3D Secure (3DS) adds an extra layer of protection to online shopping. With 3DS enabled, you have 2-step authentication on every online purchase—so no payments will ever go through unless you authorize them yourself.

The process was developed by Visa, and many card acquirers already use this technology. When you make a payment for an online purchase, 3DS technology gauges if further safekeeping is needed to make sure that you are the rightful card owner. If so, you’ll be directed to a 3DS page and asked for a password or PIN. And just because 3D Secure is enabled doesn’t mean you’ll always have to enter a PIN—you’ll only have to complete this step if your bank notices a possible security issue.

Some users can find it difficult to tell if a 3D Secure pop-up is legitimate, as they can direct you away from the payment site. Users often mistake these pages for phishing scams. But 3D Secure only uses one-off codes, so none of your other details should ever be at risk.

3DS also adds time on to the checkout process when you verify yourself—but isn’t keeping your information safe worth a few extra seconds?

We are working on having 3DS enabled for as many programs as possible. If your card does not have 3DS today, rest assured that we are working to enable it as quickly as we can. Once it becomes available for your card program, you will receive additional information from us to enroll your card.