3D Secure (also known as ‘Verified by Visa’ and ‘MasterCard SecureCode’) has been made obligatory by MasterCard for all Maestro internet transactions.

For cardholders to take advantage of the service, they just need to complete a one-off registration at the card issuer's site, where they select a password and agree a secret phrase. This unique authentication data is required for the authorisation of online transactions with any Merchants participating in the 3D Secure scheme. Both parties benefit: the cardholder knows that no one else can use their card at a 3D Secure enabled merchant and the merchant can be confident that they avoid liability from chargebacks relating to fraud.