What is the primary function of the Card Authorization System (CAS)?

The primary function of the Card Authorization System (CAS) is to validate and authorize transaction requests. This system plays a crucial role in the payment processing chain, ensuring that a transaction can be completed securely and without fraud. When a consumer uses a card for a purchase, the CAS checks various parameters, such as the availability of funds, the card's validity, and whether the transaction fits within the cardholder's spending patterns.

When a transaction is initiated, the CAS communicates with the issuing bank to ensure that the cardholder has sufficient funds and that the transaction is legitimate. If everything checks out, the CAS authorizes the transaction, allowing it to proceed. This process helps in minimizing fraud, ensuring that unauthorized transactions are declined, and protecting both the cardholder and the merchant.

While the other options focus on different aspects of card management or transaction reporting, they do not encapsulate the core function of the CAS, which centers on the immediate validation and authorization process necessary for successful card transactions.