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 of the cardholder for online card payments. The current version 3D Secure 2 (3DS2) enables risk-based authentication: For low-risk transactions, the approval takes place in the background; 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) according to PSD2. Switzerland has no direct PSD2 obligation, but most Swiss issuers use 3DS2 by default.
For Comerciantes, 3D Secure has an important advantage: In an authenticated transaction, the liability for chargebacks (Liability Shift) shifts from the Comerciante 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 proceed without additional authentication (Frictionless Flow).
A Comerciante activates 3D Secure and benefits from the liability shift: In the event of a fraudulent chargeback, the issuer is liable, not the Comerciante.
3D Secure FAQ
What is 3D Secure?
3D Secure is a security protocol for online card payments that requires additional authentication of the cardholder. The current version 3DS2 enables a risk-based assessment — often without any noticeable disruption 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 Comerciantes as it enables the liability shift.
What is the liability shift with 3D Secure?
With a 3D-Secure authenticated transaction, liability for fraudulent chargebacks shifts from the Comerciante to the issuer. This significantly reduces the financial risk for Comerciantes.
Does 3D Secure lower the conversion rate?
3DS2 minimizes the impact on conversion because many transactions are authenticated in the background (frictionless flow). Active confirmation is only requested in the event of an increased risk.
