Checking to see if CC is valid

[Wstar]

I need to check to see if the credit card is valid.  If I do a "authOnlyTransaction" does this show up on the customer bank account as pending?  I will not be processing a transaction to go with the "authorize only".  I simply wish to check and make sure the credit card is valid.  I guess my question is, would the "authOnlyTransaction" work as a method?

[TJPride]

That's an interesting question. The documentation doesn't seem to say whether validation mode uses a full transaction or just an authorization, though I always assumed it was authorize and capture, since authorizations are invisible and there wouldn't necessarily be a point to voiding a $0.00 transaction (Visa). No damage is going to be done by doing a full authorize and capture, in any case, since you're immediately voiding, so you may as well be on the safe side and use that mode.

Be interested to hear from a mod on this one.

[TJPride]

This post would seem to indicate the proper precedure is authorization only and then void:

http://community.developer.authorize.net/t5/News-and-Announcements/Authorize-Net-Support-of-Visa-Man...

Just updating this thread for more accurate information. Would still like to hear from a mod as to whether capturing the $0.00 or $0.01 authorization would be damaging in some way.

[Trevor]

Just to clarify, it is the "Authorization" that actually holds the funds on the customer's account.  Essentially, the customer's bank returns an Authorization Code which represents the funds that are approved for you.  The "Capture" request tells us to go ahead and settle out the transaction and begins the process of actually transferring those held funds.  You are correct that the best method is to authorize for the smallest amount possible ($0.01 on most cards, $0.00 on Visa) and then void the authorization immediately.