Real-Time Refund Authorization

Previously, refund transactions were authorized in batch mode and sent to the processor at the end of the day, delaying when merchants can see refund status.

This workflow not only creates an inconvenience but also poses compliance challenges, requiring real-time authorization for refund transactions. Real-Time Refund Authorization ensures compliance with major card brands and streamlines the refund process, increasing efficiency for both Merchants and their customers. Merchants are instantly notified about the status of each refund - approved or declined.

With Real-Time Refund Authorization you can:

• Instantly know the status of your customer’s refund.

• Avoid retrying failed refunds or manually locating declined transactions.

• Receive Authorization Codes related to each refund transaction.

Warning: Real-Time Refund Authorization will be enabled on May 13, 2024.

Real-Time Refund Authorization Transaction Lifecycle

Using Vantiv (VAP)

As part of the Real-Time Refund Authorization functional update, the transaction lifecycle for refunds will change to no longer reflect a pending status, but rather be Approved and Captured (or Declined) instantly before reaching the Settled status.

Using VAP, a Cancel button will no longer be displayed. As a result, you cannot cancel or void the refund.

Using Vantiv Core (VCore)

After a response is received, the refund transaction status will show “Approved” and is then batched for capture.

If the refund transaction is declined, the status will show as “Failed”. Transactions can be voided/canceled until the refund transaction status is updated to “Captured”.

Refund Transaction Details

The Transaction Details page for refund transactions will no longer display a Cancel button, allowing the initiated refund to be canceled. This is due to the instantaneous nature of Real-Time Refund Authorization approving and capturing an initiated immediately.