3D Secure adds an extra layer of protection to online payments by verifying transactions with temporary PINs or biometrics. Developed by Visa and adopted by Mastercard and others, it works behind the scenes with your bank and the retailer to confirm your identity. When you see the Verified by Visa or Mastercard SecureCode logo, you know your payment is safer. Plus, newer versions make the process smoother with biometric authentication for added security and convenience.
VELLIS NEWS
1 Apr 2025
By Vellis Team
Vellis Team
Automate your expense tracking with our advanced tools. Categorize your expenditures
Related Articles
Vellis News
10 June 2025
Currency exchange rates show the value of one country’s currency in relation to another. These rates fluctuate constantly, driven by how people and markets perceive a currency’s strength. The 24/7 Forex market enables currency trades in pairs, like EUR/USD, influenced by economic data, political events, and speculation.
Vellis News
10 June 2025
A fixed exchange rate is a system where a country’s currency value is tied or pegged to another major currency, like the US Dollar or the Euro. This setup helps maintain currency stability, making international trade and investment more predictable. In this discussion, you’ll learn what a fixed exchange rate means, how it operates, and where it’s applied, supported by real-world examples.
Vellis News
1 April 2025
Relying on technology has its perks. Nowadays, there isn’t a single business or industry that doesn’t reap the benefits of technological advancement. Many industries seek a more eligible, straightforward, and easier way of conducting business and receiving payment. Hence the payment gateway. Online transactions have never been more secure, hands-on, and seamless, hence it’s each industry’s task to select the right payment gateway for their business to reach a global audience, ensure an easier flow of funds, boost safety, and upscale transaction processing.
The authentication process for 3D Secure transactions involves a series of steps to verify the user’s identity. For instance, during a transaction, the system might ask for something only the user knows or has, like a password or a biometric feature such as face recognition.
The 3D Secure authentication process includes:
Understanding what is an automated clearing house and complying with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) regulations lets 3D Secure minimize friction even in low-risk transactions.
The evolution of 3D Secure technology marks significant strides in online payment security. From its initial version that used static passwords to the introduction of 3D Secure 2.0 with biometric and one-time password options, this transition has played a crucial role in making transactions smoother and more secure for users around the globe.
Launched in 2001 by Visa, the original version used static passwords for authentication, which led to user frustration and transaction failures. Merchants bore the risk of fraud-related chargebacks, making adoption inconsistent.
The updated version introduced OTPs and biometric authentication, significantly reducing friction at checkout. Visa reports that 3D Secure 2.0 decreases cart abandonment rates by 70% and speeds up checkout by 85%. It also aligns with PSD2 requirements, ensuring higher security for mobile transactions.
3D Secure stands as a vital tool in enhancing security for online transactions, shielding both consumers and merchants from the risks of unauthorized use and financial fraud.
With e-commerce fraud rising, 3D Secure authentication ensures that only the cardholder can approve online transactions. Even if card details are stolen, unauthorized purchases become difficult.
Merchants save money by reducing fraudulent chargebacks. For instance, ChowNow implemented 3D Secure and reduced chargebacks by 99%, saving over $1 million. With 3D Secure Mastercard and Visa, liability for fraud shifts to the issuing bank, protecting businesses.
Unlike older security methods, 3D Secure 2.0 eliminates the need for passwords, replacing them with OTPs or biometric authentication. This speeds up transactions while maintaining security.
Businesses adopting 3D Secure Visa or Mastercard comply with PSD2 regulations in Europe, which require stronger authentication for online payments. This helps avoid penalties while building customer trust.
To activate 3D Secure on your card, follow these steps:
If you’re using Visa or Mastercard, you may also search for guides on how to activate a 3D Secure Visa or how to activate a 3D Secure Mastercard on your bank’s website.
3D Secure stands out by directly involving banks in the authentication of online transactions, adding an extra layer of security compared to methods like tokenization, CVV verification, and two-factor authentication.
Tokenization replaces your actual card number with a digital token, making it useless to hackers. This method, often used alongside 3D Secure payments, enhances security.
CVV codes add security by requiring the three-digit code on the back of your card, but they don’t offer protection against stolen card details used online.
Like 3D Secure authentication, 2FA requires two verification steps, such as a password and an OTP. This strengthens security but can slow down the process.
Users might face issues like authentication failure or delayed OTP delivery with 3D Secure. Checking bank restrictions and ensuring accurate account details could solve some of these problems.
If 3D Secure authentication failed, check for incorrect details or expired OTPs. Ensure your bank has your correct phone number for OTP delivery.
Network issues can delay OTPs. Ensure you have a strong signal, and update your phone number with your bank if needed.
Some banks have strict policies affecting how to activate 3D Secure Visa or how to activate 3D Secure Mastercard. Contact customer service for activation help if you’re having trouble.
Here are some quick fixes to tackle common problems:
These steps will assist users in managing their 3D Secure settings effectively and ensuring smoother transactions with enhanced security measures like those provided by 3D Secure Visa and Mastercard options.
The future of 3D Secure looks promising, with advancements in AI-driven fraud detection and the integration of biometric authentication shaping its development. These technologies will likely expand payment processing services to include new platforms like cryptocurrency transactions.
AI continuously analyzes transactions, identifying suspicious activity before fraud occurs. This makes 3D Secure credit card transactions even safer.
Future 3D Secure authentication will rely more on facial recognition and fingerprints, eliminating the need for OTPs.
3D Secure is expanding to cover crypto payments, providing an extra security layer for digital currencies.
With online fraud on the rise, 3D Secure payments offer an essential safeguard for both businesses and consumers. Whether you’re using 3D Secure Mastercard, 3D Secure Visa, or any other provider, activating this feature ensures safer transactions.
Contact your bank today to learn how to activate 3D Secure authentication and protect your online purchases!
3D Secure adds an extra layer of security to online transactions by requiring additional verification, like a one-time password (OTP) or biometric authentication.
Most major card providers, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, support 3D Secure—check with your bank to confirm.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, double-check your OTP, and contact your bank if the issue persists.
In some regions, 3D Secure is required for compliance with security regulations, while in others, it remains optional.
Some banks allow customers to opt out, but disabling it increases the risk of fraud and is generally not recommended.
N26. (n.d.). What is 3D Secure? Retrieved from: n26.com/en-eu/3d-secure
EBANX. (n.d.). Payments explained: 3D Secure. Retrieved from: insights.ebanx.com/en/resources/payments-explained/3d-secure/
NMI. (n.d.). What is 3D Secure? Retrieved from: support.nmi.com/hc/en-gb/articles/18865203729297-What-is-3D-SecureU.S. Federal Trade
Ready to transform your financial management?
Sign up with Vellis today and unlock the full potential of your finances.
Related Articles
Vellis News
24 June 2025
In a world where convenience is everything, it’s no surprise that mental health care has also gone digital. If you’ve ever wondered what virtual therapy is, you’re not alone. As mental health awareness grows, so does the popularity of virtual therapy as a practical, accessible solution for individuals seeking support for emotional and psychological well-being.
Vellis News
31 March 2025
Enhancing payment experiences is crucial to high-risk payment processing. Through payment processor customer feedback, you will find out problems that you need to resolve to ensure smooth and secure transactions. This article will show you how to use reviews and feedback to make payments better.
Vellis News
31 March 2025
In the fast-paced world of online shopping, having a reliable ecommerce payment system is crucial for business success. This system enables merchants to securely accept payments from customers using various methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. Choosing the right ecommerce payment solutions ensures smooth transactions, enhances customer trust, and boosts sales.
We use cookies to improve your experience and ensure our website functions properly. You can manage your preferences below. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
PCI DSS-certified and listed on Visa’s Global Registry – verified security you can trust.
© 2025 Vellis Inc.
Vellis Inc. is authorized as a Money Services Business by FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) number M24204235. Vellis Inc. is a company registered in Canada, number 1000610768, headquartered at 30 Eglinton Avenue West, Mississauga, Ontario L5R3E7, Canada.