This article applies to merchants who need to activate Rapid Dispute Resolution (RDR) in Chargeback.io but do not have 4 Visa ARNs.
This article explains how to create qualifying transactions to generate ARNs.
What to Know Before You Start
RDR enrollment with ARNs requires at least 4 Visa ARNs.
If you don't have 4 Visa ARNs, then you can use one of these paths:
Create qualifying transactions to generate ARNs
Enroll with acquiring BINs and CAID instead
Use this article only if you want to generate ARNs.
If you want to enroll with acquiring BINs and CAID, then use the BIN and CAID guide. This article does not explain how to get or submit acquiring BINs and CAID.
Creating ARNs
This section explains how to generate ARNs by creating qualifying Visa transactions:
Charge your own Visa card 4 times for $1.
You can use the same card for all 4 charges.
You can also create a single-use discount code for 99% off and use it to create the transactions.
Wait for each transaction to settle.
Refund each transaction after it settles.
Wait for your processor to generate the ARNs.
The ARNs can appear after the refund posts.
If you refund the transaction too early, then the processor can treat it as a reversal. If the transaction becomes a reversal, then no ARN will appear.
Read Before Creating Your Own Transactions
This section explains the rules that affect ARN generation.
1. ARNs vs. Other Refund Identifiers
Some processors show a refund reference that looks similar to an ARN. For example, it may show STAN. Do not use a STAN or another short trace number in place of an ARN.
Make sure refunds are on transactions settled using Visa cards to prevent STANs from generating.
2. Time for ARNs to appear
Processors don't all show ARNs at the same time. Some processors show ARNs immediately. Others show ARNs only after refund processing.
If your processor delays ARN display, then the ARN can appear within 24 to 72 hours after the refund posts.
If you do not see ARNs after a few days, then contact your processor.
3. Other notes
You can create the transactions in any currency.
If your Shopify store is based in France, then Shopify doesn't show ARNs in the merchant UI. Contact Shopify Support to request them.
Transactions can take at least 1 hour to settle and become refundable.
4. Terms used for ARNs on different platforms
Some processors use a different field name for an ARN.
Search your processor dashboard for these terms:
Processor | Alternative Name for ARN |
Most Processors | ARN (Acquirer Reference Number) |
Oceanpayment | Query Numbers |
Authorize.net | Reference Number |
Use BINs and CAID Instead of ARNs
If you don't want to create transactions to generate ARNs, then you can enroll in RDR with acquiring BINs and CAID instead.
For getting BINs and CAID, use the guide below:
FAQs
Can I Use ARNs That Start With 8?
Can I Use ARNs That Start With 8?
No. All ARNs must begin with a 2 or 7.
ARNs that begin with 8 belong to Mastercard transactions. RDR supports Visa transactions only, so Mastercard ARNs are not valid.
Can I Use Old ARNs?
Can I Use Old ARNs?
All ARNs must be from transactions within 90 days.
Will Partially Refunded Transactions Provide ARNs?
Will Partially Refunded Transactions Provide ARNs?
Yes, if an order is partially refunded, it will provide an ARN.
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