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CHARGES

Charge Types

Charge Types

Correctly classifying a charge is essential for ensuring high approval rates and accurate reporting. The Silverflow API uses the charge.type object to define the specific characteristics of a charge. It is composed of three distinct fields: intent, cardEntry, and order. This guide outlines how to combine these fields to correctly represent various payment scenarios.

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One-Off Customer-Initiated Charges (CIT)

A one-off Customer-Initiated Transaction (CIT) is a standalone transaction pursued by the cardholder. The table below details common scenarios and the corresponding type field values.

Use case

Description

type.intent

type.order

type.cardEntry

Online Purchase

A standard e-commerce checkout for goods or services.

purchase

checkout

e-commerce, token

Pre-Order

A pre-authorization to reserve funds for, such as booking travel or accommodation.

reservation

checkout

e-commerce, token

Account Status Inquiry

A zero-value check to confirm that a cardholder's account is valid and in good standing.

account-status

checkout

e-commerce, token, card-on-file, token-on-file

One-Click

An e-commerce transaction where the customer uses stored payment details to make a purchase.

purchase

one-click

card-on-file, token-on-file

MOTO

A transaction where a merchant enters card details provided by a customer via Mail Order or Telephone Order.

purchase

mail, phone

manual

Merchandise Return

A refund that is not linked to a previous transaction (unreferenced refund).

refund

checkout

e-commerce, token, card-on-file, token-on-file

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Recurring & Merchant-Initiated Charges (MIT)

A Merchant-Initiated Transaction (MIT) is a charge processed using stored credentials, based on a prior agreement with the cardholder. To establish this agreement, an initial Customer-Initiated Transaction (CIT) must be performed first. This initial charge verifies the card and sets up the payment sequence. Subsequent MITs can then be processed using the credentials from that initial transaction.

Use case

Description

type.intent

type.order

type.cardEntry (Initial CIT)

type.cardEntry (Subsequent MIT)

Standing Instruction or Recurring

A series of recurring payments with a fixed amount and frequency, such as a subscription service.

purchase

recurring

e-commerce, token, card-on-file, token-on-file

card-on-file, token-on-file

Standing Order

A series of recurring payments with a variable amount and fixed frequency, such as a utility bill.

purchase

standing-order

e-commerce, token, card-on-file, token-on-file

card-on-file, token-on-file

Installment

A payment that is part of a series of fixed-amount transactions to pay for a larger purchase over time.

purchase

installment

e-commerce, token, card-on-file, token-on-file

card-on-file, token-on-file

Unscheduled (UCOF)

An irregular transaction using stored card details, such as an automatic account top-up or a rideshare fee.

purchase

ucof

e-commerce, token, card-on-file, token-on-file

card-on-file, token-on-file