3D Secure (3DS) Authentication for Card Payments
What is 3D Secure (3DS) Authentication?
3D Secure (3DS) adds an extra layer of security to online card payments. It helps confirm that the person making the payment is the actual cardholder. This is done through a quick verification step, like:
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Entering a one-time password (OTP)
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Confirming via biometric (like fingerprint or face ID)
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Entering a known password
You may have seen this under names like Visa Secure, Mastercard Identity Check, or American Express SafeKey.
Why is 3DS Important?
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Reduces fraud – It makes it harder for unauthorized users to misuse cards.
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Meets legal requirements – In some regions, using 3DS is mandatory.
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Builds trust – Customers feel safer when extra security is in place.
Where is 3DS Required?
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Required: In countries like India, the UK, European Union (PSD2), Japan, and Australia
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Optional: In other regions, like the US or Canada, businesses can choose to use it for added protection
3DS for Indian Stripe Accounts
If you’re accepting international payments through Stripe in India:
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Starting July 28, 2021, all international card payments to new Indian Stripe accounts require 3DS.
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This change helps fight fraud and ensure security for global transactions.
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You cannot opt out of 3DS for now—Stripe applies it automatically.
Recurring Payments
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First payment: 3DS verification is required
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Future payments: Automatically processed without 3DS
Do You Need to Change Anything?
No. If you’re using Stripe (either directly or via a third-party platform):
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3DS is automatically handled by Stripe
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No technical changes or updates are needed on your end
3D Secure (3DS) Authentication – India vs. Other Countries
| Aspect | India | Other Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Is 3DS mandatory | Yes. Required for almost all card payments due to RBI regulations | Optional in many regions, such as the US, Canada, and parts of the EU |
| Can 3DS be disabled | No. It cannot be removed or opted out | Yes. In many cases, it can be turned off or controlled via platform settings |
| Reason for enforcement | Regulatory compliance and fraud prevention | Primarily used for fraud prevention where enabled |
| Applies to international cards | Yes. Especially enforced for new Stripe accounts in India since July 2021 | May or may not apply depending on the region and payment provider settings |
| Recurring payments | First payment requires 3DS. Subsequent renewals usually do not | Similar, but platforms offer more flexibility |
| Integration impact | No changes needed. 3DS is automatically handled by payment platforms | Same. Automatically handled where enabled |
Please note that 3D Secure authentication is mandatory for card payments in India.
At this time, it cannot be disabled or removed, as Stripe is rolling out this requirement in phases for all Indian businesses to help prevent fraud and ensure compliance with regulations.
