Challenge Flow

Challenge Flow refers to a security protocol employed during online transactions to authenticate the cardholder’s identity. When additional verification is required, often due to perceived risk factors, the transaction enters a challenge flow. In this process, the transaction is redirected to a secure page, requiring the cardholder to provide supplementary information, which can include biometrics, two-factor authentication, or other methods aligned with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) factors.

Challenge flows are integral components of advanced security measures, adding an extra layer of protection against fraudulent activities in card-not-present transactions. By introducing dynamic elements of the 3D Secure process that only the legitimate cardholder can access, challenge flows enhance the authentication process and contribute to a more secure online payment environment.

Merchants and payment service providers implement challenge flows to balance the need for heightened security with the imperative of delivering a seamless and user-friendly transaction experience.