Do you shop online with your Postepay card? Want to protect your money from fraud and scams? Activating 3D Secure is the solution for you! This security system, offered by Poste Italiane in collaboration with Visa and Mastercard, adds an extra layer of protection to your digital payments. Discover in this complete guide what 3D Secure is, how it works, and how to activate it quickly and easily on your Postepay card for safe and secure online shopping.

What is 3D Secure?

3D Secure is a security protocol that adds an extra layer of protection to online payments made with credit and prepaid cards. Developed by the international networks Visa (Verified by Visa) and Mastercard (Mastercard Identity Check and SecureCode), 3D Secure helps prevent fraud and keep your money safe during online purchases.   

Poste Italiane uses a system called “Sicurezza Web” (Web Security) to enhance the security of online transactions. This system ensures that all transactions on Poste Italiane websites and on external sites that use the 3D Secure protocol are authorized with a dynamic password sent via a free SMS to the mobile number you provided to Poste Italiane.   

In practice, when you make an online payment on a website that supports 3D Secure, after entering your Postepay card details, you will be redirected to a secure page on the Poste Italiane website. Here, you will be asked to enter a one-time dynamic password, sent via SMS to the mobile number associated with your card. This two-factor authentication system makes it much more difficult for malicious actors to use your card fraudulently, even if they manage to get your card details.   

For example, if a hacker stole your card details and tried to use them to make an online purchase, 3D Secure would require the entry of the dynamic password that only you, as the cardholder and owner of the associated phone number, can receive. This would immediately block the fraudulent transaction.

Types of Postepay Cards and 3D Secure

Poste Italiane offers a wide range of Postepay prepaid cards, each with specific features and functionalities. The most common ones include:   

• Postepay Standard: The basic card, ideal for online purchases and cash withdrawals.   
• Postepay Evolution: Equipped with an IBAN, it allows you to receive your salary and make and receive wire transfers.   
• Postepay Evolution Business: Designed for businesses, with a higher spending limit and dedicated services.   
• Postepay Green: Dedicated to young people aged 10 to 18.   
• Postepay Digital: A fully digital prepaid card, manageable via the app.   

3D Secure is available on all Postepay cards that can be used for online payments.

How to Activate 3D Secure on Postepay

To activate 3D Secure on your Postepay card, follow these simple steps:

1. Associate your mobile number with the card: Go to a Post Office (Ufficio Postale) and give the clerk the mobile number you want to associate with your Postepay. This step is essential for receiving the dynamic password via SMS during online purchases.   
2. Enable the card for the Sicurezza Web service: Log in to the Poste Italiane website (www.poste.it), the Postepay customer area (www.postepay.it), or BancoPosta Click (www.bancopostaclick.it) using your credentials (username and password).   
3. Go to the “Sicurezza Web” (Web Security) section: In the menu for Postepay online services, select the “Sicurezza web” option.   
4. Select the “Abilitazione” (Enable) function: On the next page, click on “Abilitazione”.   
5. Choose the card to enable: Select the number of the Postepay card you want to enable for 3D Secure. Make sure it is the same card for which you provided your mobile number at the Post Office.   
6. Follow the on-screen instructions: Complete the process by following the instructions provided on the site.

Alternatively, you can enable 3D Secure through the Postepay App. Download the app, log in with your credentials, and follow the instructions to activate 3D Secure for your card.   

Once activation is complete, you can use 3D Secure for all your online purchases on websites that support this security protocol.

Troubleshooting

You might encounter some issues while activating 3D Secure. Here are some tips to resolve them:

• Unable to log in to the Poste Italiane website: Check your internet connection and make sure you have entered your username and password correctly. If you have problems, contact Poste Italiane customer support.
• You haven’t received the SMS with the dynamic password: Check that the mobile number associated with your Postepay is correct and that your phone has a signal. If the problem persists, contact customer support.
• The website does not support 3D Secure: In this case, the online payment may not be protected by 3D Secure. Consider whether to proceed with the purchase or choose another website that offers greater security.
• If you need further assistance: If you encounter difficulties or have more questions, you can contact Poste Italiane customer support for help.

Online Security Tips

In addition to activating 3D Secure, here are some tips to protect your online payments:

• Use strong, unique passwords: Choose different passwords for each online service and make sure they consist of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Be wary of suspicious websites: Always check the web address of the site where you are making a purchase and ensure the connection is secure (https).
• Keep your software updated: Always install security updates for your operating system, browser, and antivirus software.
• Regularly monitor your bank transactions: Periodically check your Postepay statement for any suspicious transactions.

Conclusion

Activating 3D Secure on your Postepay card is a crucial step to protect your online purchases and safeguard your money. This security system, which is easy to activate and completely free, gives you greater peace of mind during digital payments, protecting you from fraud and unauthorized use of your card. The main advantages of 3D Secure include:

• Enhanced security: 3D Secure adds an extra layer of authentication for online payments, requiring a one-time dynamic password to authorize each transaction. This two-factor authentication system makes it much more difficult for malicious actors to use your card fraudulently, even if they manage to get your card details.
• Fraud prevention: Thanks to two-factor authentication, 3D Secure makes it much harder for cybercriminals to use your card for unauthorized purchases. Even if a hacker steals your card details, they cannot complete the purchase without the dynamic password sent to your mobile phone.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that your online payments are protected by an advanced security system like 3D Secure gives you greater serenity when shopping online. You can shop with your Postepay knowing that your money is safe from potential fraud.
• Easy activation: Activating 3D Secure on your Postepay card is a quick and simple process. You can do it online through the Poste Italiane website or the Postepay app, by following the provided instructions. There are no additional costs for activating or using 3D Secure.
• Regulatory compliance: 3D Secure is required by law for all online payments in the European Union, in compliance with the PSD2 directive. This means that most e-commerce websites operating in Europe support 3D Secure, ensuring a high level of security for your online purchases.

Ultimately, 3D Secure is an essential tool for the security of your online payments with Postepay. By activating it, you can effectively protect yourself from fraud and unauthorized use of your card, enjoying greater peace of mind while shopping online. By following the advice in this guide and adopting good online security practices, you can use your Postepay safely and responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions