Due to new laws coming in to place, Blossoming Gifts have added stronger authentication for card payments when playing orders.


What is PSD2?

The EU Payments Services Directive (PSD2) is a series of new laws aimed at improving the rights of consumers based in the European Union and enhancing online security. The rules are designed to provide better protection to consumers when they pay online. The directive requires eCommerce companies to have Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) in place.


SCA is a way to make online payments more secure through extra levels of authentication. SCA requires customers to be asked for two of the following:


  • Something only you as a customer know, such as a PIN or password
  • Something only you as a customer have, such as a mobile phone or credit card
  • Something unique to you as a customer, such as your fingerprint.


To adhere to the SCA principles, some of our customers will be asked to confirm a password by their card issuer via 3D secure. This takes place seamlessly within the normal customer journey on our website. See further information below about what 3D secure is.


Please note that our SCA processes only affect a small proportion of customers whose cards are issued in continental Europe - no other regions are affected. For further information regarding the delays to UK card issuers being required to comply, please read direct from the FCA website.


For further information regarding PSD2, please read the law on Payment Services.


Blossoming Gifts fully comply with PSD2 requirements.


What is 3D Secure?

3D Secure authentication (or 3DS) is a fraud prevention measure used by the major debit and credit card issuers to provide extra protection to cardholders. If, when making a purchase, your card issuer needs further validation through 3D Secure, you will be redirected to your card issuer’s site where you will be asked for information to confirm your identity. If approved, the payment will complete and you’ll be taken back to our website.


It is a speedy process which serves to protect you from fraud. Since your card issuer manages the process, our customer service team are unable to assist you with any specific queries about decisions.