What is AVS verification

This information is optional. However, if you enter your customer’s address in these fields, ProPay will compare the address you submit to the address the card issuing bank has on file for the cardholder. This check, called the Address Verification System, or AVS, will return a code to you telling you how well the addresses match up. It is primarily designed to protect you from fraudulent card users.

There are several AVS codes that may be returned on a transaction. The following are the most common codes:

• A = Street address match, only postal/ZIP code does not match.
• B = Street address match, postal/ZIP code format is incompatible.
• C = Street address and postal/ZIP code formats are incompatible.
• D = Street address and postal/ZIP code match.
• I = Address information not verified.
• M = Street address and postal/ZIP code match.
• G = Address information not verified for international transaction.
• N = No street address or postal/ZIP code match at all.
• P = Postal/ZIP code match, street address format is incompatible.
• R = Issuer system unavailable. Usually means the address for the credit card could not be looked up due to problems with the lines to the issuing bank.
• U = Address information not verified for that account number, or the card Issuer does not support AVS.
• Y = Exact street address and postal/ZIP code match.
• Z = Postal/ZIP code match only. Street address does not match or was not included in request.

A positive AVS code (M or Y) is a strong indication that the cardholder is tied to the address you were given, and gives you an extra level of security. Your transaction will be processed regardless of the AVS result.

As a merchant, you determine whether you want to deal with customers who return low-level AVS matches. You may refund a transaction if you are not comfortable with the AVS code returned to you.