Authorization: Process of Approving Financial Transactions

August 31, 2024 4 min read Finance Banking Authorization Credit Card Debit Card Transaction Approval Issuing Bank

An in-depth analysis of the authorization process, focusing on the approval of credit and debit card transactions by the issuing bank.

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Authorization is the process by which a credit or debit card transaction is approved by the issuer, usually the issuing bank. This approval signifies that the cardholder has sufficient funds or credit to complete the transaction and that the card is valid for use. The authorization process is a crucial step in the lifecycle of a financial transaction and ensures the security and integrity of the payments system.

How Authorization Works

When a cardholder initiates a transaction, whether online or in-person, the following steps occur:

Transaction Initiation: The cardholder swipes, inserts, or taps their card, or enters card details for an online purchase.
Transaction Information Transmission: The transaction data, including the card number, expiration date, CVV, and the amount, is encrypted and sent to the merchant’s acquiring bank.
Acquirer to Issuer Communication: The acquiring bank forwards the transaction details to the card network (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), which in turn forwards them to the issuing bank.
Issuer Validation: The issuing bank verifies the card’s validity, checking against parameters such as available credit, transaction amount, expiry date, and security measures (e.g., CVV).
Authorization Decision: The issuing bank sends an authorization response back through the network, indicating whether the transaction is approved, denied, or requires further verification.
Authorization Completion: If approved, the merchant receives a message confirming the transaction, and the amount is reserved (temporarily held) in the cardholder’s account.

Significance of Authorization

Risk Management

Authorization helps mitigate the risk of fraud and overdraft, ensuring that the transaction adheres to the card issuer’s and network’s security protocols.

Fund Allocation

An approved authorization guarantees that the funds or credit limit required for the transaction are available, thereby reducing the risk of transaction failures down the line.

Customer Experience

Providing immediate approval or denial aids in smooth transaction processes, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust in digital payment systems.

Types of Authorization

Pre-Authorization: Common in industries like hospitality and car rentals, where an estimated amount is held on the card until the final bill is calculated.
Partial Authorization: Occurs when the available balance is less than the transaction amount, allowing partial payment from the cardholder.
Full Authorization: The complete transaction amount is approved and held, typically seen in retail and online shopping.

Examples and Special Considerations

Retail Purchases: Swiping a credit card at a store checkout prompts the authorization process to ensure the card has available credit.
Online Shopping: Entering card details on an e-commerce site initiates a series of back-and-forth communications to authorize the payment.
Recurring Payments: Monthly subscriptions often require authorization for each recurring charge, ensuring continuous service and accurate billing.

Historical Context

The concept of authorization evolved with the advent of credit cards in the mid-20th century. Early manual processes gradually transitioned to automated systems, significantly speeding up transaction times and reducing errors. Innovations such as the magnetic stripe and EMV chips have further enhanced the security and efficiency of the authorization process.

Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of the user or cardholder before authorization.
Acquirer: The bank or financial institution that processes credit or debit card payments on behalf of the merchant.
Settlement: The stage that follows authorization, where the funds are transferred from the issuing bank to the acquiring bank.

FAQs

What happens if a transaction is denied?

If a transaction is denied, the cardholder will need to use a different payment method or resolve the issue with their issuing bank.

Why is a pre-authorization amount sometimes higher than the final bill?

Pre-authorization amounts are often higher to cover potential additional costs, like incidentals at a hotel. The final charge will reflect the actual use and any unused amount will be released.

How long does an authorization hold last?

Typically, authorization holds last for a few days, depending on the issuing bank’s policies. Some holds may last up to 7-10 days.

References

Visa. (n.d.). “How Visa Authorization Works.” Retrieved from Visa.
MasterCard. (n.d.). “Understanding Transaction Processing.” Retrieved from MasterCard.
Federal Reserve. (2021). “Credit and Debit Card Authorization Processes.” Retrieved from Federal Reserve.

Summary

Authorization is a critical component of the modern payment ecosystem, ensuring the security and efficiency of card-based transactions. By validating the cardholder’s ability to pay, authorization helps protect both merchants and consumers from fraud and financial discrepancies. Understanding this process provides valuable insights into the reliability and mechanics of everyday financial transactions.