3D Secure
3D Secure is a security protocol for online card payments that requires an additional authentication of the cardholder — known as Visa Secure or Mastercard Identity Check.
3D Secure
3D Secure (3DS) is a security protocol that requires additional authentication from the cardholder for online card payments. The current version, 3D Secure 2 (3DS2), enables risk-based authentication: for low-risk transactions, approval takes place in the background, while for higher-risk transactions, the cardholder is prompted to confirm the payment via app, SMS code or biometrics.
The brand names for 3D Secure are Visa Secure (formerly Verified by Visa) and Mastercard Identity Check (formerly SecureCode). In the EU, 3D Secure is mandatory for most online card payments under Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) in accordance with PSD2. Switzerland has no direct PSD2 obligation, but most Swiss issuers use 3DS2 as standard.
For merchants, 3D Secure has an important advantage: with an authenticated transaction, the liability for chargebacks (liability shift) shifts from the merchant to the issuer.
3D Secure examples
A customer pays online with Visa. The system detects an increased risk and requests confirmation via banking app.
A regular customer pays at her merchant of choice. 3DS2 detects the low risk and allows the payment to go through without additional authentication (frictionless flow).
A merchant activates 3D Secure and benefits from the liability shift: In the event of a fraudulent chargeback, the issuer is liable, not the merchant.
3D Secure FAQ
What is 3D Secure?
3D Secure is a security protocol for online card payments that requires an additional authentication of the cardholder. The current version 3DS2 enables a risk-based check — often without any noticeable interruption for the buyer.
Is 3D Secure mandatory in Switzerland?
Switzerland is not directly bound by the PSD2 directive, but most Swiss banks and card networks use 3D Secure 2 by default. Activation is recommended for you as a merchant, as it enables the Liability Shift.
What is the liability shift with 3D Secure?
With a 3D Secure-authenticated transaction, the liability for fraudulent chargebacks shifts from the merchant to the issuer. This significantly reduces the financial risk for merchants.
Does 3D Secure lower your conversion rate?
3DS2 minimises the impact on conversion because many transactions are authenticated in the background (frictionless flow). Active confirmation is only required if there is an increased risk.
