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Credit Card Processing

Voice Authorization Basics

July 20, 2021 • by jclarknationalprocessing-com

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

A voice authorization is a security measure that is usually initiated by a bank or by a merchant processor when they consider a credit card purchase to be unusually large or significantly different in some way from the normal activity associated with a given card. Voice authorizations are done to protect the consumer and the merchant from fraud. This is a rare occurrence and is rather simple to complete. In the event that you get a voice authorization alert on a credit card transaction, you will not be able to complete the transaction until you follow these steps:

1. Call the appropriate voice authorization center.


Card type Phone number
Visa/MasterCard (800) 944-1111
American Express (800) 944-1111
Discover (800) 944-1111


2. Be prepared to provide:

  • Your merchant account number (87882000______).
  • Credit card number
  • Card expiration date
  • Purchase amount
  • 3. You’ll be given a voice authorization code. Write this number down.

    With the voice authorization code, you will be able to follow the prompts to complete the credit card transaction. As always, feel free to call us if you need any help after you have received the code as we are always ready to help you find payment solutions.

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