So, What is SCA?

Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), is a new requirement of the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) which aims to add additional layers of security to online payments. It requires consumers to perform additional checks to confirm their identity.

What does this mean for you?

We have been working behind the scenes to upgrade our Stripe connection in preparation for the changes.

The UK banking industry is starting to bring in these changes with the new full enforcement date of 14th March 2022. What this means is that you may start seeing declines now. If you are experiencing any customer payments being declined please send them a payment request email.

How does SCA work?

Our upgraded version of Stripe means that if the card requires the customer to complete additional security checks they will be prompted to add the relevant pin or complete the transaction via authentication on their smartphone.

What does it mean for your customers?

When a customer books online they will be automatically diverted to a secure payment page where they will add their card details, their card issuer may then require them to complete a security check. Once this has been completed the transaction will be processed in the same way it was before and added to the guests reservation. The card will be tokenised and can be used to charge extras purchased without the need for the guest to re-authenticate.

However, when a guest books directly with you over the phone, you can now send them a payment request link via email in order for them to complete a payment or just to capture their card details to charge at a later date. Rather than asking verbally for their card details.

You can find out more about Payment Requests by clicking below: http://help.innstyle.co.uk/en/articles/5409711-sca-creating-payment-request-links

Can I still charge cards on existing bookings once I’m moved over?

Yes you can still charge previously tokenised cards, providing the card issuer doesn’t require for SCA to be completed. If you get a payment declined, it may be because when the card was stored SCA wasn't requested. In this instance you should resend a payment request from within the reservation.

We have a blog post specifically with regards to INN CHARGE and SCA that can be read HERE