The EIRF is a common surcharge that can either be avoided or minimized. This rate is usually applied to transactions that lack proof of compliance or that are not settled within 2 days of the authorization. For example, retail, restaurant and supermarket EIRF occurs if the transaction was voice approved and the batch was closed 72 hours after authorization. Mail or telephone orders through e-commerce merchant accounts will be subject to EIRF if the batch isn’t closed daily or if sales tax isn’t applied to a commercial card. Lodging EIRF will occur if the folio number or check in/check out dates are missing.

EIRF can be avoided through settling batches every night. Transactions that take longer than 48 hours to settle will often default to EIRF. Always enter sales tax as a separate field for commercial card transactions. Ensure a smooth AVS verification through accurately entering the address and CW2 codes. If the transaction amount changes, request a new authorization code to avoid having the final charge mismatching the original authorization. Finally, always avoid keying in a card and forcing verification.

In conclusion, merchant accounts can be successfully managed through clearing transactions at the correct Interchange in a timely manner. This will avoid EIRF and ensure that you maintain the lowest possible processing costs.

Thank you for being a valued customer of Audit Advantage.

Please contact us with any questions.

Thomas Vavrin

Director of Audit Advantage

877-799-2720

[email protected]

www.getauditadvantage.com