Transaction completion with Credentials-on-File (COF)

The introduction of the Credential-on-File (COF) guideline not only changes the way of handling recurring transactions, but also offers you new possibilities.

Sometimes you have to split a one-off transaction over a certain period of time because your service / goods are temporarily not available at the time of the order. Instead of creating a new transaction, you want to complete it after the delivery.

The COF ruleset allows you to do so, even without the necessity to create an ALIAS during the initial transaction – which will reduce the efforts involved in your daily online transaction business!

  • Completing a transaction is possible 7 days after the initial transaction
  • Although this period can be longer (up to 30 days) depending on the payment method and the specific operation, we recommend performing the completion within 7 days. This will guarantee a maximum success rate

a. Initiate the transaction

Send the following parameters along with your transaction request (Please check our dedicated chapter in the Alias Manager documentation for more information). 

Parameter Value Description
REQUESTCOMPLETIONID Y Indicates that the transaction will be completed at a later point
COF_INITIATOR CIT A transaction initiated by a cardholder
COF_TRANSACTION FIRST First of a series of transactions
COF_SCHEDULE UNSCHED An unscheduled transaction

After successful completion of the transaction, we will provide an additional parameter in the transaction feedback (COMPLETIONID). We will store all the necessary card data in our database, which will enable you to complete the transaction by using this COMPLETIONID at a later point. 

b. Complete the transaction

As soon as you want to complete the transaction, send the following parameter in addition to the standard COF parameters as a maintenance request via DirectLink or Batch

Parameter Value Description
COMPLETIONID Alphanumeric (36 characters)

A technical Alias that points to the initial transaction.

For a batch operation please send this field at position 58. Find the positions for the other parameters here

AMOUNT Amount to be paid.

Remaining amount to be paid. MULTIPLIED BY 100 since the format of the amount must not contain any decimals or other separators.

OPERATION SAL / SAS

Instructs our system to capture the remaining amount.

COF_INITIATOR MIT Indicates that the transaction is initiated by the merchant
COF_TRANSACTION SUBSEQ Indicates that this is a subsequent transaction on the initial order
COF_SCHEDULE UNSCHED An unscheduled transaction