What is included in the Acquirer's Reference Number (ARN)?

The Acquirer's Reference Number (ARN) primarily contains information that aids in tracking a transaction as it moves through the payment processing system. Specifically, the ARN is used to identify the path of a transaction from the cardholder's issuing bank to the merchant's acquirer.

The bank identification number within the ARN helps in pinpointing which bank processed the card transaction, while the processing date indicates when the transaction took place. This information is crucial for efficient transaction tracking, providing clarity during disputes, and enabling communication between different banks and payment processors. By maintaining a standardized reference number, it enhances the overall effectiveness of transaction settlements and assists in reconciliation processes.

This focus on tracking and processing clarity explains why the inclusion of the bank identification number and processing date is pivotal in the ARN, making it the most accurate choice. Other options involve elements that may pertain to transactions but do not align with the ARN's function or content.