Online authorisation can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right options, it can be streamlined and efficient. There are several online authorisation processes available, including API-based authorisation and browser-based authorisation.
API-based authorisation is a popular option, allowing developers to integrate authorisation into their applications through APIs. This process typically involves sending a request to the server for authentication and authorisation.
Browser-based authorisation, on the other hand, uses the browser to handle the authorisation process, making it more user-friendly. This method is often used for single-page applications and mobile apps.
The choice of online authorisation process depends on the specific needs of the application, including the type of application, the level of security required, and the development resources available.
Eligibility and Preparation
To be eligible for online authorisation, you need to meet certain criteria. Your nationality as shown on your passport is one of the factors that determines your eligibility.
Businesses involved in the planned activity can apply on behalf of all participating businesses, or an industry association can apply on behalf of its members.
Before applying, make sure you have the necessary documents ready. You'll need the passport you'll travel with, not a photocopy or digital passport, and access to your emails.
To ensure your application is valid, you must use the approved form for each application type. The approved form is available on the ACCC website, and you can download it as a PDF.
Here's a list of what to include in your application:
- Respond to all items, or explain why an item is not relevant to the application
- Provide answers that are specific, comprehensive, and accurate
- Include supporting evidence and documents
Authorization Process
The authorization process can be straightforward if you know what to expect. Any business involved in a planned activity can apply on behalf of all participating businesses, and industry associations can also apply on behalf of their members.
You can apply online, using the UK ETA app, or by downloading it from the App Store. There's also the option to apply through Esri's website or by email to receive your authorization file.
To authorize additional options or extensions, you may need to provide specific information, such as the feature name, version number, time-out date, registration number, and authorization code.
Authorization Application
To start the authorization application process, you can apply on behalf of all participating businesses. An industry association can also apply on behalf of its members.
The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app, which can be downloaded from the App Store. You can also apply online.
To provide your authorization information, you can use two methods: Authorize with Esri now using the internet or authorize at Esri's website or by email to receive your authorization file.
If you've already authorized the software and want to authorize additional options or extensions, you can select this option and choose the method you want to use to provide your authorization information.
A valid application must be in the form approved by the ACCC, which can be found in the documents. This includes providing answers that are specific, comprehensive, and accurate, as well as including supporting evidence and documents.
If you want to exclude confidential information from the public register, you must provide a public version of the application with enough information to allow the ACCC to consult with stakeholders.
Here's a summary of the steps to prepare the application:
- Respond to all items, or explain why an item is not relevant to the application.
- Provide answers that are specific, comprehensive, and accurate.
- Include supporting evidence and documents.
Following Assessment Criteria
Following assessment criteria is crucial to determine whether an activity will be granted authorization. The criteria vary depending on the type of activity.
For activities that may involve a per se breach of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, we only authorize them if the likely public benefit outweighs the likely public harm. This means that the benefits of the activity must be significant enough to justify any potential harm.
In cases where there are no potential per se breaches, we consider two main factors: whether the planned activity is likely to substantially lessen competition, and whether the likely public benefit outweighs the likely public harm. If the activity is not likely to substantially lessen competition, or if the benefits outweigh the harm, we grant authorization.
Here's a summary of the assessment criteria:
- Activities that may involve a per se breach: likely public benefit outweighs likely public harm
- Activities with no potential per se brea
- Not likely to substantially lessen competition
- Likely public benefit outweighs likely public harm
Options and Adjustments
You have two options for adjusting your online authorization: asynchronous and synchronous adjustment. Asynchronous adjustment is easier to implement, but it's not immediately clear if the adjustment succeeded, so you'll need to set up webhooks to receive updates.
You can use asynchronous adjustment by referring to a payment using the PSP reference you received in the response to your pre-authorization request. This PSP reference is specified in each authorization adjustment request and the final capture request.
Synchronous adjustment, on the other hand, requires more effort to implement, but it allows you to receive the adjustment result immediately. To use synchronous adjustment, you need to pass an adjustAuthorisationData blob from one request to the next, which you receive in the response to your pre-authorization request.
Here's a table showing which Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) allow authorization adjustment for each card scheme:
Card not present: 4011, 4112, 4121, 4131, 4816, 5300, 5310, 5311, 5331, 5411, 5422, 5814, all air transportationVisaAll MCCs except 5542
Authorization adjustment does not work for V Pay cards.
Final Determination
The final determination is a crucial step in the process. We make a final determination after consulting on our draft determination.
The final determination will state whether authorisation is granted and if so, the date on which legal protection starts and ends. This is a key outcome for applicants.
We must make a final determination on new applications for authorisation within six months. Extensions are possible, but only if we've made a draft determination and the applicant agrees.
We publish a media update or media release when the ACCC makes a decision on key authorisations.
Authorization Options
Authorization Options are crucial in various scenarios, and understanding the different types can make a big difference.
There are three main authorization options: installing software and needing to authorize it, already authorizing software and needing to authorize additional options or extensions, and receiving an authorization file from Esri and finishing the authorization process.
If you've already authorized software and want to authorize additional options or extensions, you have two methods to provide your authorization information: browsing to the location of the authorization file or manually entering the information.
The required information for manual entry includes feature name, version number, time-out date, registration number, and authorization code.
You can choose between pre-authorization and final authorization when setting payment requests. Pre-authorization verifies the shopper's account and doesn't debit the account, while final authorization captures the transaction in full.
You can specify the authorization type as additionalData.authorisationType:PreAuth or additionalData.authorisationType:FinalAuth in each payment request.
There are two methods for adjusting authorizations: asynchronous and synchronous adjustment. Asynchronous adjustment requires setting up webhooks to receive updates, while synchronous adjustment requires passing an adjustAuthorisationData blob from one request to the next.
Here's a summary of the two adjustment methods:
Any business involved in a planned activity can apply for an authorization on behalf of all participating businesses, and industry associations can also apply on behalf of members.
Cartes Bancaires
Cartes Bancaires are a popular payment method in France, with over 90% of the population using them. They're essentially a debit card that's linked to your bank account.
Cartes Bancaires are issued by banks and can be used to make purchases online and in-store, withdraw cash, and check your account balance. You can also use them to pay bills and transfer money to friends and family.
To use a Carte Bancaire, you'll need to have a bank account and be at least 18 years old. You'll also need to have a valid government-issued ID and proof of address.
Some Cartes Bancaires come with additional features, such as contactless payments and mobile payments. These features allow you to make payments quickly and easily without having to enter your PIN or sign a receipt.
In France, Cartes Bancaires are widely accepted and can be used to make purchases at many shops and restaurants. However, some businesses may not accept them, so it's always a good idea to check first.
Discover
Discover offers flexible return policies that can be a lifesaver when traveling. Discover allows returns for all purchases, giving you up to 10 days to decide if you want to keep an item.
If you're renting a car or booking a hotel, Discover provides an extended return window of 30 days. This is especially helpful when you're on vacation and need more time to figure out what to do with your purchases.
Discover allows returns for all types of purchases, whether you're shopping online or in-store. This includes purchases made in different environments, such as at home or on the go.
Here's a quick rundown of Discover's return policies:
Payment Methods and MCC
To view your Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) for each payment method, log in to your live Customer Area, switch to your merchant account, select Settings > Payment methods, and find the line for the specific payment method.
You can check the MCC column to see your MCC for that payment method. This information is crucial for understanding which MCC codes authorization adjustment is available for each card scheme.
Here's a breakdown of the MCC codes for which authorization adjustment is available for each card scheme:
Card not present: 4011, 4112, 4121, 4131, 4816, 5300, 5310, 5311, 5331, 5411, 5422, 5814, all air transportationVisaAll MCCs except 5542
Authorization adjustment does not work for V Pay cards.
Merchant Category Code (MCC) and Authorization Adjustment
To view your Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) for each payment method, log in to your live Customer Area, switch to your merchant account, and select Settings > Payment methods.
You can find the MCC column that shows your MCC for each specific payment method.
If you're using American Express, you're in luck - authorization adjustment is available for all MCCs except 5542.
Discover has a long list of MCCs where authorization adjustment is available, including 3351-3441, 3501-3999, 4111, 4112, 4121, 4131, 4411, 4457, 5499, 5812, 5813, 7011, 7033, 7996, 7394, 7512, 7513, 7519, and 7999.
Mastercard also allows authorization adjustment for all MCCs except 5542.
Mexico Domestic (Network MX) has different MCCs for card present and card not present transactions, with card present MCCs including 4722, 5541, 5542, 5812, 5813, and 8062.
For card not present transactions in Mexico Domestic (Network MX), the MCCs include 4011, 4112, 4121, 4131, 4816, 5300, 5310, 5311, 5331, 5411, 5422, 5814, and all air transportation MCCs.
Visa allows authorization adjustment for all MCCs except 5542, but it's worth noting that authorization adjustment does not work for V Pay cards.
Here's a quick reference table for MCCs and authorization adjustment:
Card not present: 4011, 4112, 4121, 4131, 4816, 5300, 5310, 5311, 5331, 5411, 5422, 5814, all air transportationVisaAll MCCs except 5542
Mastercard
Mastercard is a widely accepted payment method that allows for both debit and credit transactions. It's accepted in various environments, including online and offline.
One key aspect of Mastercard is its authorization process. There are two types of authorization: final auth and pre-auth. Final auth is used for transactions where the payment is captured immediately, while pre-auth is used for transactions where the payment is captured later.
If the authorization for a Mastercard transaction has expired, don't worry – it can still be captured successfully. In fact, for domestic transactions in the US and Canada, there's a late capture fee.
Here are the details on the authorization period for Mastercard transactions:
Keep in mind that these periods may vary depending on the specific transaction and location.
Sources
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
- https://www.accc.gov.au/business/competition-and-exemptions/exemptions-from-competition-law/authorisation
- https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization
- https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/server/11.3/install/windows/authorize-arcgis-server.htm
- https://docs.adyen.com/online-payments/adjust-authorisation/
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