> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pesaswap.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 3DS Step up Retries

3DS Step-up Retries is a Pesaswap feature designed to improve the success rate of non-3DS card payments. If a non-3DS transaction fails with an error suggesting a 3D Secure (3DS) authentication could resolve the issue, Pesaswap automatically retries the payment with 3DS authentication on the same payment processor.

3DS Step-up retries: These retries are applicable when errors are identified in non-3DS payments that can be resolved by attempting 3DS authentication. Examples of errors that can be addressed through 3DS authentication include, but are not limited to, fraud-related errors and 3DS authentication-required errors.

## Why Use 3DS Step-up Retry?

| Benefit                   | Description                                                          |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Higher Success Rate**   | Recovers failed non-3DS payments by upgrading to 3DS authentication. |
| **Fraud Protection**      | Reduces fraud by enforcing customer authentication.                  |
| **Chargeback Protection** | Helps shift liability by using 3DS verification.                     |

***

## How It Works

<img height="400" noZoom src="https://mintcdn.com/pesaswap/plqQ00Qv-PMLK3qg/logo/pesa105.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=plqQ00Qv-PMLK3qg&q=85&s=de6a92272d9b27f1c6e7f1483930d2f7" data-path="logo/pesa105.png" />

1. A non-3DS payment attempt fails.
2. Pesaswap detects a retryable error (e.g., fraud or 3DS required).
3. Pesaswap **automatically retries the same transaction** with **3DS enabled** using the **same processor**.
4. The user is prompted to complete the 3DS challenge.
5. If successful, the payment proceeds; if not, it fails gracefully.

## Example Errors That Trigger Step-up Retry

* Card issuer requires 3DS
* Fraud-related soft declines
* "Authentication Required" error messages

## Supported Processors

Currently supported processors for 3DS Step-up Retries include:

* **Bluesnap**
* **Stripe**

> To request support for other processors, please submit a feature request to [info@Pesaswap.in](mailto:info@Pesaswap.in)

## How to Enable 3DS Step-up Retry

To activate this feature:

1. Email your request to **[info@Pesaswap.in](mailto:info@Pesaswap.in)**.
2. Include confirmation from your end that you want to enable **3DS Step-up Retry** for your business profile.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### 🔹 What is the user experience like?

* Initially, the customer enters their card details as usual.
* If the payment fails and 3DS Step-up is triggered, the customer will see a **3DS challenge screen** (e.g., OTP or biometric).
* After completing 3DS, the payment is retried and processed.

### 🔹 What's the difference between Smart Retry and 3DS Step-up Retry?

| Smart Retry                                               | 3DS Step-up Retry                                                      |
| --------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Retries failed payments with an **alternative processor** | Retries **non-3DS failed payments** with **3DS on the same processor** |
| Handles **nical and business failures**                   | Targets **authentication-related failures**                            |
| Broader coverage of failure cases                         | Specific to fraud/3DS-required failures                                |

### 🔹 What if a failure qualifies for both Smart Retry and 3DS Step-up Retry?

Pesaswap will **prioritize 3DS Step-up Retry** because:

* It reduces chargeback risk.
* It enforces authentication for potentially risky transactions.
* It maintains consistency by using the same processor.