When you check out online, the merchant may request that you approve the purchase via a push notification to your Branch App. This approval step is called online merchant authorization, or 3D Secure. Follow these steps in the Branch App to approve the purchase.
- Tap the push notification from Branch. The notification says, "Approval needed. Tap to confirm your $X purchase at [Merchant]."
- Review the amount, merchant, and response deadline on the Complete your purchase screen.
- Tap Approve Purchase if you made the purchase. If you don't recognize the purchase, tap I Don't Recognize This.
- Verify your identity with Face ID or your device's biometrics. If biometrics are turned off or don't work, enter your six-digit Wallet passcode.
- Return to the merchant's website or app to finish checking out. You can close the Branch App.
You have eight minutes from the time of the request to approve the purchase. If you don't respond within eight minutes, the purchase may be declined.
If you didn't get the push notification
The Branch App shows your approval request even if you miss the push notification.
- Push notifications turned off: You get a text message with a link to the approval screen in the Branch App.
- Push notification missed: The approval request appears the next time you open the Branch App.
- Logged out of the Branch App: The approval request is the first screen you see after you log in.
What happens after I respond?
The Branch App shows one of three results after an online merchant authorization request.
- Purchase approved: You approved the purchase. Return to the merchant to finish checking out.
- We stopped the purchase: You tapped I Don't Recognize This, and the purchase didn't go through. Tapping I Don't Recognize This doesn't lock your Branch Card. Review your recent transactions in the Branch App, and dispute any transaction you don't recognize.
- Verification expired: You didn't respond within eight minutes. The purchase may still have gone through, depending on the merchant. Check your transactions in the Branch App. If the purchase didn't go through, try the purchase again to get a new approval request.
How do I make sure I get every online merchant authorization request?
To receive online merchant authorization requests on time, keep the Branch App updated and turn on push notifications for the Branch App.
- Update the Branch App to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. If your Branch App isn't up to date, you don't receive the online merchant authorization requests, and purchases that require approval can't go through.
- Turn on push notifications for the Branch App in your phone's settings.
- iPhone: Go to Settings → Notifications → Branch, then select Immediate Delivery.
Related Articles
- Online Merchant Authorization Guide (3D Secure)
- Troubleshooting Online Merchant Authorization (3D Secure)
- How do I reset my passcode?
- How do I file a dispute?
Still need help?
Reach out to us via Chat 24/7
In-App Chat (For Best Experience)
Select profile icon (bottom right corner)
Click the Support Icon (top right corner)
Can't Log In?
Click the bubble in the bottom right to access Help Center Chat
Branch is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC and Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, which are Branch’s bank partners. The name of the bank partner for your account is listed on the back of your debit card and can also be found in the Branch App under “Your Account Information”. FDIC insurance only applies to eligible accounts should the bank holding your funds fail. Branch Mastercard Debit Cards are issued by Evolve Bank & Trust or Lead Bank, Member FDIC, as applicable, pursuant to a license from Mastercard and may be used everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted.