Introduction
This article aims to explain the procedure to follow when PlanetHoster clients need to make a 3D Secure (3DS) validation in anticipation of a credit card debit. PlanetHoster is indeed a 3DS service provider.
The 3DS system is used at the time of payment by credit card (commonly called “Verified by Visa” or “Mastercard SecureCode”) or debit card to match the identity of the buyer with the cardholder. This reduces the risk of fraud while making transactions easier for the real cardholder.
Note : As the 3DS protocol is not yet introduced in America, only PlanetHoster’s European clients can be asked to use it.
Note : The PlanetHoster Glossary contains explanations on multiple topics and can be consulted to clarify certain terms.
Procedure for 3DS Validation
Here are the steps when a credit or debit card requires a 3DS confirmation.
Step 1 — Sending the Invoice to the Client
PlanetHoster sends you an email to inform you that you need to access your invoice details.
Step 2 — Payment of the Invoice
You then pay your bill through the PlanetHoster interface, using your card (how).
From then on, the status of the invoice becomes Pending.
Step 3 — Confirmation of the Payment
To authorize PlanetHoster to make the drawing and, as a result, be automatically redirected to the appropriate 3DS interface, you must press the Confirm payment button:
PlanetHoster then sends a message to the card issuer with the transaction data via an authentication request.
Step 4 — Drawing Validation with the Card Issuer
We are now at the 3DS validation itself.
You must then prove your identity through a 3DS authentication interface on the website of the card issuer (usually a bank). The appearance of this interface may vary slightly from card issuer to card issuer, but you should expect to see the following information:
- The logo of your card issuer.
- The name of PlanetHoster, identified as the “merchant”.
- The amount of the payment.
- The current date.
- The last four digits of your card.
- The personal message you defined when you registered.
- A field to confirm the identity, if the issuer has any doubt about the identity of the person who made the transaction with your card.
The method for confirming identity depends on the card issuer. You can enter a one-time password or a one-time authentication code, which is sent to your phone via SMS or email. In some cases, fingerprint recognition may even be required. Here is an example of the SMS code sent from a bank:
Sometimes it is not necessary to enter a password or authentication code. Instead, the bank or card issuer may automatically validate the transaction.
Typical Difficulties Encountered
If the message “3D secure authentication error” is displayed, it means that errors in entering information, whether it is the card number, password or code, are causing problems for authentication. It is important to take care to record the data correctly. In particular, make sure your Caps Lock key is not activated.
If you do not see the authentication interface at all, check that your web browser is supported by your card issuer. You may also need to contact the card issuer to change the way they verify your identity; for example, the card issuer may have decided to send an SMS code instead of asking you for a password as before.
If you do not know your password (or if you have not set up 3DS), you must follow the instructions on the authentication interface. If you do not see the instructions, or if you have any questions, please contact your card issuer, as they will most likely be able to help you.
Sometimes there may be a delay between the time you pay your bill and the time PlanetHoster de facto acknowledges that the payment has been made. This is because the card issuer needs to review the additional data they have requested from you before they can confidently approve the transaction and send the payment to PlanetHoster.
Step 5 — Receipt of payment at PlanetHoster
The invoice is considered Paid as soon as PlanetHoster receives the payment:
