3DS/2DS Protects Card Payments Safely

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If you create your own website and integrate a 2DS (Two-Step Dynamic Security) payment system (or 3DS - 3-D Secure), simply knowing the card number, expiration date, and CVV is not enough to complete a payment. Here's why:

How 3DS (or 2DS) Works:​

1. Card Details Entered – The user provides card number, expiry date, and CVV.
2. 3DS Authentication Triggered – The payment processor (like Visa Secure, Mastercard Identity Check, or Amex SafeKey) redirects the buyer to their bank’s verification page.
3. Additional Verification Required – The bank may require:
   • OTP (One-Time Password) sent via SMS/email.
   • Biometric authentication (fingerprint/face scan).
   • Bank app approval (push notification).

Can Someone Pay with Just Card Number, Expiry, and CVV?​

• Without 3DS/2DS: Yes, if the merchant does not enforce strong authentication (but this is risky and against PCI DSS rules).
• With 3DS/2DS Enabled: No, because the bank will block the transaction unless the buyer completes the extra verification step.

Is It Safe to Enter Card Details on a New Website?​

• If the website does not use 3DS, it’s risky (fraudsters can steal card details).
• If it uses 3DS, payments are safer since the bank verifies the buyer.

Best Practices for Your Website:​

✔ Always enable 3DS/2DS (required in Europe under PSD2/SCA).
✔ Use a PCI-compliant payment processor (Stripe, PayPal, Adyen).
✔ Never store full card details on your server.

Conclusion:​

If your website has 3DS/2DS enabled, just having the card number, expiry, and CVV won’t be enough to complete a payment—the bank’s extra authentication is required. If not enabled, fraud is possible, but this is illegal in many regions.
Would you like help setting up secure payments on your website?