The European regulation DSP2 imposes strong authentication for the majority of online payments, but some transactions continue to escape this requirement, particularly recurring or low-value purchases. Despite the widespread adoption of 3D Secure, some sites maintain non-compliant payment gateways, taking advantage of exemptions or technical loopholes.
Cybercriminals primarily target these platforms, where payment without authentication remains possible. The risks associated with the lack of identity control persist, exposing consumers to an increase in fraud and banking disputes, while e-commerce players navigate between conversion imperatives and regulatory obligations.
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Online Payments in 2025: Where Does Security Stand and Why 3D Secure is Essential
Online commerce shows no signs of slowing down, and the issue of security for transactions is paramount for everyone. By 2025, the widespread adoption of strong authentication reshuffles the cards: merchants must rethink their strategies, tools are evolving, and 3D Secure is becoming mandatory for nearly all payments. The DSP2 directive leaves little room for improvisation, and the Banque de France is keeping a close eye. Major providers are already reporting compliance rates that are nearly exemplary.
However, some platforms still resist this movement. The list of sites without 3D Secure in 2025 has not completely disappeared. These exceptions are often due to recurring payments, subscriptions, or gray areas left by the technical management of certain bank cards. As a result, fraud remains more prevalent where authentication is not systematic. Nevertheless, the PCI DSS standard and the requirements of the GIE Cartes Bancaires in France set clear safeguards for data protection and operational security.
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Efforts to strengthen secure online payments are accompanied by a renewed focus on alternatives: virtual cards, instant transfers, digital wallets. In the face of creative fraud, consumers and professionals must revise their habits. For e-commerce players, the challenge lies in balancing: streamlining the customer experience without compromising regulatory safeguards.
Sites Without 3D Secure: Who Are They Still and What Dangers Do They Pose to Consumers?
In 2025, a few diehards remain. Sites without 3D Secure are often found among certain foreign merchants, a few niche platforms, or subscription services that are reluctant to invest in modernizing their payment infrastructure. In France, most sites have complied, but here and there, a few exceptions persist, often to maintain a maximum conversion rate, even if it exposes their customers to real risks.
The stakes are high: exposure to bank fraud becomes inevitable. Without 3D Secure authentication, the door remains open to identity theft, the diversion of banking data, and chargebacks, those infamous refunds forced by the bank in case of dispute. Customers, often poorly informed, may find their card compromised and embark on a challenging journey to dispute charges or recover their money.
Reports from the Payment Security Observatory speak for themselves: the fraud rate skyrockets when strong authentication is lacking. Some services still take advantage of imperfections in card management or online transaction processing. French authorities regularly publish a dashboard of incidents, which includes numerous cases of identity theft made possible by the absence of double verification. This situation calls for increased vigilance from merchants, but also from every user.
Recognizing a Secure Payment and Adopting the Right Reflexes Against Fraud
To identify a secure payment, certain signals are unmistakable. On the payment page, look for the padlock in the address bar and check for the presence of the https protocol: these initial indicators guarantee the confidentiality of the exchange. A reliable site also often displays logos of recognized solutions such as Apple Pay, Paylib, or American Express. Mentions regarding PCI DSS compliance or DSP2 are also good indicators.
The variety of payment methods offered on a platform indicates its level of security. Those that accept virtual cards, bank transfers, or cryptocurrencies demonstrate a commitment to protecting transactions. It is recommended to opt for methods that require strong authentication: mobile notification, temporary code, or biometric validation.
Here, in summary, are the elements to watch for before confirming an online purchase:
- The https padlock in the address bar, a guarantee of encryption
- The presence of strong authentication, such as 3D Secure or biometrics
- The option to pay via a virtual card, which limits the risks of reuse
| Element to Check | Impact on Security |
|---|---|
| Https Padlock | Encryption of transmitted data |
| Strong Authentication (3D Secure, Biometrics) | Limits identity theft |
| Virtual Card | One-time use, reduces the risk of fraudulent reuse |
In the face of fraud, there is no miracle solution, but vigilance makes a difference. Monitor your accounts, activate transaction alerts, and avoid disclosing your banking details lightly. According to the Banque de France, relying on proven payment solutions and adopting strict discipline remains the best way to thwart malicious attempts. It is up to everyone to stay alert, as online security is written in the present, every day.