Update Merchant AVS Mode
Merchants
Update Merchant AVS Mode
Update the Address Verification System (AVS) mode for a merchant
PUT
Update Merchant AVS Mode
Endpoint
Overview
Use this endpoint to update the AVS (Address Verification System) verification mode for a merchant account. AVS helps prevent fraudulent card transactions by verifying the cardholder’s billing address.Authentication
Path Parameters
string
required
The merchant account ID
Request Body
string
required
Must be
"merchants"string
required
Must be
"AVS"string
required
AVS mode to set:
"Standard"- Requires ZIP code match"Strict"- Requires full address match"Disabled"- No AVS verification
Example Request
Response
Success Response (200 OK)
Code Examples
AVS Mode Comparison
Understanding AVS
Standard Mode
Standard Mode
Requirements: ZIP/postal code must match billing address on file with card issuerPros:
- Good fraud prevention
- Minimal customer friction
- Industry standard
- Won’t catch address fraud if ZIP is correct
Strict Mode
Strict Mode
Requirements: Street address AND ZIP code must matchPros:
- Maximum fraud prevention
- Comprehensive address verification
- Protects high-value transactions
- Higher false decline rate
- More customer friction
- Legitimate typos cause failures
Disabled Mode
Disabled Mode
Requirements: No address verificationPros:
- No customer friction
- Faster checkout
- No legitimate decline from AVS
- Minimal fraud protection
- Higher chargeback risk
- May violate compliance requirements
Important Notes
Immediate Effect: AVS mode changes apply immediately to all new transactions. In-flight transactions use the mode active at the time they were initiated.
Best Practices
- Monitor Fraud Rates: Track chargeback rates after AVS changes
- Consider Your Industry: High-risk industries should use Strict mode
- Test Changes: Test AVS impact on legitimate transactions before switching modes
- Customer Communication: Inform customers about address verification requirements
- Gradual Changes: When increasing strictness, monitor conversion rates closely
When to Use Each Mode
Use Standard when:- Running general e-commerce
- Balancing security and conversion
- Processing medium-value transactions
- Selling high-value items ($500+)
- Operating in high-fraud industries
- Experiencing elevated chargeback rates
- Regulatory requirements demand it
- Processing known/trusted customers
- Running internal testing
- Accepting only low-value transactions
- Having comprehensive alternative fraud tools
Next Steps
Get Merchant Details
Verify updated AVS settings
Create Payment
Process payments with your AVS configuration

