Transaction Process

Credit Card Authorization Codes

Credit card authorization codes are alphanumeric indicators that typically range from 2-6 digits in length, which signal whether a credit card transaction has been accepted or declined. This process occurs in real-time and is completed within a minute. Credit card authorization codes can be found on your point-of-sale (POS) terminal or the top or bottom of a printed receipt. Different payment processors might use unique codes for their products, but they generally serve to inform merchants about the validity of a transaction. It's important to remember that an authorization code doesn't guarantee against fraud; hence merchants should also use their judgment to spot suspicious activity.