3D Secure (3DS) is a security protocol that adds an extra layer of authentication for online card payments. PowerTranz supports 3D Secure 2.0, the latest version which provides a better customer experience while reducing fraud.
What is 3D Secure?
When a customer makes a payment, 3DS verifies their identity with the card issuing bank. This protects you from fraudulent transactions and shifts liability for chargebacks to the card issuer in most cases.
3D Secure is known by different brand names:
- Visa: Visa Secure
- Mastercard: Mastercard Identity Check
- American Express: American Express SafeKey
Enabling 3D Secure
To enable 3D Secure:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Payments → PowerTranz
- Check the Enable 3D Secure option
- Save changes
3D Secure is enabled by default and is recommended for all merchants.
How It Works
When a customer checks out, the plugin communicates with PowerTranz to perform 3DS authentication. There are two possible flows:
Frictionless Flow
The issuing bank has enough information to verify the cardholder without requiring any action from them. The payment completes seamlessly without interruption.
Challenge Flow
The issuing bank requires additional verification. The customer is presented with a challenge window where they may need to:
- Enter a one-time password (OTP) sent to their phone
- Approve the transaction in their banking app
- Answer a security question
Once verified, the payment continues to completion.
3DS Authentication Results
After 3DS authentication, the result is recorded with your transaction:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Y | Fully authenticated – liability shift applies |
| A | Attempted authentication – liability shift may apply |
| N | Authentication failed – payment not permitted |
| U | Authentication unavailable |
| R | Authentication rejected |
Benefits of 3D Secure
- Fraud protection: Reduces unauthorized transactions
- Liability shift: Chargeback liability transfers to the card issuer for authenticated transactions
- Customer confidence: Customers know their card is protected
- Lower decline rates: 3DS2 provides more data to issuers, resulting in fewer false declines
Troubleshooting
If customers are experiencing issues with 3DS authentication:
- Ensure your site is using HTTPS
- Check that popups are not being blocked by the browser
- Advise customers to contact their bank if challenges consistently fail
- Enable Debug Mode to view detailed transaction logs