What does credit authorization verify?

Credit authorization serves the critical purpose of verifying that a customer's credit card is valid and has sufficient funds or credit available to cover the cost of a transaction. When a customer initiates a purchase using a credit card, the authorization process checks with the issuing bank to confirm that the card has not been reported lost or stolen, that the card number and other details provided are accurate, and that there’s enough credit limit or account balance to complete the purchase.

This verification process is essential to prevent fraudulent transactions and to ensure that the customer is financially capable of completing the purchase, thereby protecting both the merchant and the customer.