Skip to content
Modulr glossary

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with terms written in code, typically on a blockchain. They automate workflows and payments when predefined conditions are met, without intermediary intervention.

Applications

E-commerce:

Reduces fraud in online card payments by verifying the cardholder's identity

Banking and fintech:

Helps issuers and payment providers comply with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements.

Advantages

  • Enhanced security: Reduces unauthorised transactions by verifying that the genuine account holder is authorising the payment
  • Fraud prevention: Helps reduce chargebacks related to fraud.

Challenges

  • User Experience: Additional authentication steps can cause friction and increase checkout abandonment
  • Implementation complexity: Requires integration with card schemes and issuer systems.

Sign up to our newsletter for our latest news and insights