Understand Authorization Codes and Their Role in Transactions

Description: Learn about authorization codes and how they affect your banking below. 

---

An authorization code is the response code directly from the issuing bank returned to you at the time of authorization/sale. This code is usually a 6 or 7-digit number and is recorded either by the point of sale terminal or software, as well as printed on any receipt or sales draft.

If doing a phone or voice authorization, you should record the authorization code for reference. The code serves as proof of authorization.

Note: Debit transactions do not need an approval code, as the user authorizes them via their PIN entry. A determination is not needed via the issuing bank in this case, so one is not issued in some cases and can be blank.