3DS (3-Domain Secure) authentication is an extra security layer for online card transactions. Here's how it works in simple terms:
1. You enter your card details on a website or app to make a purchase.
2. Instead of directly processing the payment, the merchant's system redirects you to your bank's website or app.
3. Your bank asks you to authenticate the transaction using a unique code sent to your phone (via SMS or app notification) or a biometric scan (like fingerprint or face recognition).
4. You enter the code or use biometrics to confirm the transaction.
5. Your bank verifies the authentication and sends a confirmation back to the merchant's system.
6. The merchant completes the transaction, and you receive a confirmation.
This process ensures that:
You, the cardholder, are the genuine owner of the card.
The transaction is legitimate and not fraudulent.
Think of 3DS like a second lock on your card, adding an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized transactions. It's like verifying your identity before making a purchase online.
What if I didn't receive the challenge?
Your bank may not send you to 3DS for various reasons. For example, they may not be equipped to handle it or decide to decline the transaction due to risk screening.
What can I do?
If you attempt to make a purchase with a VPN turned on, some banks will automatically block your 3DS challenge so you can try again with it turned off. Otherwise, the only course of action is to contact your bank and ask them for more details on why you were not redirected to 3DS or why it was declined.
The order failed, but my card was charged
Sometimes, your bank will place a hold on the funds even though the payment failed. This may appear as a successful or pending charge in your banking app. If it doesn't clear out after about 24 hours, it would be necessary to reach out to your bank for further assistance.