3D Secure (3DS) is an authentication method that provides an additional layer of authentication for credit card transactions, protecting against fraudulent actors. 3DS asks your customers to verify their identity with the card issuer during payment.

Example of a 3D Secure flow Step 1: The customer enters their card details. Step 2: The acquirer requests 3DS verification. If the Stripe issuing card is enrolled in 3DS, the cardholder sees a prompt to complete an additional verification step.

3D Secure (3DS) adds an extra layer of protection to online shopping. With 3DS enabled, you have 2-step authentication on every online purchase—so no payments will ever go through unless you authorize them yourself.

The bank that issued your Visa card will activate 3-D Secure for you automatically. Upon activation, 3-D Secure protects you at every participating online store. When you shop online at a participating merchant, your card will be automatically recognised as protected by 3-D Secure.