Description: Learn about processing secure transactions in Offline Mode.
During an offline event and when processing a transaction, the Universal Transaction Gateway (UTG) assigns a stand-in authorization code and stores the sale on an encrypted UTG file. Once the internet or connection is re-established, it uploads this file and attempts to approve the card.
Offline mode enables merchants to continue accepting payments when their UTG cannot connect to the Shift4 Payments data centers.
Considerations
The cards will show they were captured via Card Swipe, so they may be subject to downgrades if your location normally processes EMV chip cards. However, this is better than losing a sale completely due to the inability to take credit cards during an offline event.
The business should understand the following guidelines before enabling Offline Mode or Stand-in.
- There is also the issue of if the guest card doesn't have the funds to cover the amount once it comes online, it could still decline and fail. Should this occur, you will have to work this out with the guest to get another form of payment.
- When selecting an offline level, you must consider the implementation type (per station or locally hosted) and business volume.
- If the implementation type is locally hosted, the offline parameters will be met quicker than per workstation because all transactions travel through one UTG. If your implementation type is per station, your payments will travel through multiple UTG installations.
Offline Guidelines
- Automatic Switch: The UTG will automatically switch to Offline Mode in the event of a disruption in internet service as long as certain criteria in the UTG are met.
- Declined Transactions: When accepting transactions in Offline Mode, transactions accepted during this period can be declined once uploaded to the gateway. All transactions processed in Offline Mode will be reported in the POS/PMS as accepted even if the issuing bank declines them.
- Viewing Transactions: Businesses using the Shift4 UTG through certified interfaces will be able to view all declined transactions on Lighthouse Transaction Manager.
- Offline Visibility: By design, UTG does not indicate when it goes into offline mode. There are clues, but the intent is to continue operating as usual because there are risks that a person may exploit if they are aware of when it is offline.
- Internet Service Restored: The business's internet should be restored as soon as possible. Once the internet is restored, all cards/transactions will be uploaded to the gateway so the processor can approve them. The UTG will automatically switch to online mode once the internet is restored. If the cards/transactions are not uploaded to the gateway at an appropriate time, the merchant will be at risk of being charged more for the transactions, or the approval may drop off completely.
- Verification: The cashier should always check the name and expiration date to ensure they accept a valid card.
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