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What is 3D Secure? The extra check on online card payments

By SendPay Business · · 2 min read

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3D Secure is an extra security step for online card payments. When it kicks in, the card issuer asks the shopper to confirm the payment, often in their banking app or with a one-time code. Visa calls its version Visa Secure and Mastercard calls its version Identity Check.

How it works

  • The shopper enters their card details at checkout.
  • The card issuer decides whether to ask for an extra check.
  • The shopper approves in their banking app or enters a code, and the payment goes through.
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3D Secure and SCA

In the UK and Europe, strong customer authentication rules mean many online card payments need two separate checks. 3D Secure is the main way card payments meet those rules.

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Why businesses use it

It cuts fraud, and when a payment has been verified this way, liability for some fraud disputes can shift from the business to the card issuer. The trade-off is an extra step that can make some shoppers give up.

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Where SendPay fits

SendPay platforms include branded cards, payment links and invoicing under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. You can preview your platform before you launch.

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How it works

Your own money app
  1. Name it and pick your colours
  2. Choose what it does
  3. Launch when you are ready

Why sign up

Create your free SendPay account

It's all about creating your own financial platform with ease. Start with a free account today.

  • A free business accountOpen it in about a minute with your business name, email, password and mobile. No card and no documents to start.
  • Get paid from day oneTake card payments, and share your own payment link and invoices so customers pay in a click.
  • A free business websiteFree to build, free to publish and free to keep, with unlimited visits.
  • Your own financial platformDesign and preview your whole platform free, then launch when you are ready.
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SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.

Questions people ask

What is my card approval rate?

Work out your authorisation rate and what declines cost you.

Authorisation rate calculator →
What is strong customer authentication?

The two-step checks on many online payments.

What is SCA? →
What is a chargeback?

When a card payment is reversed by the bank.

What is a chargeback? →
What is a card issuer?

The company that provides the customer's card.

What is a card issuer? →

Read next

Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.