Both 2D and 3D digital payment gateways allow online sellers to accept digital payments from their customers for the goods and services they sell. However, even though they both seem to do the same thing, they are vastly different from each other. But, to understand their fundamental differences, we first need to know what they are.
2D Payment Gateway:
2D payment gateway is used to process online payments. In this system, the customer can make payments without entering an OTP or passing a security check. All one needs is a credit card number and expiry date.
3D Payment Gateway:
3D payment gateways use the latest 3D secure technology. Unlike the 2D payment gateway, the system is much more secure and adds an added layer of security in the form of OTPs and authentication checks. They are mostly used on big websites such as major eCommerce sites.
Difference Between 2D and 3D Payment Gateway:
Now that you understand what a 2D and 3D payment gateway is let’s look at the key differences between the two.
A 2D payment gateway isn’t as secure as a 3D payment gateway as transactions happen without requiring customers to enter an OTP or password. On the other hand, 3D payment gateways by default work by adding layers of security to transactions, and no payments can go through unless an authentication check is performed via an OTP.
Once the customer has entered the card details and proceeds to make a payment, a one-time password is dynamically generated, which can only be accessed by the authentic cardholder. They need to enter this OTP for the transaction to go through.
3D payment gateways offer enhanced security to both the seller and the customer by safeguarding the transactions against potential frauds. 2D payment gateways don’t have any of these features and are riskier.
Which Payment Gateway to Choose?
As you may have guessed by now, you are far better off with a 3D payment gateway if you want to offer enhanced protection against frauds to your customers. Moreover, there are other benefits to this as well.
- Increased Trust Among Customers:
Since 3D payment gateways offer more security, they inherently increase the level of trust customers have in your brand. Therefore, they are more likely to transact on your website as opposed to when a 2D payment gateway raises doubts within the customer.
- Customer Acquisition and Retention:
More safety results in more positive transactions taking place. As customers land on your website and realize that they are transacting within a secure environment, they are more likely to complete the checkout process. This positive experience will further result in customer retention as they are more likely to return due to a positive experience.
- Industry-Leading Security:
3D payment gateways comply with industry standards in security, such as PCI DSS, which are mandatory to comply with if you want to accept online payments. Moreover, this compliance ensures that all of your customer data is safe and there are fewer chances of leaking sensitive information online.
Choosing between 2D and 3D payment platforms isn’t rocket science. If you value your customers and want to give them the best possible experience, then you must choose a 3D payment platform instead of a 2D payment gateway.
As an online merchant, It’s not just an easy online payment option that you need to focus on but to also ensure that the safety and security of your customer’s sensitive financial information doesn’t get into the hands of fraudsters.
Now that you know the differences between 2D and 4D platforms, and also why 3D platforms are simply better!