What is 3DS?

3DS (3-D Secure) is an additional security layer for online card payments that helps verify the identity of the cardholder before a transaction is completed.

When you make an online purchase, your bank may ask you to confirm the payment by entering a one-time passcode (OTP), approving the transaction in your banking app, or using biometric authentication such as a fingerprint or Face ID.

The purpose of 3DS is to:

  • Help protect against unauthorized card use and fraud.
  • Verify that the person making the purchase is the legitimate cardholder.
  • Provide a more secure online payment experience.

In simple terms, 3DS is a security verification step your bank may require before approving an online card payment. It is an online payment authentication protocol used to reduce fraud in card transactions. Examples include:

  • Visa Secure
  • Mastercard Identity Check