What is batch credit card processing?

When it comes to credit card processing, there are a few different ways merchants can run their transactions. The two main types are real-time processing and batch payment processing. Real-time processing includes processing and settling each transaction the moment it takes place.

On the other hand, batch payment processing is the processing of transactions in a group or batch, where related transactions are grouped together and transmitted en masse for processing, usually by the same computer and under the same application. These batches are an accumulation of captured credit card transactions throughout the day waiting to be settled. Multiple batches can be settled throughout a day; the time period around capturing batches is flexible, depending on the payment solution in use. 

Investopedia defines batch credit card processing as the practice of a merchant processing all of its authorized credit card transactions for the day after the close of the business day, or at a time determined by the credit card processor.

Credit card batch processing is a two-step process for merchants to get paid. The first step takes place at the time of the transaction and includes authorization of the legitimacy and availability of funds on the payment method provided by the customer. During the second step, the merchant sends multiple date elements for every credit card transaction to its payment processor, and the processor categorizes the transactions by the bank that issued each customer’s credit card. The banks then provide the payments to the merchant in a step called settlement.

Batch credit card processing is the practice of a merchant processing all of its authorized credit card transactions for the day after the close of the business day, or at a time determined by the credit card processor.

Say you’re managing a restaurant. Your dining rooms have reopened at full capacity, so business has once again picked up; you have hundreds of guests per day. Whenever one of them is ready for the check, they provide their credit or debit card for payment. The server takes the card, swipes it and returns it in the folio with their receipt and a pen to sign.

Meanwhile, the amount of the check and the customer’s payment card information is sent to the card issuer and, if verified as legitimate and deemed to have sufficient credit available for the purchase, is noted as authorized. Authorization codes and any other necessary data elements for each transaction are stored in one of three ways:

• Using batch credit card processing software
• A payment gateway suitable for batch payments
• The card terminal, until it’s time to process the batch of transactions

While the authorization will happen on the customer’s credit card at the time of purchase, it’s not until the batch processing or settlement that the transaction gets charged to the bank. Later, usually at the end of the day, you then process your batch of transactions. Since banks typically charge a fee for each batch of credit cards processed, many merchants choose to only do batch credit card processing once a day to reduce costs. 

Both batch processing and real-time processing can be viable methods of settling transactions for merchants. With real-time processing, the authorization, processing and settlement all take place when the customer pays. According to PYMNTS.com, “Merchants must determine if the value of faster funding is worth the additional batch and funding expenses, with more deposit entries creating reconciliation challenges to receive their deposits, at times, just a few hours sooner than standard next-day funding.”

But, when real-time processing is supported, merchants may see new programs that don't charge for every real time transaction. And they may pay a higher banking fee for the privilege.

Batch processing differs as it involves only one settlement a day, unless other requirements are needed for the merchant. The benefits to this method include:

• Automated process – This allows your employees to focus on your business rather than taking payments.
  
  
• Easily review transactions – You can refer back to review any transaction from a specific batch with ease.
  
  
• Increased ease in processing recurring transactions – If you bill clients on a set schedule, recurring payments are a huge time-saver.
  
  
• Lower security risk – Processing once a day versus multiple times a day minimizes the contact you have with your processer and keeps your customer’s payment data more secure.
  
  
• Saves on transaction fees incurred when processing – Banks charge each time a merchant processes a transaction through them, by doing it in bulk you are saving on fees.

This is a great option for merchants who have a high volume of payment transactions throughout the day. Also, it’s important to note that, from the customer’s point of view, there’s no difference between batch card processing and a standard transaction.

Related: Guarding your digital doorstep: Data security tools and fraud prevention

Some challenges that can be found with batch credit card processing include higher fees and declines if you forget to batch out at least once within 24 hours.

As mentioned above, there are multiple methods available to process payments, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The best way to decide what method works best for you is to understand the options available and reach out to a payment solutions expert who can recommend the best solution for your business.