When a website asks me to use one of these, and I don't want to, how do I decline but still make the purchase? It always seems like my options are take-it-and-like-it or don't complete the transaction. Is there a third option?
The worst part is the information required for the "I forgot my password" process is often not terribly hard to get hold of (date of birth, that kind of thing).
The best option at this stage is probably to have a "normal" credit card for everyday use which is specifically NOT VbV enabled, and a special VbV credit card that you keep at home for internet purchases from companies that require it. Or just don't buy from those companies.
Transaction fees are not the problem, putting a stop to consumer fraud and charge-backs are the net win for the merchant.
In my case not activating Secure By Visa let me proceed with the transaction normally, but they certainly tried to imply it was necessary.