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Digital account authentication
3-D Secure ACS 3-D Secure Server 3-D Secure Server Directory
Authentication Advisor
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Powering authentication, payments, and risk intelligence from a unified, context-aware foundation
Reduced cost of fraud Better customer experience Higher transaction success rates Operational cost savings Regulatory compliance
Digital banking and fraud prevention Passwordless authentication Call center authentication 3-D Secure payments
Retail and commercial banks Merchants, acquirers, and PSPs Issuing banks and payment processors Neobanks and fintechs Digital banking platforms Credit unions

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Featured content

Hand holding a credit card Payments

3DS is an authorization tool. Most of the industry just doesn't know it yet

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Case study
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Swisscard replaces OTPs to authenticate online payments
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3-D Secure

Smarter protection for every step of the payment journey

Fraud, friction, and failed transactions don’t exist in isolation. Modern 3-D Secure (3DS) connects issuers, merchants, and schemes to reduce fraud, protect revenue, and keep payment experiences seamless at scale.

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3-D Secure

Trusted globally to bring security, scalability, and compliance to the entire payments ecosystem

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One ecosystem. Total control

A modern, unified approach to 3-D Secure that keeps cardholders, transactions, and revenue flowing

3DS works best when every part of the ecosystem works together. From merchant authentication to issuer decisioning and scheme routing, each component plays a critical role. A unified approach ensures better risk decisions, smoother customer journeys, and stronger transaction outcomes across every touchpoint.

Issuer authentication, optimized

An ACS for smarter issuer decisions

Replaces static rules with real-time, risk-aware authentication for card-not-present purchases. The ACS enables issuers to challenge only when necessary, reduce fraud, and improve approval rates—while delivering experiences customers want and deserve.

Issuer authentication, optimized
Merchant authentication, simplified

Merchant authentication, simplified

A 3DS Server that protects revenue at checkout

Helps merchants improve authorization outcomes with richer authentication data, adaptive flows, and lower-friction experiences. Increase approval rates, reduce checkout friction, and scale confidently across global payment environments.

Routing at scheme level

A directory server for secure, real-time orchestration

Connects issuers, merchants, and schemes with reliable, compliant message routing. The Directory Server ensures authentication requests are validated, routed, and completed with speed and accuracy across complex payment ecosystems.

Routing at scheme level

Payment precision

Stronger security, higher approvals, flawless experiences

Every authentication decision impacts fraud risk, customer experience, share of wallet, and revenue. By enabling smarter decisions across the transaction lifecycle, a connected 3DS ecosystem helps drive better transaction outcomes with trust at the center of every interaction.

Fewer fraudlosses

Fewer fraud losses

Stop unauthorized transactions with real-time, risk-based authentication that adapts to evolving fraud patterns without overburdening legitimate customers.

Higher approvalrates

Higher approval rates

Improve authorization outcomes with richer data and applying authentication only where needed, reducing unnecessary declines and lost revenue.

Less frictionat checkout

Less friction at checkout

Enable smooth, low-impact experiences with intelligent step-up authentication that appears only when risk demands it.

Lower operationalcosts

Operational efficiency

Simplify fraud investigations, eliminate gaps from multi-point solutions, and lower call center volumes with our unified platform.

Continuouscompliance

Continuous compliance

Stay aligned with EMV 3DS standards, PSD2 SCA, and global scheme requirements—without adding complexity to operations or customer journeys.

Scale acrossthe ecosystem

Scale across the ecosystem

Issuers, merchants, acquirers, and schemes are supported with a flexible infrastructure designed for high-volume, global transaction environments.

Improved customer trust

Improved customer trust

Deliver secure, consistent payment experiences that build cardholder confidence and strengthen long-term customer relationships, ultimately leading to increased share of wallet.  

Fewer fraudlosses

Fewer fraud losses

Stop unauthorized transactions with real-time, risk-based authentication that adapts to evolving fraud patterns without overburdening legitimate customers.

Higher approvalrates

Higher approval rates

Improve authorization outcomes with richer data and applying authentication only where needed, reducing unnecessary declines and lost revenue.

Less frictionat checkout

Less friction at checkout

Enable smooth, low-impact experiences with intelligent step-up authentication that appears only when risk demands it.

Lower operationalcosts

Operational efficiency

Simplify fraud investigations, eliminate gaps from multi-point solutions, and lower call center volumes with our unified platform.

Continuouscompliance

Continuous compliance

Stay aligned with EMV 3DS standards, PSD2 SCA, and global scheme requirements—without adding complexity to operations or customer journeys.

Scale acrossthe ecosystem

Scale across the ecosystem

Issuers, merchants, acquirers, and schemes are supported with a flexible infrastructure designed for high-volume, global transaction environments.

Improved customer trust

Improved customer trust

Deliver secure, consistent payment experiences that build cardholder confidence and strengthen long-term customer relationships, ultimately leading to increased share of wallet.  

Streamlining CNP payments

How 3DS optimization increased conversion rates by 54%

Learn how one of South Africa’s leading retail banks, Capitec, worked with Entersekt to streamline the full 3-D Secure journey and reap the rewards: fewer false declines, higher conversion rates, and increased transaction value.

CASE STUDY

Capitec Bank boosts card use and checkout rates with a streamlined 3-D Secure experience

Read the case study

Expert-led webinar

Where secure commerce is headed

Chris Uriarte from Glenbrook Partners and Dewald Nolte from Entersekt unpack why tokenization alone does not solve for identity, how richer data supports better risk-based decisioning, and why 3-D Secure should be viewed as more than a compliance requirement. 

Speak to an expert

Speak to an expert

FAQs

Find quick answers to common questions about 3-D Secure.

What is 3-D Secure and why does it matter?
3DS is a protocol that enables secure cardholder authentication for online payments, helping reduce fraud while improving transaction trust and approval rates.
How do the ACS, Server, and Directory Server work together?
The 3DS Server initiates authentication, the Directory Server routes messages, and the ACS makes issuer risk decisions. They work together to complete secure transactions.
Who benefits from a full 3DS ecosystem approach?
Issuers, merchants, acquirers, PSPs, and payment schemes all benefit from improved fraud prevention, better approval rates, and smoother payment experiences.
Can 3DS improve both security and customer experience?
Yes. With advanced risk-based authentication, low-risk transactions remain frictionless while higher-risk ones are securely challenged.
How does 3DS support regulatory compliance?
It aligns with global standards like EMV 3DS and PSD2 SCA, helping organizations meet evolving regulatory and scheme requirements.
Is 3DS scalable for global payment environments?
Yes. Modern 3DS solutions are designed to support high transaction volumes, multiple regions, and diverse payment ecosystem participants.

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