Fraud filters should catch bad actors, not your best customers. Stripe and Adyen both promise protection, but their methods are far from the same. If you're deciding between them, it's worth taking a closer look at how each platform handles fraud, what controls you actually get, and how much risk still slips through.
Core Fraud Tools
Stripe Radar
Stripe Radar comes standard on every Stripe account. It runs machine learning on billions of transactions and gives each payment a score between 0 and 100. The higher the score, the greater the risk.
You can build custom rules based on IP address, device type, card origin, and more. If something seems off, you can route it to manual review or trigger 3D Secure. Teams using Radar for Fraud Teams get even more control, including webhooks and insights into scoring behavior.
Adyen RevenueProtect
Adyen's fraud engine, RevenueProtect, offers flexible rule-building and a wide set of detection tools. You can set thresholds based on device behavior, past customer patterns, and even local fraud trends. It supports allowlists, blocklists, and shopper risk profiles.
While powerful, Adyen's dashboard leans technical. If you're not familiar with fraud management, it takes more time to configure.
Risk Scoring: Numbers vs Flags
- Stripe: You get a numeric risk score right in the dashboard. This makes it easier to set rules and automate reviews based on how risky something looks.
- Adyen: There's no single score. Instead, you get signals that match rule conditions, and each flagged rule contributes to a risk profile.
For teams who prefer a quick visual or simple thresholds, Stripe's system is more digestible.
Blocking Legitimate Customers
False declines cost money. One missed sale from a good customer can hit harder than a single fraud attempt.
- Stripe: The models become more accurate over time as you submit dispute feedback. You can fine-tune rules without getting overwhelmed.
- Adyen: There's more flexibility, but it puts pressure on your team to manage rules closely. Overblocking is common if rules are left unchecked.
If your team lacks dedicated fraud analysts, Stripe may be easier to manage without hurting conversions.
Handling 3D Secure
3DS can stop fraud, but it also adds friction.
- Stripe: You decide when to use it. Rules let you trigger it only for high-risk regions or unusual behavior.
- Adyen: 3DS is applied based on risk level, card brand policies, and regional laws. You get less direct input, but it meets compliance needs faster.
If you want more control over when buyers are challenged, Stripe gives you that flexibility.
API Control and Setup
- Stripe: Offers clean APIs and quick integration. You can pull risk scores, create custom dashboards, and automate rule actions.
- Adyen: Gives deep data access and advanced configuration for teams who want to go further. But it takes more effort to get there.
Stripe appeals more to developers who want something that works right away. Adyen leans toward enterprise teams that plan to invest in customization.
Chargeback Prevention and Disputes
Fraud filters lower your dispute rate, but they don't catch everything.
- Stripe: Offers tools for responding to chargebacks and managing pre-dispute alerts. Radar helps stop obvious fraud before it reaches that point.
- Adyen: Automates some responses and offers integrations for alerts, but most defense still depends on custom rules or third-party tools.
Both give you a foundation. But neither is built to handle complex chargeback management alone.
Which Fraud Protection Works Better?
Stripe is quicker to set up, easier to understand, and better suited for teams that want solid protection without needing to touch every setting. Adyen gives more control if you know what you're doing, but it also leaves more room for error if you don't.
Your choice depends on how hands-on your team wants to be and how much fraud risk you're already dealing with.
FAQ: Adyen vs Stripe Fraud Protection
Does Adyen automatically block payments based on rules?
Yes. If a transaction matches a rule or a behavior pattern flagged as high-risk, Adyen can reject it instantly. You decide how strict the rules should be.
Can Stripe Radar adjust over time?
It does. Stripe's model improves as more transactions flow through and as you give feedback on disputed charges. This helps it spot fraud more accurately.
Is 3D Secure customizable on both platforms?
With Stripe, yes. You can choose when to apply 3DS using your own rules. Adyen manages 3DS automatically, based on the region, risk level, and card brand.
Which one causes fewer false declines?
In most cases, Stripe causes fewer issues for small and mid-sized businesses. Adyen's rule engine is powerful, but easier to misconfigure if not monitored.
Which dashboard gives clearer fraud data?
Stripe offers a cleaner interface with easier-to-read scores and review options. Adyen gives more technical depth, but the learning curve is higher.
Chargeblast: Your Backup Plan When Filters Miss
Even with Stripe or Adyen doing their job, disputes can still happen. That's where Chargeblast helps. We catch disputes early, help you respond fast, and reduce your risk of getting flagged by Visa or Mastercard programs.
Don't just rely on one layer of defense. Let Chargeblast step in when your filters fall short.
