Token Authentication Service
Token authentication service overview
Token Authentication Service (TAS) is a Mastercard service that enables you to perform seamless cardholder authentication during checkout.
Mastercard implements TAS under the Token Authentication Framework (TAF). Merchants and commerce platforms using TAS meet the requirements of TAF without the need to implement and certify their own multi-factor authentication (MFA) method compliant with Mastercard rules and standards. As part of the TAS service, Mastercard is enabling secure MFA methods with an optimized user experience.
In compliance with Fast Identity Online 2 (FIDO2) standard which is governed by FIDO Alliance, Mastercard has implemented payment passkeys. The certified FIDO components are used for the implementation of the payment passkeys.
How it works
- Cardholders create payment passkeys with Mastercard and use them to securely verify their identity using biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
The cardholder’s device operating system provides biometric authentication.
- The passkeys are used for online purchases made with Mastercard-branded cards through saved card details or guest checkout, such as Click to Pay.
Mastercard Gateway TAF and TAS solutions
Mastercard Gateway offers various TAF and TAS solutions to cater to your different needs such as TAF Passthrough.
Benefits of Mastercard TAS
Mastercard offers seamless authentication of cardholders through TAS and following key benefits to you, your payment service provider, and consumers.
Key benefits of TAF and TAS
The following are the key benefits of TAF and TAS:
- Best-in-class UX provides smooth authentication without changing your environment.
- Less abandonment and higher conversion from minimal friction during authentication.
- Reduced fraud and improved approval rates.
- Transactions that comply with the TAF qualify for Fraud Liability Protection (FLP).
Your benefits
TAF and TAS offers following benefits for you:
- Reduced friction at checkout resulting in a smoother transaction process, greater approval rates, and conversion rates.
- Less abandonment and duplication of authentication in some cases.
- FLP in participating regions.
Cardholder benefits
The following are the cardholder benefits:
- Easy checkout across multiple devices and merchant portals.
- Smooth and consistent authentication without changing your environment.