Amex Upgrades Online Authentication

American Express has announced SafeKey 2.0, the next generation of its online authentication tool, which provides an extra layer of security when a card member makes a purchase online at a participating merchant.

Leveraging the EMV’s 3D-Secure 2.0 industry standard, the enhanced SafeKey 2.0 can help identify potential fraud in real time, and supports authentication methods using biometrics, including fingerprints and facial recognition. It can also be deployed for traditional and emerging commerce channels, ranging from eCommerce websites to in-app purchases made on smartphones and other internet-connected devices.

In addition, SafeKey 2.0 enables merchants and card issuers to exchange more detailed transaction information, which will help to further reduce fraud and eliminate friction by decreasing requests for one-time passwords. It will also support card issuers and merchant acquirers in the European Union as they address the strong customer authentication requirements of the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2).

“The number of consumers making purchases through mobile channels is continuing to grow, and the expected growth of internet-connected devices will further fuel digital commerce activity,” said Jaromir Divilek, executive vice president of global network business for American Express. “SafeKey 2.0 complements American Express’ fraud prevention capabilities by addressing the evolving needs of merchants, card issuers and card members.”

SafeKey 2.0 will be available to merchants, issuers and partners in spring of 2018. American Express will continue to support the existing 1.0 version of SafeKey for merchants and card issuers using that platform.