Address Verification Service 

Address Verification Service (AVS) is a security procedure that issuing banks perform during credit card authorization. Using this service, the billing address that a buyer enters when placing an order is compared to the address on file at the bank. AVS checks if the numeric address and zip code match what is on file. The system returns a match/no match AVS flag to Paypal. Note that regardless of the AVS flag, the credit card will be authorized by the issuing bank.  Paypal passes the flag to Four51, and we will either allow the order to pass or fail based on the AVS settings on your active Four51 Merchant Account.  Many sellers prefer to ignore the AVS result, knowing their B2B customers are unlikely to use a fraudulent card to order branded marketing products.  However, Four51 recommends enabling  the AVS check for B2C eCommerce sites.

Four51 will set up alternate merchant accounts for your convenience (one with AVS and one without AVS) and you can switch them at any time.  If you are having numerous address failures on a buyer site you can switch to the "No AVS" merchant account, and orders will be accepted.  If you do not see the alternate merchant account, or need help locating it, please submit a support case and Four51 will complete the set-up.

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Labels: verify, security, fraud, credit card, merchant account