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Complete Development Guide: Implementing PayNetWorx 3DS ​

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of implementing 3D Secure authentication with PayNetWorx, from initial setup to production deployment.

Overview: What You'll Build ​

By the end of this guide, you'll have:

  • A secure 3DS authentication system
  • Support for both frictionless and challenge flows
  • Proper error handling and customer experience
  • Production-ready implementation

Phase 1: Prerequisites & Setup (Week 1) ​

1.1 Understand the Foundation ​

Before starting implementation, ensure you understand:

  • 3DS Basics: How 3D Secure works (Protocol Guide)
  • Two Flows: Frictionless vs Challenge authentication
  • Customer Impact: How 3DS affects user experience

1.2 Technical Prerequisites ​

Ensure your system has:

  • Existing Payment Integration: Working PayNetWorx payment API
  • HTTPS/SSL: Required for 3DS authentication
  • Backend API: Ability to make server-to-server calls
  • Frontend Framework: JavaScript/React/Vue/Angular support
  • Database: To store transaction states
  • Error Handling: Robust error management system

1.3 Register for 3DS Services ​

  1. Contact PayNetWorx

    • Request 3DS registration for your merchant account
    • Provide business details and integration timeline

  2. Receive Credentials

    • Sandbox/test environment credentials
    • Production environment credentials (after certification)
    • API documentation and SDK access

  3. Set Up Test Environment

    • Configure sandbox endpoints
    • Test basic connectivity
    • Verify credentials work

1.4 Install Required Tools ​

bash
# Install PayNetWorx 3DS SDK
npm install @paynetworx/3ds-sdk

Phase 2: Backend Implementation ​

Backend Architecture Overview ​

Your backend will need three main API endpoints:

POST /api/auth           → Start 3DS transaction
GET  /api/3ds_method/:id → Check 3DS method status
GET  /api/challenge/:id  → Check challenge status

see https://github.com/Paynetworx/3ds-merchant-example/blob/main/backend/src/index.ts for an example of how to implement these routes with the PayNetWorx API

Phase 3: Frontend Integration ​

3.1 Frontend Architecture ​

Your frontend will:

  1. Collect customer and device information
  2. Send payment request to your backend
  3. Handle 3DS method iframe (if needed)
  4. Handle challenge iframe (if needed)
  5. Show final transaction result

see https://github.com/Paynetworx/3ds-merchant-example/blob/main/frontend/src/components/PaymentPage.vue for an example vue application that implements these parts

Phase 4: Testing & Deployment ​

4.1 Testing Strategy ​

Test Cases to Cover:

  • Frictionless flow (immediate approval)
  • Challenge flow (OTP verification)
  • 3DS method required
  • Challenge timeout
  • Challenge failure
  • Network errors
  • Different browsers

4.2 Test Card Numbers ​

Ask your PayNetWorx representative for the latest test card numbers

4.3 Production Deployment Checklist ​

  • Security Review: Ensure all credentials are secure
  • Environment Configuration: Set production API endpoints
  • SSL Certificate: Valid SSL certificate installed
  • Error Monitoring: Set up error tracking (Sentry, etc.)
  • Performance Monitoring: Monitor API response times
  • Customer Support: Train team on 3DS troubleshooting

4.4 Go-Live Process ​

  1. Get PayNetWorx Certification

    • Receive production credentials

  2. Gradual Rollout

    • Start with 10% of traffic
    • Monitor authentication rates
    • Gradually increase to 100%

  3. Monitor Key Metrics

    • Authentication success rate
    • Challenge completion rate
    • Customer abandonment rate
    • False decline reduction

Troubleshooting Common Issues ​

Issue: 3DS Method Not Loading ​

Solution: Check CORS configuration and CSP policies

Issue: Challenge Iframe Not Responsive ​

Solution: Ensure iframe sizing is mobile-optimized

Issue: High Challenge Rates ​

Solution: Review data quality being sent to issuers

Issue: Customer Confusion ​

Solution: Add clear messaging about verification process

Success Metrics ​

After successful implementation, monitor:

  • Authentication Success Rate: Target 95%+
  • Challenge Completion Rate: Target 85%+
  • Fraud Reduction: Target 70%+ reduction
  • False Decline Reduction: Target 20%+ improvement

Goal: Create a seamless, secure payment experience that reduces fraud while maintaining excellent customer experience.