What is 3D Secure Authentication?

3D Secure (3DS) authentication is an extra layer of security for online shopping. With 3DS, 2-step authentication is in place for every purchase.

3D Secure authentication is designed to protect customers’ card data. It’s an added layer of security that reduces instances of online fraud, giving shoppers the confidence to make digital purchases.

If you’re looking for a card payment solution for your e-commerce website or simply want to brush up on your online security know-how, this guide is for you.

  • What is 3D Secure authentication?

  • How 3DS works (+ how to activate it)

  • Benefits of 3DS verification technology

  • What to do when 3D Secure fails?

For other related queries, do check out our card payment help section for more free resources.

What is 3D Secure authentication?

3D Secure authentication is a fraud prevention safeguard that companies can integrate into their website’s payment gateway. For short, it’s often referred to as 3DS, as well as 3DS verification.

First launched in 2001 and introduced by Visa, 3DS is now widely used by all major debit and credit card issuers. It provides an added security layer, giving customers greater confidence that:

● The website is legit

● The likelihood of fraud is minimal

● Their card data is secure

With 3D Secure authentication activated, customers are more likely to have trust in your website and be comfortable inputting their card details.

The pay off, literally? Less abandoned carts, meaning increased sales and revenue.

How 3DS works

Chances are, you’ve likely used 3DS verification before. It’s that extra step at the checkout that redirects you to your card issuer before the payment can go ahead.

Here's how it works

1) The customer will submit their card details at the online checkout as normal.

2) The customer then gets redirected to their card issuer’s 3D secure webpage.

3) The customer is sent a one-time authentication code to a pre-authorised device.

4) If all is submitted correctly, the card provider will approve the transaction.

5) The customer is directed back to the checkout to complete the payment.

How to activate 3D Secure authentication

To activate 3DS on your website, you’ll first need a 3D Secure API, which you can link to your existing shopping cart.

Depending on your payment gateway, you might already find that you have a 3DS API included as standard - find out more in our Gateway Integration Guide. Alternatively, platforms like Shopify and Magento have a simple set-up process.

When activating 3D Secure, you’ll need to link it to your merchant account first.

It’s also important to meet all PCI compliance regulations. PCI compliance keeps your customer data safe during the storing, processing, and transmission steps of any transaction.

Benefits of 3DS verification technology

Today, 3DS technology is everywhere online - and for good reason! With the added layer of security it gives to your payment gateway, both you and your customers get that all-important peace of mind.

  • Increased protection from online payment fraud

  • Reduced chances of customers’ credit and debit card details being stolen (should your website ever be breached)

    with essential services.

  • Extra safeguards in place to shield you from unauthorised chargebacks

    for more than 30,000 customers.

  • Should any issues occur, liability is the responsibility of the card issuer - not you as the business

    takes the hassle out of switching.

Received a 3D Secure authentication error...

If a customer gets a ‘3D Secure authentication failed’ error when trying to complete their purchase, it usually is a sign that they’ve entered the wrong details. 

For example, it could be a typo with the initial card details they submitted or the one-time passcode required.

The customer would simply need to review the details and try again. 

However, if the issue persists…

What to do when 3D Secure fails?

If the customer is confident that their details are correct but their payment is still being blocked, they might have an extension - like a pop-up blocker - that’s interfering with the 3DS software.

They should check, disable any unnecessary extensions, or try again on a different browser.

If the error code still shows, they will need to contact their card issuer directly to resolve and allow access.

So, there you have it - ‘what is 3DS verification?’ answered. Hopefully, you found the guide helpful, with all your questions covered.

For all your payment solutions, Clear Business has you covered

Here at Clear Business, we’re a one-stop solution for small businesses. It’s our goal to not only help small businesses grow with our business services but also give you all the resources you need to make the everyday simpler.

If you’d like to find out more about other popular payment solutions, these related articles might be handy:

● How does a card reader work?

● How does contactless payment work?

Ready to simplify your payments? Get a quick quote today and see how Clear Business can help your small business grow!

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