Discover ProtectBuy

Discover ProtectBuy is Discover's proprietary implementation of the 3-D Secure authentication protocol, designed to enhance the security of online transactions. This system enables merchants to transmit detailed transaction information to the cardholder's issuing bank. The bank then performs an automated analysis of this information to determine the legitimacy of the transaction. Based on this assessment, the bank can either approve the transaction directly or escalate the security measures by sending a one-time password (OTP) to the cardholder. The OTP must then be entered by the cardholder to verify their identity and complete the transaction. This added layer of security helps prevent unauthorized use of the card and reduces the risk of fraud, providing a safer online shopping experience for both cardholders and merchants.