Some card payments require an extra security check before they can be completed. This is similar to when an online shop asks you to confirm a payment using a password, SMS code, or your banking app.
This guide explains what payment validation is, why it happens, and how to support parents if their payment gets stuck.
💡 Parents have 5 days to validate their payment. If they do not complete validation within that time, the payment will automatically fail
What Is Payment Validation?
3D Security (3DS) Explained
Payment validation is powered by 3D Secure (3DS), which is an extra security layer used by banks. It works like two-factor authentication, where the parent confirms that they authorised the payment.
You may also see this referred to as:
3D Secure
Verified by Visa
Mastercard SecureCode
3DS authentication
This process protects both the parent and your setting by reducing fraud and unauthorised payments.
When Validation Happens
A parent’s bank may require validation if:
The payment amount is large (this varies by bank, often £30+)
It is the parent’s first payment to your setting
The bank detects an unusual payment pattern
The bank flags the payment as higher risk
The bank performs a random security check
💡 Whether validation is required is decided by the parent’s bank, not by Famly. You cannot control when it happens
How Validation Works
The Standard Payment Flow
In most cases, validation happens automatically during the payment process.
The parent clicks Pay now and enters their card details
The bank requests extra verification
The parent is redirected to their bank’s verification page
The parent completes the security check (password, code, app approval, etc.)
The parent is redirected back to Famly
The payment continues processing normally
This usually takes around 2 to 5 minutes.
When a Payment Shows as "Requires Validation"
A payment will only show the status Requires validation if the process is interrupted.
This can happen if:
The parent loses internet connection during validation
The parent closes the page or app
The parent refreshes the browser during verification
A technical issue interrupts the bank redirect
When this happens:
The payment remains incomplete
Famly marks it as Requires validation
The parent receives a notification
The parent must return to Famly and complete validation manually
The parent has 5 days to finish validation before the payment fails automatically
Finding Payments That Need Validation
To check which payments are awaiting validation:
Go to Finances → Payments
Open the Transaction status filter
Select Requires validation
This will show all payments currently waiting for the parent to complete the security check, including the parent name, child name, payment amount, and the date the payment was started.
What Parents Need to Do
If a parent’s payment shows as Requires validation, they will need to complete the security check through Famly.
Steps for parents
Open Famly
Parents can use the app or a web browser. Using a desktop browser may be easier in some cases.Go to the Balance tab
A message or banner will appear showing that the payment requires validation.Click Validate
The button may also be labelled Complete payment.Complete bank verification
The parent will be redirected to their bank’s website or banking app to confirm the payment. Depending on the bank, this may involve entering a password, confirming via SMS, or approving the payment using biometric authentication.Return to Famly
Once verification is complete, the parent will be redirected back to Famly and the payment will continue processing as normal.
In most cases, the full process takes 2 to 5 minutes.
After the 5-Day Window Expires
What Happens if the Parent Does Not Validate
If the parent does not complete validation within 5 days (120 hours), the payment automatically fails.
Once this happens:
The payment status changes to Failed
The balance remains unpaid
The payment cannot be recovered or extended
The parent will need to make a new payment from the start
Related Articles
If you want more detail, these guides may help: