What is a Code 10?

If you're in any way suspicious of a card, its presenter or the circumstances surrounding a transaction, you must call Authorisation.

A code 10 allows you to discreetly check on a suspicious card or cardholder when they're nearby and you're not able to talk freely. Just call our Authorisation Department on 0844 822 2000* and tell the operator you're making a code 10 call, or press 9. You'll be asked for the card number, the expiry date and the issue number (if applicable) and given options to choose from, depending on the type of call you are making. After this, you will be connected to an operator who will ask questions that require only a yes or no answer.

Remember to keep the card and the goods out of reach of the customer and activate any surveillance equipment you may have.

If the operator asks you to keep the card, inform the customer politely, without putting others or yourself at risk. Please note that Code 10 is only available for customer-present transactions, not for mail, telephone or internet transactions.

*View call charge information from Business landlines within the UK.