3D Secure authentication, also known as Verified by Visa and Mastercard SecureCode, provides an extra layer of security for online credit and debit card transactions. It helps prevent fraud by requiring cardholders to enter a password or other credential when making an online purchase. This helps verify that the person making the purchase is the legitimate card owner.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting set up with 3D Secure, including:
- What is 3D Secure and how does it work?
- Why should I use 3D Secure?
- How do I enroll in 3D Secure?
- What information do I need to provide?
- How do I use 3D Secure when making purchases?
- What are some common issues with 3D Secure?
- How does 3D Secure affect my shopping experience?
Whether you’re a merchant looking to enable 3D Secure payments, or a shopper who wants to understand the extra checkout step, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
What is 3D Secure and How Does it Work?
3D Secure is an additional layer of verification required for some online credit and debit card transactions. When you make an online purchase at a participating merchant, instead of just entering your card number, expiration date, and CVV code, you’ll go through an extra checkout step to verify your identity.
There are a few different 3D Secure verification methods:
- Password-based authentication – You’ll enter a static password set up during enrollment.
- One-time passcodes – A one-time passcode is generated and sent via text or email for each transaction.
- Biometric authentication – Uses your fingerprint, face, or eye scan.
Once your identity is verified, the online transaction can be completed as normal.
Here is how 3D Secure works at a high level:
- A cardholder enrolls in 3D Secure with their bank, setting up an authentication method.
- The cardholder shops online and proceeds to checkout at a 3D Secure participating merchant.
- During checkout, the shopper is redirected to a verification screen and prompted to provide the authentication credential set up during enrollment.
- The cardholder’s bank verifies the authentication information matches what they have on file.
- If successfully verified, the bank sends a confirmation back to the merchant, who can then complete the online purchase.
This added layer of verification helps prove the person making an online purchase is the legitimate card owner, reducing fraud for retailers while protecting cardholders.
Why Should I Use 3D Secure?
There are a few key reasons to use 3D Secure for online transactions:
- Increased security – The added verification step helps prevent fraudulent purchases in your name, keeping your account more secure.
- No liability for fraud – Provided you have not acted negligently or fraudulently, you have zero liability for unauthorized 3D Secure transactions.
- Wide acceptance – The majority of large online retailers participate in 3D Secure, making it easy to use across most sites.
- More trust in merchants – Knowing a site uses 3D Secure boosts confidence they take security seriously.
- Required by some banks – Certain banks now mandate 3D Secure for online credit and debit card transactions.
For shoppers, enabling 3D Secure is a quick and easy way to add protection from fraud and unauthorized charges. Retailers also benefit through reduced dispute rates and transactions the bank can confidently approve rather than decline over fraud concerns. Overall, 3D Secure aims to improve security and trust for all parties in online transactions.
How Do I Enroll in 3D Secure?
Enrolling in 3D Secure is simple and done through your bank. Here are the steps to enroll:
- Contact your credit or debit card issuing bank – This may be done on their website, via phone call, or by visiting a local branch.
- Provide required identity information – To verify your identity, details like SSN, date of birth, account number may be required.
- Select authentication method – This is usually a password or one-time passcode via text/email for each transaction.
- Provide contact details – So the verification code can be sent to you during transactions.
- Agree to terms and conditions.
Once enrolled, you’ll go through the extra verification when making an online purchase at a participating 3D Secure merchant. The enrollment process takes just a few minutes and only has to be completed once.
Many banks actively encourage customers to enroll in 3D Secure for added protection. Some may even require it for certain types of transactions or after a card has been re-issued. Check with your bank to find out about their specific 3D Secure policies.
What Information Do I Need to Provide?
When enrolling in 3D Secure, you will need to provide your bank with several pieces of information to confirm your identity:
- Name
- Contact number
- Email address
- Account number
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
- Address
- Temporary authentication password
- Chosen 3D Secure permanent password
Providing these details verifies you are the legitimate cardholder and allows your bank to set up the 3D Secure service on your card. Be ready to provide accurate, up-to-date information when going through the enrollment steps.
The contact number and email are especially important, as that is how your one-time passcode or authentication message will be sent for online transactions.
Some banks may allow you to choose between using a static password or one-time code. Make sure to select your preferred method so transactions go smoothly.
Double check all information entered during enrollment. Precise details will be required during the authentication step at checkout to confirm your identity.
How Do I Use 3D Secure When Making Purchases?
Using 3D Secure at checkout is simple once enrolled – here is an overview of what to expect:
- Shop online and add items to your cart as normal.
- Proceed to checkout and enter your card information.
- After submitting payment details, you will be redirected to an authentication screen.
- Enter your 3D Secure password or one-time code received via text/email.
- Submit the authentication details and wait a few seconds for bank verification.
- If verification succeeds, you will return to the merchant site to complete your purchase.
The entire authentication process adds about 10-15 extra seconds in most cases. As long as you enter the correct verification details, the checkout flow remains relatively frictionless.
Be sure you have access to your phone or email inbox during checkout. This allows you to retrieve the one-time code if your bank uses that method.
Also try to complete checkout on a secure wifi or cellular network connection. This prevents delays receiving the authentication message.
With a few purchases under your belt, authenticating via 3D Secure will feel like second nature. The minor extra steps provide valuable peace of mind that your identity and account are protected.
What Are Some Common Issues with 3D Secure?
While generally effective, 3D Secure does come with a few potential issues to be aware of:
- Adds extra steps – More time and inputs required compared to normal checkout.
- SMS/email delays – Waiting for codes slows the process if connections are spotty.
- Limited passwords – Having only static passwords is less secure than one-time codes.
- No instant verification – Must wait for bank confirmation rather than instant approval.
- May not work internationally – Spotty support when trying to authenticate while traveling abroad.
- Limited biometric options – Fingerprint/facial recognition not widely supported yet.
Banks, merchants, and card networks continue improving the technology and user experience. But in the meantime, issues like added steps and connectivity delays may persist.
Being aware of the potential downsides can set proper expectations. Minor hassles are often worthwhile given the increased fraud prevention 3D Secure provides.
How Does 3D Secure Affect My Shopping Experience?
Enrolling in 3D Secure does change the online shopping experience slightly:
- Takes 10-15 seconds longer at checkout – Allows for identity verification.
- Requires access to email/phone – To receive one-time passcodes if used.
- Prevents instant transaction approval – Have to wait for bank confirmation.
- Adds intermittent steps – Will redirect away from merchant site to authenticate.
- May not be supported internationally – Spotty use for foreign transactions.
The extra steps may be frustrating at first. But the added security prevents unauthorized charges and gives peace of mind.
With time, authenticating via 3D Secure becomes second nature. The prompts and inputs required will become familiar.
Any hassles are minor compared to the headache of dealing with fraud or identity theft. 3D Secure makes shoppers and merchants more confident in the integrity of online transactions.
Conclusion
3D Secure authentication requires a few extra steps but provides enhanced security for online purchases. Simply enroll with your bank and you can reduce fraud risk while satisfying merchant requirements.
Look for the “Verified by Visa” or “Mastercard SecureCode” logos at checkout for peace of mind. While not flawless, 3D Secure works reliably for most legitimate cardholders. With fraud on the rise, taking advantage of this free service is a smart choice to protect your accounts and identity.