Reason code

Visa reason code 11.3 is used when a transaction is processed without obtaining any authorization from the issuer. Visa requires that all merchants request and receive approval before completing a charge, regardless of whether the transaction is card-present or card-not-present.

This type of dispute is often caused by system misconfigurations, skipped prompts, or manual workarounds that bypass authorization. Even if the customer made the purchase, failure to obtain proper authorization makes the merchant liable for the chargeback.

‍

If you did receive a valid authorization, submit documentation showing that the transaction was approved:

• Provide the authorization code, timestamp, and system logs confirming the request and approval

• If the transaction was below the floor limit and didn’t require authorization, provide proof of your policy or agreement with the acquirer

Make authorization a mandatory part of every transaction—no exceptions:

• Ensure your payment systems are properly configured to request authorization every time
  
  
• Train staff to never bypass the authorization process, even for familiar customers
  
  

‍