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Parents 🧸: Validating a Payment (3DS)

Written by Josie

Some card payments need an extra security check from your bank before they go through. This is called 3D Secure - it works like two-factor authentication and protects you from fraud.

‼️ You have 3 days to validate a payment. After that, it automatically fails, and you'll need to make a new payment


Why Your Payment Might Need Validating

Your bank decides when extra verification is needed - it's not something your center or Famly controls. Common reasons include:

  • The payment amount is large

  • It's your first payment to your center through Famly

  • Your bank detected an unusual pattern

  • A routine security check

This is your bank keeping your account safe.


How Validation Usually Works

Most of the time, it happens automatically during the payment:

  1. You tap Pay

  2. Your bank asks for extra verification

  3. You're redirected to your bank's website

  4. You enter your password, security code, or use biometric authentication

  5. You're sent back to Famly and the payment continues

This usually takes just 2–5 minutes.


If You See "Requires Validation"

Sometimes the verification gets interrupted - for example, if you lose your connection or close the page. When this happens:

  1. Open the Famly app (desktop or mobile both work)

  2. Go to your Balance tab

  3. You'll see a popup or banner about validation needed

  4. Tap the purple Validate button

  5. Complete the verification with your bank

  6. You'll be redirected back to Famly and the payment will continue

[Screenshot: Validate button on Balance screen]

💡 If validation isn't working on your phone, try using a desktop computer instead


What Happens After 3 Days

If you don't validate within 3 days, the payment automatically fails. It can't be extended or recovered.

Your balance stays unpaid, and you'll need to make a completely new payment. Your center can see which payments need validation, so they may reach out to remind you.

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