What is 3D Secure Visa?

3D Secure Visa, also known as Visa Secure, is a security protocol provided by Visa to protect cardholders against unauthorized online transactions. It is part of the broader 3D Secure (Three-Domain Secure) authentication framework. This system adds an extra layer of security by requiring cardholders to complete an additional verification step during the checkout process, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.

Visa Secure works by verifying the cardholder’s identity before the transaction is approved. When making an online purchase, the cardholder is prompted to provide additional information, such as a one-time password (OTP) sent to their mobile device or a biometric verification through their banking app. This step ensures that the person initiating the transaction is the legitimate cardholder.

The 3D Secure Visa process involves the following steps:

1. Initiation: The customer selects Visa as their payment method and enters their card details.
2. Verification Request: The merchant’s website or app sends a request to Visa for transaction authentication.
3. Identity Confirmation: Visa communicates with the cardholder’s issuing bank, which triggers an additional authentication step, such as an OTP or biometric verification.
4. Approval: Once the cardholder successfully completes the verification, the issuing bank authorizes the transaction, and the customer is redirected back to the merchant’s site to complete the purchase.

Visa Secure not only enhances security but also improves customer confidence when shopping online. By implementing this protocol, merchants benefit from reduced fraud-related chargebacks and increased transaction approval rates. The latest version, 3D Secure 2.0, offers a smoother and more user-friendly experience, supporting mobile and biometric authentication methods, and complying with global regulatory requirements like the EU’s Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2).

In summary, 3D Secure Visa is an essential security measure that helps safeguard online transactions, offering peace of mind to both cardholders and merchants through robust authentication and fraud prevention.