When you use the Expensify Card in the UK or EU, some online transactions require additional verification before they can be completed.

Expensify uses Visa Secure to protect online transactions. Visa Secure is built on top of the 3-D Secure (3DS) protocol, which is commonly required for eCommerce transactions in the UK and Europe. This additional verification helps protect your account from unauthorized purchases.

When a transaction requires verification, you’ll receive a notification and must approve or deny the transaction in Expensify.

How to approve a UK/EU Expensify Card transaction

When a transaction requires approval, you’ll receive a Concierge message with the transaction details.

To approve the transaction:

1. Open Expensify from the notification, or open the app manually.
2. Review the transaction details, including:
   • Merchant name
   • Transaction amount
3. Tap Approve.
4. Follow the prompts to authenticate using one of the following methods:
   • Face ID or fingerprint (biometrics)
   • Device passcode or PIN
   • Passkey (on web or supported devices)
5. Wait for confirmation that the transaction has been approved.

Once approved, the transaction will automatically proceed with the merchant.

How to deny a UK/EU Expensify Card transaction

If you don’t recognize the transaction:

1. Open Expensify from the notification.
2. Review the transaction details.
3. Tap Deny.

You do not need to authenticate to deny a transaction.

After denying the transaction:

• The transaction is immediately declined.
• If you suspect fraud, we recommend taking the following actions:
  • Cancel your Expensify Card.
  • Lock your Expensify account if you believe your account may have been compromised.
  • Contact Concierge for assistance.

What happens if you don’t approve in time?

You have approximately 8 minutes to approve a transaction.

If you don’t approve it within that time:

• The transaction is automatically declined.
• You’ll need to retry the purchase with the merchant.

How to enable biometric authentication for UK/EU Expensify Card approvals

You’ll be prompted to enable biometric authentication the first time you approve a transaction or test authentication.

To enable biometrics:

1. Enter the verification code sent to your email (magic code).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts.
3. Confirm using:
   • Face ID
   • Fingerprint authentication
   • Device credentials

Once enabled, future transaction approvals are faster and won’t require an email verification code.

Manage authentication settings

To manage biometric authentication or passkeys:

1. Go to Account.
2. Select Security.
3. Open Face/Fingerprint & Passkey.

From here, you can:

• Enable or re-enable authentication.
• Revoke authentication access for all devices.

Supported authentication methods

To meet UK and EU security requirements, Expensify supports the following authentication methods:

• Biometrics: Face ID or fingerprint
• Device credentials: Passcode or PIN
• Passkeys: Supported on web and mobile browsers

FAQ

Why do I need to approve some transactions but not others?

UK and EU regulations require additional verification for many online payments. Some transactions qualify for exemptions and are automatically approved, while others require manual verification.

Can I approve transactions on the web?

Yes, but only if passkeys are enabled on your account. Otherwise, you’ll need to use the mobile app to approve transactions.

Can someone else approve transactions on my behalf?

Yes. If you have a copilot configured on your account, they can approve transactions on your behalf, provided they have also enabled biometric authentication. See Copilot access.

What happens if biometric authentication fails?

If authentication fails:

• You can try again.
• If authentication fails multiple times, the transaction may be denied.
• You may need to re-enable biometric authentication in your device settings.

Why am I not receiving 3DS transaction approval requests?

If you’re not receiving 3DS (3-D Secure) transaction approval requests:

1. Go to Account.
2. Tap Troubleshoot.
3. Select Clear cache and restart.

If the issue persists, contact Concierge for further assistance.

Can I approve transactions on multiple devices?

Yes. You can approve transactions from any device where you’re signed in and have authentication enabled.

What should I do if I don’t receive a notification?

Open Expensify manually. If a transaction is awaiting approval, you’ll see the approval prompt when the app opens.

Can I turn off transaction approvals?

No. 3DS authentication is required for UK/EU Expensify Cards and cannot be disabled.