​

Transaction Lifecycle

This guide provides an overview of how card transactions work in the Issuing API, including the transaction flow, lifecycle states, and transaction types.

​

Overview

Card transactions are created automatically when cardholders use their cards for purchases, ATM withdrawals, or other card-based transactions. As an issuer, you can monitor these transactions, view their status, and perform operations like refunds.

​

Transaction Lifecycle

Card transactions follow a standard authorization-capture flow with support for reversals and refunds:

​

Transaction Flow

The following sequence diagram shows how a card transaction flows through the system:

​

Transaction Statuses Overview

Card transactions can be in one of four states:

​

Transaction Types

Card transactions can have different intents:

​

Key Concepts

​

Authorization vs Capture

• Authorization: Holds funds but doesn’t transfer them. Transaction status is pending.
• Capture: Transfers funds and finalizes the transaction. Transaction status becomes posted.

​

Reversal vs Refund

• Reversal (Void): Cancels a pending authorization before capture. Funds are released immediately.
• Refund: Returns funds from a posted transaction. Creates a new refund transaction.

​

Next Steps

• Transaction Statuses - Detailed guide to transaction statuses
• Webhooks Guide - Set up real-time transaction notifications
• API Reference - Explore transaction endpoints