Zero-Value Account Verification

Zero-value account verification checks that a customer's card is valid and can be used without charging it. N-Genius Online asks the card issuer to approve a payment of zero. The issuer checks that the account is open and that the card has not been reported - nothing is taken from or held on the customer's account.

Why use it

Without it, the usual way to check a card is to charge a small amount, such as AED 1, and then refund it. The customer sees a charge they did not expect, and you have a refund to process. A zero-value verification checks the card without either a charge or refund. Card schemes also discourage the small-charge method: Mastercard charges fees when too many of these charges are reversed.

When to use it

• Before you save a customer's card for later payments. See Card on file.
• When a customer signs up for a subscription or a free trial that is charged later.
• When you take a booking, such as a restaurant table or a hotel room, and want to know the card is good without taking a deposit.

What your customer sees

1. You create a verification and send the customer to your chosen integration method (e.g., hosted payment page).
2. The customer enters their card details.
3. The card is checked with the issuer. Nothing is charged.
4. The customer returns to your site, and you see whether the card passed.

A verification appears in your transaction list as a zero-amount transaction.

If the card does not pass

Do not save the card or set up later payments with it. Ask the customer for another card.

Cards

Zero-value account verification works with Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards.

Switch it on

Contact your relationship manager or the ecommerce support team to check that zero-value account verification is available on your account.

For developers

A verification is an order with the action VERIFY and an amount of zero. See Verify a card without charging it.