit cards are fundamentally secure forms of payment. But by taking the following action, you can make your Visa debit card even more secure and protect yourself against card misuse.

Essential tips to Maximize the Security of Your Payment Card

  • How to Protect Yourself Against Card Misuse Effectively
    • Activate 3-D Secure (or the debiX+ app).
    • Use geoblocking to restrict the regions in which it can be used.
    • Reduce your daily and monthly limits if you do not use them.
    • Protect your card from being used in certain ways: cash withdrawals at ATMs, online payments on the internet, contactless payments, and online betting and gambling sites.
    • Only shop on secure sites, which start with https:// and have a padlock symbol.
    • Treat your card number, PIN, check digit (CVV) and password as confidential.
    • Choose strong passwords and do not use the same password for multiple websites and logins.
    • Update your devices and software regularly.
    • Be wary when opening and replying to emails, SMS and WhatsApp messages. Check the sender carefully and do not open any links until you have hovered over the URL to verify that it is correct.
    • Be cautious when taking calls. If you are uncertain, ring back using the company's official telephone number.
  • Security when Shopping Online
    • Deactivate e-commerce if you do not shop online: if you do not use your card for online shopping, you can deactivate the e-commerce function in CIC eLounge. This will protect you against card misuse.
    • Activate e-commerce temporarily: alternatively, you can activate e-commerce before shopping online and then deactivate it afterwards.
  • Use personal settings in CIC eLounge to manage your Visa debit card

    You can adjust all the settings yourself quickly and easily in CIC eLounge under “Card management”: geoblocking, options for use and limits. Your changes will become active within a few minutes.

    These settings can only be changed by eLounge users who have all rights in CIC eLounge, or hold administrator rights or the right to enter into agreements/contracts.

  • Manage Limits

    Various spending limits have been defined for your Visa Debit Card:

      daily monthly
    Total CH 3 000 CHF 5 000
    Point of sale (POS)  CH 3 000 CHF 5 000
    Online payments (eCommerce) CH 3 000 CHF 5 000
    Withdrawals from cash machines CH 3 000 CHF 5 000

    You can adjust each limit individually in eLounge. 
    Please note: a transaction can only be executed if you have sufficient funds in your account. 

  • Your Personal Support at CIC (Switzerland)

    If you have any questions about managing your card or anything is unclear, please contact your relationship manager or the Private Clients Team on +41 58 268 16 00.

    Emergency number to block a card (available 24/7): +41 58 268 16 99

Further information

What is geoblocking?

Your Visa debit card can be used worldwide as standard. Geoblocking lets you restrict its use to particular regions and countries, giving you better protection against misuse. For example, if you never go to Asia, you can block your card from being used in this region. You can remove the restrictions at any time. Geoblocking applies to transactions at ATMs and in shops (not to e-commerce).

Card blocking by country and region

The geoblocking function lets you select the individual countries and regions to be blocked as you require. All transactions carried out in these countries or regions will then be declined automatically, making misuse almost impossible. If you do not set any restrictions, your card can still be used all over the world. You can manage geoblocking at any time in CIC eLounge. We very much recommend this before and after going on holiday.

For more information and tips on using debit and credit cards securely, see: https://www.card-security.ch/karte-schuetzen/

Common Card Fraud Methods and How to Protect Yourself Against Them

  • Lost or Stolen Card

    Debit and credit cards can be stolen. Once criminals have obtained a card, they can use the contactless function to spend up to CHF 80 or EUR 80 without entering the PIN. If this limit is exceeded, the PIN is requested. This means criminals cannot carry out lots of transactions one after the other. How to Protect Yourself:

    • Put a restriction on your withdrawal limit.
    • If you have any suspicions, notify the card issuer immediately.
    • If your card is lost, stolen or used to withdraw cash from an ATM, block it immediately.
    • Check your credit card bills carefully. Activate notifications in CIC eLounge (or the debiX+ app).
    • Keep your card safe.
  • Interception of a Card or PIN

    Clients receive their first and any replacement card by post. Criminals have no qualms about intercepting delivery at the post office or the client's letterbox. There are even cases where criminals apply for a card in the name of the victim and have it sent to themselves. Here’s how to pro­tect your­self:

    • Check your credit card bills and bank statements carefully.
    • Notify the card issuer if a card or PIN you're expecting doesn't arrive.
    • Tell the bank at once if a card is late in arriving: if you have not received it after five business days, please get in touch with your contact at Bank CIC.
  • Carding: Stolen or Fake Card Information

    Carding is when criminals use stolen or fake card details to make purchases online or withdraw cash from an ATM. They target cards with very weak security systems or deliberately buy from online stores with weak security systems. The data are obtained illegally beforehand from phishing fraud, data protection breaches or skimming and sold on marketplaces, mostly on the dark web. Victims often don’t even notice the fraud until their money has already been stolen. It's quite common for the fraud to occur months after the theft of the data. Here’s how to pro­tect your­self:

    • Activate 3-D Secure or two-factor authentication on your card.
    • Use strong passwords.
    • Use secure websites, when shopping online, i.e. those which start with https:// and have a padlock symbol.
    • Only use online stores with the Trusted Shops label.
    • Check the retailer’s General Terms and Conditions of Business.
    • Keep your devices and software up to date.
    • Never disclose personal data carelessly or to people you don't know.
    • Avoid public wifi networks or use a VPN.
    • Check the transactions on your account and report any suspicious transactions.

Further Information

CIC eLounge: Smart, Secure, Seamles

Empower your financial journey with CIC eLounge. Access your accounts securely, execute transactions efficiently, and gain comprehensive insights into your finances - all in one place. Our platform offers user-friendly navigation, and personalized support to ensure your banking experience is seamless and tailored to your needs. Whether you're managing personal wealth or overseeing business finances, CIC eLounge provides the tools and flexibility to keep you in control, anytime and anywhere.

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