Payments giants partner to deliver elevated authorization rates
The latest innovation from the North-Visa partnership is set to make many merchants happy in 2026. Visa Real Time Account Updater (RTAU) automates the time-consuming process of updating credit- and debit-card information for card-not-present transactions.
This always-on service monitors and synchronizes customer payment information in real time. When it detects a Visa account with expired or reissued information during payment processing, it automatically inputs the most up-to-date information available.
The game-changing technology makes ecommerce and other card-on-file transactions more efficient and accurate, creating seamless, hassle-free experiences for both customers and merchants.
Visa RTAU also delivers on an even bigger benefit: The increase in correct card data can elevate authorization rates, creating significant boosts in revenue for Visa transactions.
The benefits of being up-to-date
Card-on-file challenges
Staying current is key. Many merchants keep customer card data on file; it provides a reliable, fast way to capitalize on repeat business. Yet staying on top of all that data as cards expire or are reissued can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially if done manually.
Failing to keep card data current can result in declined transactions — Visa estimates that up to 30% of card declines are the result of expired information.
North and Visa have the solution
Enter Visa RTAU. By automating the update process, it cuts back on the number of declines. The inverse benefit of this is better authorization rates. And having more correct information on file means less customer churn from buyers frustrated by failed payments.
On the customer relationship front, Visa RTAU also helps keep the lights on. Literally. Service interruptions for subscriptions, utilities, and digital platforms are less frequent when automated payments go through without a hitch. That means more satisfied customers.
It all translates to better retention rates and elevated loyalty for businesses.
Then there’s the time-is-money angle: Operational efficiency. Merchants using Visa RTAU can reduce the time spent contacting customers, hunting down and replacing outdated card information. That saved time can be invested in growing their businesses.
How Visa RTAU works
The benefits that Visa RTAU brings are compelling. The ways the technology accomplishes them are also noteworthy. The service employs state-of-the-art automation that tirelessly monitors Visa transactions and keeps payment information current.
When a cardholder's Visa information changes, say they reach the expiration date or they’re issued a new card, the bank that issued the card sends these updated details to Visa.
The next time the card is used in a transaction, and that transaction meets the eligibility criteria, Visa RTAU checks its database for the new information. It then automatically updates the transaction to use the new card number or new expiration date in the authorization, which is then passed back to the merchant's processor.
The updated information is used for the transaction, increasing its chances for approval — and reducing the chances it will be declined due to outdated card details.
For the participating merchants and their customers, the process is fast, seamless, and efficient. The only thing a merchant needs to do is enroll in the service through their acquirer or relationship manager. After that, they can enjoy the benefits of Visa RTAU.
All kinds of businesses benefit from Visa RTAU
Online
Any merchant dealing with card-not-present transactions should consider the service. The benefits to those working in ecommerce are many, including faster checkouts, less customer churn, and higher rates of loyalty.
On file
Visa RTAU also offers robust rewards for those whose business involves recurring, card-on-file payments. Subscriptions such as streaming platforms and automated payments set up for utilities benefit from smoother payment experiences — and bring customers uninterrupted enjoyment of these services.
On installment
The popularity of phased payment options such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) gain significant benefit from Visa RTAU. Keeping the card information current for these installment plans helps ensure regular and timely payments and reduces the chances of payment failures.
Chargeback reductions
Visa RTAU identifies accounts that should no longer be billed, enabling an immediate billing cessation that stops repeated attempts on a defunct account.
The service also puts an end to unauthorized disputes. It keeps real-time tabs on account closures that prevent "Unauthorized Transaction" chargebacks before they occur.
Visa RTAU protects you from the fees and administrative burden associated with processing payments on invalid cards.
North can put Visa RTAU to work for your business
Boost authorization rates and your bottom line. Reduce card declines due to out-of-date information. Get back some of the time you spend manually managing card-on-file information. There’s a lot to love about Visa RTAU, and North is where you’ll get the most from it. Want to know more about how this innovative service can benefit your business? Contact us today.
North is a leading financial technology company that builds innovative, frictionless end-to-end payment solutions designed to simplify and grow businesses of all sizes. From the front door, to the back office, the developer world, and partnerships that expand the payments landscape, North offers proactive, comprehensive merchant services, in-house processing, and more.
