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3D Secure is a protocol used as an added layer of security for online credit and debit card transactions. This is achieved by adding another authentication step for online payments; a password.

It was developed by Visa and named “Verified by Visa”. MasterCard then developed a service based on the same protocol called “MasterCard® SecureCode™”. It was created to improve the security of Internet payments by offering an extra layer of security to customers before making a purchase online. This involves selecting a password. This ensures your credit card cannot be used fraudulently as only you will know the associated password.

The first time you make a purchase with a 3D Secure enabled card you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website. Before you proceed you must verify some personal details and select a password. This is integrated into our checkout page. You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

 

The 3D Secure authentication process is smoothly integrated into our online checkout process and will usually only add a few seconds to the normal transaction time. We believe this is a small price to pay for increased protection for our customers.

If you have purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before, you will be asked to submit your chosen password during the purchasing process. You will be familiar with the process.

If you haven’t purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website where you must verify some personal details and select a password. This is integrated into our checkout page. You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

If you can’t remember your 3D Secure password you need to contact your bank or in the 3D Secure section there will be an option to select 'Forgotten Password' or 'Retrieve Password'. Follow the instructions provided. We don’t save your 3D Secure password on any Iarnród Éireann computer system; when you selected your password this was saved only on your bank’s computer system. Iarnród Éireann will never contact a customer to ask for your 3D Secure password and we cannot help you retrieve forgotten 3D Secure passwords.

If you have been unsuccessful in making a payment through 3D Secure please contact our sales hotline on (0)1 836 6222 (between 08.30-18.00, Monday to Friday) to make your payment over the phone.

Unfortunately not. Instead you will need to contact our Call Centre on (01) 8366 222 / 0818 366222 (between 07:00hrs -19:00hrs, Monday to Friday and 08:00hrs - 18:00hrs Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays) to make your payment over the phone.

For further details on 3D Secure you need to contact your issuing bank or the following websites:

• Verified by Visa - Information and Activation
• Verified by Visa - Demonstration of using Verified by Visa (Flash plugin Required)
• MasterCard® SecureCode™ – Explanation, Sign up and Demonstration

• Scenario 1 – ALL CARDS: If your card issuer hasn’t implemented 3D Secure, you will continue your payment transaction as normal;
  • Scenario 2a - MASTERCARD: If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure before, you may have 3 attempts to skip the 3D Secure process – on the fourth attempt you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password;
  • Scenario 2b - VISA: If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure, you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password – there are no options to bypass;
    

• When registering for the first time, you must first verify you are the cardholder by answering some security questions as chosen by your bank (eg your mother’s maiden name, your credit card limit, your CCV number, your expiry date amongst other potential questions)
• If successful, you select a 3D Secure password, a password reminder hint and a personal greeting
• If unsuccessful, you must ring your card issuing bank (depending on your card issuer, you may have three attempts to enter your password)
• The personal greeting gives you confidence you are visiting a trusted site the next time you complete a 3D Secure transaction on irishrail.ie or any other 3D Secure enabled website

• Scenario 3 – ALL CARDS: If your card issuer has implemented 3D Secure and you have previously registered a 3D Secure password (on irishrail.ie or any other 3D Secure website), you have to insert your 3D Secure password to complete the transaction. You will see your personal greeting that you previously set (eg Welcome back John) to reassure you that you are on a trusted 3D Secure page. If you cannot remember your password, there is a password reset facility. Depending on the card issuer, you may have three attempts to insert your correct password

3D Secure authentication is used by Banks to prevent online card fraud. Banks use the process to make online transactions more secure. In some instances, banks bypass the authentication process but the transaction will progress normally.