3D Secure is a security system designed to protect online card payments. It involves authenticating the cardholder during an online purchase by requiring them to enter a one-time code , a notification on their banking app, or another biometric identification . The goal is to reduce the risk of fraud by verifying that the payment is indeed made by the cardholder.
But not all online retailers offer 3D Secure. Some prefer not to use it to simplify the checkout process and avoid abandoned shopping carts . Others simply don't have the necessary infrastructure to implement it. So, how do you pay online on sites without 3D Secure ? Is it safe?
Which websites do not use 3D Secure?
There is no official list of websites that do not use 3D Secure. Therefore, you must rely on the logos displayed on the payment pages of merchant websites, or on information provided by customer service. Generally, websites without 3D Secure are those that use third-party payment services, such as PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or MBWay. These services allow you to pay online without having to enter your bank details each time, using a pre-created and secure account.
Examples of websites without 3D Secure include:
- AliExpress.com: the Chinese e-commerce giant offers several payment methods, including PayPal, which does not require 3D Secure.
- Apple.com: The Apple brand accepts payments via Apple Pay, which uses facial recognition or fingerprint to authenticate the customer.
- Namecheap.com: this site specializing in the sale of domain names and web hosting offers payment via Google Pay, which does not require 3D Secure.
- Payments.google.com: this site allows you to manage your Google Pay account and pay online with your smartphone or smartwatch, without having to enter your bank details.
Is it safe to pay on websites without 3D Secure?
Paying on websites without 3D Secure isn't necessarily less secure than paying on websites with 3D Secure. It all depends on the payment method chosen and the precautions taken by the customer. Third-party payment services like PayPal or Google Pay offer a high level of security by encrypting bank details and providing guarantees in case of disputes. Furthermore, they allow you to avoid sharing your bank details with unknown or unreliable websites.
However, paying on sites without 3D Secure also carries risks. If a customer loses their smartphone or password, their account can be hacked, and they may see fraudulent transactions. If the merchant site is not reputable or honest, it may fail to deliver the order or send a defective product. If the customer is not vigilant, they can fall victim to phishing sites that mimic the appearance of third-party payment services to steal their login credentials.
To pay online safely on sites without 3D Secure, you must therefore follow a few rules:
- Choose a payment method that suits your needs and your trust in the merchant site.
- Create a secure account with a strong and unique password for each third-party payment service.
- Enable two-factor authentication or biometrics to access your account or payment application.
- Check the reliability of the merchant site by consulting customer reviews, legal notices, terms and conditions of sale, etc.
- Check the website address and the green padlock in the browser bar, which indicate a secure connection. If you encounter an error message such as “ Secure connection failed ,” do not persist and leave the site immediately.
- Never click on suspicious links or attachments, which may redirect to fraudulent sites.
- Check your bank statements regularly and report any unusual transactions to your bank.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of paying on sites without 3D Secure?
Paying on sites without 3D Secure has advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed before proceeding.
The advantages are:
- Simplicity: payment is made in a few clicks, without having to enter your bank details each time, or wait for a code by SMS or a notification.
- Speed: payment is validated instantly, without having to go through an additional authentication step, which can sometimes take time or fail.
- Convenience: payment can be made with different devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, etc., without needing a bank card.
The disadvantages are:
- The risk: payment may be less secure if the customer is careless or if the merchant website is unreliable. Therefore, it's essential to be vigilant and verify the guarantees offered by the third-party payment service.
- Compatibility: Payment may be impossible if the customer does not have an account or application compatible with the third-party payment service offered by the merchant's website. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the appropriate payment method is available.
- Liability: Payments can be more difficult to dispute or refund in case of problems. Therefore, it's essential to carefully read the terms and conditions of the third-party payment service and understand your rights.
Websites without 3D Secure
There are still websites that don't use 3D Secure for online credit card payments. These are often foreign sites, which aren't subject to the same regulations as French sites. For example, some Chinese sites like AliExpress.com don't offer 3D Secure. Other sites like Apple.com or Google.com use their own verification systems, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
But be warned, paying on a site without 3D Secure is not without risk. Indeed, if you are a victim of fraud or have a dispute with the seller, you won't have the same protection as with 3D Secure. You will then have to contact your bank to request a refund, which can take time and be subject to conditions. Furthermore, you will have to trust the merchant website to keep your banking information secure, which is not always guaranteed.
Alternatives to 3D Secure
If you don't want to use 3D Secure to pay online by credit card, you can opt for other simpler and more secure payment methods. Here are a few examples:
- Paying via PayPal: PayPal is an online payment service that allows you to pay without sharing your bank details with the seller. Simply create a PayPal account and link your bank card or bank account to it. Then, you can pay on websites that accept PayPal by simply entering your email address and password. PayPal offers buyer protection in case of any issues with the seller.
- Virtual card payment: A virtual card is a temporary, single-use bank card that allows you to pay online without disclosing your actual card number. You can generate a virtual card from your online banking account or mobile banking app by choosing the amount and validity period. You will then receive a card number, an expiry date, and a security code that you can use to pay on any website. The virtual card is debited from your real bank account.
- Payment by bank transfer: A bank transfer is a money transfer between two bank accounts. It can be used to pay online on certain websites that offer this option. Simply enter the seller's bank details (IBAN and BIC) and the amount to pay from your online banking account or mobile banking app. The transfer is usually completed within 24 to 48 hours. Bank transfers are a secure payment method, but they can be slower and more expensive than paying by credit card.
Conclusion
3D Secure is a system for securing online credit card payments, designed to authenticate the cardholder during the transaction. It reduces the risk of fraud and protects merchants, banks, and consumers. However, it also has drawbacks: it can slow down the purchasing process, lead to input errors or technical problems, and discourage some customers who are reluctant to share their personal information.
There are websites that do not use 3D Secure for online credit card payments. These are often foreign sites, which are not subject to the same regulations as French sites. However, paying on a site without 3D Secure is not without risk. Indeed, if you are a victim of fraud or have a dispute with the seller, you will not have the same protection as with 3D Secure. You will then have to contact your bank to request a refund, which can be time-consuming and subject to conditions. Furthermore, you will have to trust the merchant website regarding the security of your banking information, which is not always guaranteed.
If you don't want to use 3D Secure to pay online by credit card, you can opt for other simpler and more secure payment methods, such as PayPal, virtual cards, or bank transfers. These alternatives allow you to pay without sharing your bank details with the seller and offer protection in case of any issues.
