What does a response of "Y" signify in the AVS process?

In the Address Verification Service (AVS) process, a response of "Y" signifies an exact match on both the street address and the zip code provided. This response confirms that the information entered by the customer precisely matches the information on file with the credit card issuer or bank. An exact match is critical for merchants as it helps to reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions, confirming that the person making the purchase is indeed the cardholder.

This precise verification is key in ensuring the integrity of transactions, as it supports the authentication of the cardholder's identity against the address provided. By confirming that the address matches exactly, it allows merchants to have greater confidence in processing the payment securely. In various contexts of fraud prevention strategies, this level of certainty can influence whether a transaction is approved or flagged for further review.