KINGSTON, Jamaica — When shopping online, National Commercial Bank (NCB) customers may now receive a six-digit passcode sent to their email or mobile phone at checkout.

According to NCB, entering the code verifies the purchase and allows the transaction to proceed. It said the additional step forms part of its new security feature, introduced to strengthen protection for select online card transactions as digital payments continue to expand across Jamaica.

Danielle Cameron Duncan, acting senior vice president of payments and enterprise operations at NCB, said the enhancement strengthens protection at the point of purchase while maintaining a smooth customer experience.

“As more Jamaicans use their cards online, it is important that security evolves alongside convenience. This added verification step ensures that even if card details are compromised, a transaction cannot be completed without direct confirmation from the customer,” Cameron Duncan said.

Cameron Duncan also noted that the technology allows the bank to apply stronger safeguards in a targeted way.

“We are using intelligent authentication that responds to risk in real time,” Cameron Duncan explained. “Customers can continue to shop online with minimal disruption, while we intervene quickly if a transaction does not reflect their normal behaviour.”

This security standard is widely adopted by major financial institutions and global payment networks to secure online, card-not-present transactions. Its introduction aligns NCB with international best practice and supports the continued development of Jamaica’s digital payments landscape.

“This standard represents the future of secure digital commerce,” Duncan added. “By implementing it, we are ensuring our customers benefit from advanced protection while maintaining the ease and convenience they expect.”

NCB said its upgraded security system monitors transactions in real time to help protect customers from fraud. If a purchase requires additional verification, a one-time passcode (OTP) will be sent to the customer to confirm the transaction before it can be completed. Once the correct code is entered, the transaction proceeds as normal. Most everyday purchases will continue without interruption, as this added step is applied only when necessary to keep customers safe.

It said the new feature complements existing fraud prevention tools, including real-time transaction alerts and the ability for customers to block or unblock their cards instantly through our digital channels.

Customers are reminded that one-time passcodes are generated only during legitimate purchase attempts and should never be shared.

To ensure seamless verification, customers are encouraged to confirm that their mobile numbers and email addresses are up to date through the NCB mobile app or the Manage My Card portal at managemycard@jncb.com. Business customers may submit authorised requests through eds@jncb.com or their designated branch.