This page describes how to verify an account for a recurring payment while minimizing transaction fees. Account verification involves confirming that a particular card is both valid and that the person entering the payment data is authorized to make charges using the account.

Nominal authorization amounts

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Authorize amounts between $1.01 and $2.00 for account verification.

A typical approach for verifying an account involves authorizing one or more small charges with the card and requiring the cardholder to validate the amount of those charges in your subscription management page. Using amounts between $1.01 to $2.00 results in the following benefits:

• Reduced Processing Fees - Amounts less than $1.01 may incur additional processing fees.
• Increased Approval Rates - Amounts less that $1.01 are not approved more often. Exactly $1.00 is frequently rejected because it is used for testing.
• Improved Cardholder Experience - Creates a more recognizable statement entry for cardholder.

Alternative verification approach

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Incorporate account verification as an authorization transaction during the initial sale.

To avoid additional processing fees altogether, start the first sale transaction as an authorization for an arbitrary amount. After the customer verifies the amount, adjust the transaction to the amount of the actual sale. This avoids potential fees related to reversals and microtransactions charged by some card brands.

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Void the transaction in less than 7 days if the authorization amount is not verified to avoid additional reversal fees or other complications.