Verified by Visa enables the bank to validate a cardholder's identity with a password known only to the cardholder and the bank. Purchases must be made through participating merchants. The cardholder enters the password before he or she completes the Internet purchase, further reducing the potential for unauthorised card use on the Internet.

Todder Moning, vice president of e-payments development at US Bank and Firstar, comments: "Verified by Visa gives our Internet shoppers peace of mind knowing that they have an added layer of security. If they feel more secure, they'll do more of their shopping online. Best of all, it's a free service that's easy to understand and easy to use."

US Bank and Firstar are among the first banks participating in the scheme, which was announced by Visa on 3 December. The card organisation says that seven banks and 25 e-tailers have so far joined the programme.