---
title: Advanced authorization flow
slug: concepts/cards/issuing-models/integrated-issuing/advanced-authorization/advanced-authorization-flow
description: The entire transaction authorization flow for advanced authorization, from merchant initiation to final reconciliation.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-08-28T09:51:43.520Z
---

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/IQDApJ8x3gkpEK274YKij-phknBN-yD5jQo-PfAsVfm-20250910-095855.png)

1. The cardholder taps, swipes, or enters card info at the merchant’s terminal or app  using a Cross River card from a partner who has been certified for Advanced Authorization. 
2. The merchant sends transaction data to its acquirer processor.
3. The acquirer processor formats the request and requests authorization from Cross River via the appropriate card network (Visa, Mastercard).
4. The card network forwards the transaction request to the issuer processor associated with the BIN on the card for real time authorization.
5. The transaction request is received by Cross River, who in turn reaches out to the partner to request an authorization. 
   - For Direct mode this occurs with every transaction.
   - For Assist mode, this occurs only when the account in Cross River doesn't have sufficient funds to complete the transaction.
6. Authorizing transactions.
   - For Direct mode the partner holds the balance and will authorize each transaction based on the cardholder’s balance and potentially other business rules (account standing, fraud, withdrawal limits, etc.). 
   - For Assist mode, if there are enough funds, Cross River will authorize the transaction without having to verify with the partner. If there are not enough funds Cross River requires approval from the partner.
7. The card issuer or issuing processor responds with an approval or decline decision to the card network. 
8. The card network routes the decision back to the acquirer processor. 
9. The merchant receives the response — and the transaction is approved or declined at the point of sale. 
10. At the end of each day, the partner [reconciles](docId:01dCqwxq22LUp2Dl3HP1_) their daily operation and updates account records in Cross River. This includes:
    - Receiving a reconciliation file from Cross River to ensure all transactions were received and processed correctly.
    - Updating any accounts at Cross River to ensure the balances are kept up to date with the partner's ledger.