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How to Enable 3D Secure for Safer Transactions on 4Geeks Payments

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Online payment fraud is a growing concern for businesses worldwide. To combat this, 3D Secure (3DS) offers an additional layer of authentication that protects both you and your customers. 4Geeks Payments fully supports 3D Secure, ensuring compliance with global regulations like PSD2 (Strong Customer Authentication) and shifting liability for fraudulent disputes away from your business.

This article explains what 3D Secure is, how it works within the 4Geeks ecosystem, and how to verify or configure it to maximize transaction security.

What is 3D Secure?

3D Secure is a security protocol that acts as an added verification step during an online purchase. Instead of just entering card details, the customer is redirected to their bank’s website or app to verify their identity via a password, SMS code, or biometric scan (fingerprint/FaceID).

Key Benefits: * Liability Shift: If a payment is authenticated via 3DS and later disputed as fraudulent, the liability typically shifts from the merchant (you) to the card issuer. * Fraud Reduction: Drastically reduces the risk of stolen cards being used on your platform. * Regulatory Compliance: Required for many transactions in the European Economic Area (EEA) under SCA regulations.

Prerequisites

  • An active account on the 4Geeks Console.
  • 4Geeks Payments enabled on your account.
  • Admin or Finance Manager permissions to modify payment settings.

If you use Payment Links generated via the 4Geeks Console, 3D Secure is handled automatically.

Step-by-Step Verification:

  1. Log in to the 4Geeks Console.
  2. Navigate to the Payments module.
  3. Create a new Payment Link or edit an existing one.
  4. By default, 4Geeks Payments automatically attempts 3DS authentication for transactions that require it (e.g., based on the card’s issuing bank or regional laws).
  5. Tip: You do not need to perform additional technical configuration; the checkout page hosted by 4Geeks handles the redirection and verification flow for you.

Scenario 2: Using the 4Geeks Payments API (Custom Integration)

For developers building a custom checkout flow using the API, you must handle the 3DS redirection logic in your application.

Step-by-Step Implementation:

  1. Create a Charge: When your backend sends a request to create a charge, include the customer’s card token.
  2. Check the Response: The API will return a transaction status.
    • If the status is succeeded, the payment is complete.
    • If the status is pending_action or includes a redirect_url, 3D Secure is required.
  3. Redirect the User: Your application must redirect the customer to the provided redirect_url.
  4. Completion: Once the customer authenticates with their bank, they will be returned to your specified return_url. Your system should then query the API to confirm the final status of the payment.

Note: For detailed API references, please consult the developer documentation on the 4Geeks Console.

Configuring 3D Secure Rules

You can often customize when 3D Secure is triggered to balance security with user experience (friction).

  1. Go to Payments > Settings > Security.
  2. Locate the 3D Secure / Radar section.
  3. Adjust your risk tolerance settings:
    • Always Request 3DS: Forces authentication for every transaction (Safest, but highest friction).
    • Dynamic / Smart 3DS: Only requests authentication when the transaction is flagged as high-risk or required by the issuing bank (Recommended for best conversion rates).
  4. Click Save Changes.

Common Use Cases

1. Selling to International Customers (Europe)

If you are a US-based merchant selling digital goods to customers in France or Germany, Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) laws typically mandate 3DS. * Action: Ensure your 4Geeks Payments settings are set to “Dynamic” or “Required for International Cards” to prevent declines.

2. High-Ticket Items

You sell premium consulting services via 4Geeks Talent worth $5,000+. * Action: Enforce 3DS for all transactions over $2,000. This ensures that if a chargeback occurs, the liability lies with the bank, protecting your high-value revenue.

Troubleshooting

Issue 1: High Cart Abandonment

  • Cause: Customers may find the extra verification step annoying or may not have their phone handy to receive SMS codes.
  • Solution: Switch your security setting to Dynamic 3DS. This ensures only risky transactions are challenged, letting low-risk loyal customers pay instantly.

Issue 2: “Authentication Failed” Errors

  • Cause: The customer failed to enter the correct code, or their bank’s system is down.
  • Solution: Advise the customer to contact their bank. You can also send them a new Payment Link via 4Geeks Console to try a different card.

Issue 3: API returns “Action Required” but the frontend doesn’t redirect

  • Cause: Your custom integration is not listening for the redirect_url parameter in the API response.
  • Solution: Review your frontend code to ensure it handles the 3ds_redirect or action_required status correctly by opening the banking window.

Conclusion

Enabling 3D Secure on 4Geeks Payments is one of the most effective ways to secure your revenue and build trust with customers. Whether you use our simple No-Code Payment Links or a custom API integration, 4Geeks provides the infrastructure to handle these complex verifications seamlessly.

Next Steps: Review your current security settings in the 4Geeks Console or explore our 4Geeks AI Agents to help monitor transaction anomalies automatically.

Additional Resources