Interac
- What is Interac Online?
- How does Interac Online work?
- Is Interac Online secure?
- Why should I use Interac Online?
- Who can use Interac Online?
- How can I sign up?
- Can I use Interac Online on U.S. or other foreign web sites?
- Is there a limit to how much I can spend?
- Where can I use Interac Online to pay?
- How much does it cost to use Interac Online?
- What if I don't have online banking?
- Can I use Interac Online on any computer?
- Which financial institutions offer Interac Online?
- Who do I call if something goes wrong?
- I'm not sure if my payment was completed. How do I know?
- What if I need to return my purchase? How do I get my money back?
- How can I protect myself against online fraud?
1. What is Interac Online?
The Interac Online service is a payment option that allows you to pay for goods and services on the Internet directly from your bank account. It is secure and easy to use.
2. How does Interac Online work?
The Interac Online service is secure and easy to use because it works with your existing online banking service.
- Shop for goods and services at a participating online merchant.
- Select the Interac Online option when you are ready to pay and you will be provided with a list of financial institutions.
- Select the financial institution that you want to pay from (note: you need to be registered for online banking).
- Login to online banking with your usual login ID and password.
- Choose an account to pay from.
- Confirm the payment - you will be automatically directed back to the merchant website and shown your confirmation page.
- Print or keep a record of your confirmation page.
- You are done!
3. Is Interac Online secure?
Yes, the Interac Online service is very secure. Here's why:
- You do not need to provide any financial information, card numbers or login information to the online merchant or any third party; no sensitive information is shared
- You use your existing online banking service with your usual User ID and password
- The payment is completed through the financial institution you know and trust
4. Why should I use Interac Online?
The Interac Online service provides you with the following benefits:
- Privacy: none of your financial details, card numbers or login information are shared with the online merchant or a third party
- Ease of use: because the payment is conducted through online banking, you don't need to sign up or create any new passwords or accounts
- Security: the payment is completed through the financial institution you know and trust
- Spending Control: The Interac Online service helps you better manage your finances you pay immediately using available funds from your bank account, unlike credit where you owe later.
5. Who can use Interac Online?
Anybody who shops online at one of these merchants and is registered for online banking at any of these financial institutions can use the Interac Online service.
6. How can I sign up?
No need to sign up; you just need access to online banking at one of the participating financial institutions .
7. Can I use Interac Online on U.S. or other foreign web sites?
It is up to each online merchant to decide which payment options it wants to offer its customers. The Interac Online service is available to all online merchants that do business in Canada.Click here for a list of the online merchants that offer the Interac Online service.
8. Is there a limit to how much I can spend?
Please contact your financial institution to inquire about your limits.
9. Where can I use Interac Online to pay?
Merchants that offer the Interac Online payment option range from retail establishments and organizations to government outlets and charities.
Click here to see a list of online merchants that offer the Interac Online payment option. We are continually activating new merchants so check back soon.
Click here to see a list of financial institutions that offer the Interac Online service
10. How much does it cost to use Interac Online?
Your Interac Online payment is handled by your financial institution, so fees, if any, would be levied by your financial institution. Contact your financial institution to inquire about any fees applicable to your Interac Online payment.
11. What if I don't have online banking?
It is easy to get access to online banking. Contact your financial institution or visit their website to inquire about signing up. Click here for a list of financial institutions that offer the Interac Online service.
12. Can I use Interac Online on any computer?
Yes, you can use the Interac Online service on any computer where you can access the Internet and your financial institution's online banking service. Check with your financial institution for advice on how to safely bank online when using a public computer.
13. Which financial institutions offer Interac Online?
Click here to see a list of financial institutions that offer the Interac Online service.
14. Who do I call if something goes wrong?
If you have questions or concerns about the goods or services that you have purchased using the Interac Online service, (e.g. about delivery time, shipping options, product information etc.) please contact the online merchant. If you have questions or concerns about your Interac Online payment (e.g. fees, limits, your account, processing times etc.) that cannot be answered by the online merchant, please contact your financial institution.
In a proven case of online fraud, you are protected by the 'Customer Services Rules', which ensure that your funds are returned to your bank account by your financial institution. More information about consumer protection is outlined in the Customer Commitment section.
15. I'm not sure if my payment was completed. How do I know?
If you reach the confirmation screen, and receive a confirmation number, you can be sure your payment was completed. If you confirmed your payment in online banking, but did not get redirected to a confirmation page on the merchant website, then there was a technical problem.
One of two things may have happened:
- The merchant received your payment, but for some reason you were unable to see the confirmation page.
- The merchant was not able to receive your payment.
You can often determine that it was case (a) if the merchant sends you a confirmation email, or allows you to check your order history on their website. In case (b), the funds will be (in most cases) re-credited to your bank account within minutes.
If you are uncertain, contact the merchant to ask whether your order has been processed.
16. What if I need to return my purchase? How do I get my money back?
It is important that you check each merchant's return/refund policy prior to making your purchase. Some merchants will process a refund where the funds are credited back to your bank account.
17. How can I protect myself against online fraud?
In a proven case of online fraud, you are protected by the 'Customer Services Rules', which ensure that your funds are returned to your bank account by your Financial Institution. These 'Rules' are based on the reputable Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce. While we work with all stakeholders, as well as security experts, to maintain the ongoing security of our services, there are actions that you can take as well. You are encouraged to regularly check your bank statements to verify that all transactions have been properly documented. If entries do not accurately reflect transaction activities - for example, if there are missing or additional transactions you should immediately contact your financial institution.
Click here to find out more about protecting yourself against online fraud and phishing.
