> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.tazapay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cards

> Accept credit and debit card payments globally with 3DS authentication

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/tazapay-58ae360f/SWJmhDU02-pAjete/images/Cards.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=SWJmhDU02-pAjete&q=85&s=a55558740671328e9576a0082e9d19f9" alt="Cards" className="w-full rounded-xl" style={{ marginBottom: '2rem' }} width="2541" height="1089" data-path="images/Cards.png" />

Accept payments from major card networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and RuPay.

## Card Types Supported

* **Credit Cards**: Revolving credit line with delayed settlement
* **Debit Cards**: Direct debit from linked bank account
* **Prepaid Cards**: Pre-loaded balance with no bank account linkage

## Payment Flow

```mermaid theme={null}
sequenceDiagram
    Customer->>Merchant: Provides card details
    Merchant->>Tazapay: Authorization request
    Tazapay->>Card Network: Routes to Visa/Mastercard
    Card Network->>Issuing Bank: Validates funds/credit
    Issuing Bank->>Card Network: Approval/Decline
    Card Network->>Tazapay: Response
    Tazapay->>Merchant: Authorization result
```

## Authentication Methods

### Standard (Non-3DS)

* Card number, CVV, expiry date
* Faster checkout but higher risk
* Recommended for low-value transactions

### 3D Secure (3DS)

* Additional authentication layer (OTP, biometric, PIN)
* **Frictionless flow**: Risk-based authentication, no user action required
* **Challenge flow**: User prompted for additional verification
* Required for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) in many regions
* Reduces fraud and shifts liability to issuer

## Key Integration Points

* **PCI Compliance**: Use Tazapay's hosted payment page or tokenization to avoid PCI scope
* **Card Networks**: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, RuPay
* **Global Acceptance**: Works in 150+ countries

## Technical Considerations

### For Developers

* Support both 3DS and non-3DS flows based on merchant preference
* Handle authorization vs capture flows for pre-authorization scenarios
* Implement proper error handling for declined transactions
* Use idempotency keys to prevent duplicate charges

## Settlement

### Flexible Settlement Timelines

Settlement timelines are customized based on your business needs and transaction volumes:

* **Same-day settlement**: Available for high-volume merchants
* **Daily settlement**: Standard option for most businesses
* **Weekly settlement**: Common for smaller transaction volumes
* Settlement frequency can be adjusted as your business scales

<Info>
  Settlement timelines are configured during onboarding and can be modified based on changing business requirements. Contact your Tazapay account manager to discuss settlement options.
</Info>

## Use Cases

* **E-commerce**: Online purchases with saved cards
* **Subscriptions**: Recurring billing with card on file
* **High-value transactions**: 3DS required for enhanced security
* **Cross-border payments**: Accept international cards with currency conversion