3D Secure (3DS) is an extra layer of security used for online card payments.
When 3DS is triggered, a verification pop-up appears during checkout. This requires the cardholder to confirm the payment, usually through a one-time code or bank authentication.
This step helps prevent unauthorized charges. The payment will only go through if the user completes the verification. If they cancel or fail the verification, the charge will not be processed.
Important: 3D Secure is controlled by the user’s bank, not GroupApp. Whether the verification step appears depends on the card and issuing bank. Some cards require 3DS for certain transactions, while others may not trigger it at all.
When is 3DS triggered?
3DS does not appear on every checkout. It depends on how and when the payment is charged.
Instant Charges (Courses, Library Content, and Events)
For one-time purchases like courses, library content, or events, 3DS is triggered immediately.
As soon as the user enters their card details and proceeds with payment, the verification pop-up appears. The user must complete it to finish the purchase.
Subscriptions with a Free Trial
Subscriptions with a trial follow a different flow in GroupApp. Here’s how:
When a user signs up, no payment is taken, so 3DS is not triggered. When the trial ends, the first charge is attempted.
If the charge requires verification and fails:
The subscription moves to a past due status
The user is redirected to the checkout page
They must re-enter their card details
At this point, the 3DS pop-up appears. Once the user completes verification, the payment is processed, and the subscription becomes active.
Subscriptions with Admin Approval
For subscriptions that require admin approval in GroupApp:
When the user signs up for a community subscription, a request is sent to the community admin. At this point, no payment is taken, and 3DS is not triggered
Once the request is approved, the user is redirected to complete payment
At this stage, the 3DS pop-up appears, and the user must complete verification to activate the subscription.
What Happens if 3DS Fails
If the user does not complete the 3DS verification:
The payment will not be processed
The subscription may remain in a past due state (if applicable)
The user will need to retry the payment and complete verification
Why 3DS Matters
3D Secure helps keep payments in GroupApp safe and reliable as:
It reduces unauthorized or fraudulent charges
It ensures the cardholder approves the payment
It supports a secure checkout experience for your members