What is a characteristic of a deferred clearing transaction?

A characteristic of a deferred clearing transaction is that it may be cleared through a different system than it was authorized. This means that when a transaction is initially authorized, it does not have to settle or clear using the same network or system that processed the authorization. This flexibility allows for efficiency in processing and can accommodate various payment networks or systems that may be involved in transaction settlement.

The distinction between authorization and clearing is crucial here. Authorization confirms that the payer has sufficient funds or credit before the transaction is completed, whereas clearing involves finalizing the transaction and transferring the funds between institutions. By enabling clearing through a different system, it allows organizations to optimize their payment processing and potentially reduce costs.

In contrast, other options present characteristics that do not accurately describe deferred clearing transactions. For example, a requirement for immediate payment or face-to-face interaction does not align with the nature of deferred transactions, which involve a postponement of settlement. Furthermore, the notion that it is always authorized by the same system doesn't hold true, as the key feature here is the ability to clear through different systems.