3-D Secure (3DS)

3-D Secure (3DS) is an cardholder authentication protocol that adds a step-up challenge during online checkout so issuers can confirm the payer before authorizing high-risk transactions.

Also known as: 3DS, Verified by Visa, Mastercard Identity Check

Updated Aug 28, 2026by WeiJun Tang, SEO

Authentication flow

The merchant or gateway requests authentication; the issuer may frictionlessly approve or present a challenge.

Liability shift

Successful 3DS authentication can shift fraud liability from merchant to issuer under network rules.

Sources

  1. EMVCo 3-D Secure
  2. Visa Secure

FAQ

  • No. Many transactions pass with frictionless authentication based on issuer risk models.

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  • Address Verification Service (AVS)

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Put this term to work

Global card acquiring

Accept major card networks with routing, 3DS, and settlement built for cross-border sales.

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