3D Secure (often called 3DS or 3D Secure 2) is an extra layer of protection for online card payments. It helps confirm that the person making the purchase is the rightful cardholder, reducing the risk of fraud.
When paying online with a card that supports 3D Secure, the customer may be asked to verify their identity before the payment is completed.
Not every payment requires this step. Banks often use risk-based checks; if the payment looks low-risk you may not be prompted at all.
For customers, 3D Secure means:
A more secure checkout process.
Extra confidence that card details are safe
Sometimes, one quick extra step is needed to complete the purchase
What to Expect with 3D Secure
When your customer checks out using a credit or debit card, they may be asked to take one quick extra step before payment goes through.
Here’s what it usually looks like:
Enter card details as normal
Nothing changes in the first step — they'll type in their card number, expiration date, and security code.The bank may ask to verify the payment
A small window or page will pop up from their bank. This is where they'll confirm that they're the one making the purchase.Common ways banks ask to verify include:
Entering a one-time code sent by SMS or email
Approving the payment in your mobile banking app (sometimes with Face ID, fingerprint, or a simple tap)
Answering a security question you’ve set up with your bank
Once verified, the payment continues
After they complete this step, they'll automatically return to checkout and see the order confirmed.
