3D Secure is an additional step that is required every time an online card transaction is made. It increases security measures for both shoppers and sellers. When you turn on 3D Secure, you are asked to verify each transaction with your PIN.

3D stands for "3 Domains". The first is the card issuer, the second is the retailer receiving the payment, and the third is the 3DS infrastructure platform that acts as a secure gateway for the consumer and retailer.

How Does 3D Secure Work?

When you pay for an online purchase, 3DS technology measures whether further protection is needed to ensure you are the true cardholder and redirects you to a 3DS page. The person performing the transaction will be asked to enter a password or PIN.

At this stage, your bank creates a one-time PIN and sends it to your phone via SMS. This is the PIN you must enter before completing the transaction.

3D Secure was developed by "Visa" and is currently licensed to Mastercard. That's why most major card providers use this technology.