How to use a card reader

Find out the steps to confirm online payments using a card reader

What is a card reader?

A card reader is a small handheld device that uses your credit card and PIN to generate a secure one-time passcode to confirm an online card payment is being made by you and not a fraudster.

If you want to order a card reader to confirm your online payments, please contact us on 0345 600 5860 and we'll be able to help. Lines are open 8am-8pm.

Watch our how-to video or read our step by step guides below to find out how it works.

Video Script

Banks are making some changes to help protect you against fraud.

The next time you’re shopping online, you might be asked to confirm it’s you when you check out and pay.

If you have a card reader device, this is how you use it to confirm your purchase.

When paying for your online order, before you can complete the payment, a verification screen may pop up, with instructions on how you can confirm your identity using the card reader.

Insert your M&S Credit Card into the top of your card reader and press ‘Respond’.

Then enter your card PIN and press OK.

Enter the authentication code shown on the verification screen and press OK.

The card reader will generate an 8-digit, secure, one-time passcode.

Enter this code in to the box on the verification screen and press ‘Submit’ to confirm the transaction.

You should then see confirmation of your order on the checkout screen.

Thank you for watching.

How to verify online card payments using a card reader

  • Step 1: When making a payment online, before you can complete the payment a verification screen will pop up with instructions on how you can confirm your identity using a card reader.
  • Step 2 : Instructions will then appear on how to confirm your payment using your card reader. Insert your M&S Credit Card into the top of your card reader and press ‘Respond’.
  • Step 3: Then, enter your M&S Credit Card PIN and press OK
  • Step 4: Enter the authentication code shown on the payment screen and press OK
  • Step 5: The card reader will generate an 8-digit, secure, one-time passcode. Enter this code on the payment screen and press the ‘Submit’ button to confirm the transaction.

You'll see a confirmation of your payment on the checkout screen.

How to verify online card payments using an audio card reader

  • Step 1: When making a payment online, before you can complete the payment a verification screen will pop up with instructions on how you can confirm your identity using a card reader
  • Step 2 : Insert your M&S Credit Card into the top of your card reader and press the ‘Respond' button
  • Step 3: Enter your card PIN and press the ‘Enter' button
  • Step 4: Enter the authentication code shown on the payment screen into your card reader and press the ‘Enter' button
  • Step 5: The card reader will generate a one-time passcode; you need to enter this into the payment screen to confirm your payment

You'll see a confirmation of your payment on the checkout screen.

How to verify online card payments using a large screen card reader

  • Step 1: When making a payment online, before you can complete the payment a verification screen will pop up with instructions on how you can confirm your identity using a card reader
  • Step 2 : Insert your M&S Bank Credit Card into the card reader and select ‘2 Respond'
  • Step 3: Enter your card PIN and press the ‘OK' button
  • Step 4: Enter the authentication code shown on the payment screen into your card reader and press the ‘OK' button
  • Step 5: The card reader will generate a one-time passcode; you need to enter this into the payment screen to confirm your payment

You'll see a confirmation of your payment on the checkout screen.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to use a card reader?

Changes to online card payments have been introduced due to new Payment Services Regulations. This additional level of verification has been designed to help protect you from card fraud, and make it harder for fraudsters to make payments without your knowledge.

What happens if I enter an incorrect PIN into the card reader?

You'll get an error message and be asked to re-enter your PIN. You have three attempts to input the PIN correctly before your card PIN is locked. You can unlock the card at an ATM.

I've lost my card reader. What should I do?

Please contact us on 0345 600 5860 and we'll be able to help. Lines are open 8am-8pm. As the card reader isn't linked to you, there is no risk of it being used fraudulently on your account.

I have a card reader at home, can my additional user use the same card reader?

Yes, if they are set up to use a card reader to authorise their payments. The card reader is not linked to a particular account or customer.

I've opted to use a card reader but have not yet received my device - how can I complete my purchase?

Please contact us on 0345 600 5860 and we'll be able to help. Lines are open 8am-8pm

I have specific accessibility needs when transacting online and have difficulty using a card reader. Can you help?

Please contact us on 0345 600 5860 and we'll be able to help. Lines are open 8am-8pm.

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