F37—RETRIEVAL REFERENCE NUMBER: A 12-digit alphanumeric value generated by the Acquirer that initiates the transaction.
The RRN information must be printed on the POS receipt or the ATM slip.
What use does the RRN have for the cardholder?
RRN (Retrieval Reference Number) is the reference number that allows a transaction to be located. Since it appears on the POS receipt or ATM slip, when the cardholder or merchant contacts the bank about a transaction, this number allows the transaction to be found quickly.
In which processes is it used?
- Refunds and cancellations: When a merchant cancels or refunds a sale, the original transaction is identified by its RRN.
- Chargebacks/disputes: The transaction disputed by the cardholder is identified by its RRN in correspondence between banks.
- ATM complaints: In cases such as cash being withdrawn from an ATM but not dispensed, transaction records are examined using the RRN on the slip.
- Reconciliation: A merchant can use the RRN as a common key when comparing their own sales records with the bank's records.
Why must it appear on the receipt?
If the RRN does not appear on the receipt, locating the transaction requires searching using several pieces of information together, such as the date, time, amount, and the last digits of the card number. This can lead to the wrong transaction being found, especially when multiple transactions of the same amount are made on the same day. For this reason, card schemes and banks require the RRN to be printed on the receipt.
It is recommended to keep it
Keeping receipts for significant transactions, at least until the statement has been checked, speeds up the resolution of any potential issue.
