Overview

This article guides merchants through the process of voiding transactions using the Authorize.net Merchant Interface. A void cancels an unsettled transaction before it is submitted for settlement, preventing funds from being transferred. This is distinct from a refund, which reverses a transaction that has already settled.

Authorize.net supports two interface versions: the Classic Merchant Interface and the New Merchant Interface 2.0. This article provides separate step-by-step procedures for each interface version. It also covers the criteria for voiding, authorization retention behavior after a void, and known processor-specific limitations for Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and FdiAus connections.

Applies to: Merchants using the Authorize.net Merchant Interface (Classic and New Merchant Interface 2.0).
Does not apply to: Settled transactions, which require a refund instead of a void.

Criteria for Voiding a Transaction

Transactions settle every 24 hours based on the account's batch cut-off time. Only transactions in an unsettled state can be voided.

If the Transaction Has Already Been Settled

If the transaction you wish to void has already been settled, it cannot be voided. Instead, you need to issue a refund transaction to return funds to the customer's card or bank account. For instructions on issuing a refund transaction, see: How to issue a refund transaction? - New Experience (2.0).

If the Transaction Is in Unsettled Status and Pending Settlement

If the transaction you wish to void has been approved and is unsettled and pending settlement, it can be voided.

Note: Once a transaction has been voided, it cannot be reversed.

Voiding a Single Transaction

Select the procedure that matches the interface version you are using.

1. Sign in to the Merchant Interface.
2. Switch into or confirm you are using the New Merchant Interface 2.0.
3. Click Payments in the left navigation.
4. Click Manage Transactions.
5. Click Unsettled under Quick Filters, or click Filter and change the Batch State to Unsettled, then click Apply Filter.
6. Choose the transaction by clicking the Transaction ID.
7. Click Void. A message window appears asking if you would like to continue with the void.
8. Click OK to continue, or Cancel to stop the void process.

Voiding Multiple Transactions at Once

Select the procedure that matches the interface version you are using.

1. Select Group Void from the Bulk Action drop-down menu.
2. Check the box to the left of each Transaction ID you wish to void. You can select a single transaction, multiple transactions on a single page of results, or select all transactions displayed on the page.
3. Click Void Transactions.
4. Click Void on the confirmation window to complete the action.

Understanding Authorization Retention on Voided Transactions

When a transaction is voided, the authorization might still persist. The preauthorized amount, which is reserved against the customer's credit card limit, will remain for a specific period until the card issuer expires it. This duration varies among all card-issuing banks, and you will need to contact them directly to determine their hold times.

Even if the customer has not made a purchase with their credit card, future transactions may be declined because the credit limit has been reached. It is important for merchants to know that normal transaction fees apply for all resubmitted transactions.

Authorize.net does not have the ability to remove existing authorizations held on the customer's credit card. However, you can contact the card-issuing bank with your merchant number and the authorization code to request the removal of held funds. The authorization code can be retrieved by viewing the details associated with the transaction.

HSBC and FdiAus: Voids Not Supported on Authorize Only Transaction Types

Attempts to void an Authorize Only transaction for the processor connections listed below will result in an error and failure to void.

Available Solutions for HSBC and FdiAus Merchants

Merchants using HSBC or FdiAus processor connections have two options to manage unwanted Authorize Only transactions:

• Option 1: Capture the transaction and then submit a Void request.
• Option 2: Allow the transaction to expire. The transaction will remain in the Unsettled Transactions queue until it expires after 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

• • Can I void a transaction that has already been settled?
  • No. Once a transaction has settled, it cannot be voided. You must issue a refund transaction to return funds to the customer's card or bank account. For instructions, see: How to issue a refund transaction? - New Experience (2.0)
• • Can I reverse a void after it has been submitted?
  • No. Once a transaction has been voided, it cannot be reversed. Confirm all details before proceeding with a void.
• • Which interface version should I use to void a transaction?
  • Both the Classic Merchant Interface and the New Merchant Interface 2.0 support voiding transactions. The navigation steps differ between the two versions. Refer to the procedures in this article that match your interface version.
• • Why is the voided transaction still showing as a hold on my customer's credit card?
  • When a transaction is voided, the authorization may still persist temporarily. The preauthorized amount remains reserved against the customer's credit limit until the card issuer releases it. The duration of this hold varies by card-issuing bank. Contact the card-issuing bank directly with your merchant number and the authorization code to request removal of the held funds.
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