Visa+ Payname in Create Push Funds Transaction

[RamiC]

Hello Guys,

I have a question regarding Create Push Funds Transaction under Visa Direct API. 

the documentation mentions that we can specify either recipientPrimaryAccountNumber or recipientPaymentCredentialReference whereby recipientPaymentCredentialReference is "Object to carry a payment instrument that is an alternative to PAN or network token e.g. PCI Token Reference ID or Visa+ Payname." can someone what is Visa+ Payname? if I have an alias created (Visa Alias Directory) and linked to a payment credential, what value related to the payment credential is the Visa+ Payname?

Thanks

[SyedSa]

Hi @RamiC, Thank you for reaching out. An agent will get back to you as soon as possible. Until then, if any community member knows a solution, feel free to reply in this thread.

[DianaVisaPM · Accepted solution]

Hey @RamiC,

Visa+ Payname is a feature within the Visa Direct API that allows for the use of an alias (such as an email address or phone number) instead of a traditional Primary Account Number (PAN) for transactions. This alias is linked to a payment credential through the Visa Alias Directory, facilitating transactions without the need to expose sensitive account information.

When using the `Create Push Funds Transaction` endpoint, you can specify either `recipientPrimaryAccountNumber` or `recipientPaymentCredentialReference`. The `recipientPaymentCredentialReference` can include various types of payment instruments, including a Visa+ Payname.

What is Visa+ Payname?
Visa+ Payname is essentially an alias created and registered in the Visa Alias Directory. This alias is associated with a payment credential (like a PAN or network token), allowing you to use the alias for transactions. This provides an additional layer of security and convenience, as users do not need to share their actual account numbers.

Using Visa+ Payname in Create Push Funds Transaction
If you have an alias created in the Visa Alias Directory and linked to a payment credential, you will use that alias as the `recipientPaymentCredentialReference` in your API request.

Here’s an example of how you might structure your `Create Push Funds Transaction` request using a Visa+ Payname:

```json
// START 
{
"systemsTraceAuditNumber": 451001,
"retrievalReferenceNumber": "330000550000",
"localTransactionDateTime": "2023-10-10T12:00:00",
"senderCardExpiryDate": "2023-12",
"senderCurrencyCode": "USD",
"amount": "100.00",
"businessApplicationId": "AA",
"transactionIdentifier": 381228649430011,
"merchantCategoryCode": 6012,
"acquirerCountryCode": "840",
"senderPrimaryAccountNumber": "4012888888881881",
"senderCardExpiryDate": "2023-12",
"recipientName": "John Doe",
"recipientPaymentCredentialReference": {
"paymentInstrumentType": "Visa+ Payname",
"paymentInstrumentReference": "john.doe@example.com" // This is the alias
},
"transactionCurrencyCode": "USD",
"senderName": "Jane Smith",
"senderCountryCode": "USA",
"sourceOfFundsCode": "05",
"recipientAddress": {
"county": "USA"
},
"recipientCity": "San Francisco",
"recipientState": "CA",
"recipientPostalCode": "94105",
"recipientCountryCode": "840",
"senderAccountNumber": "1234567890",
"senderAddress": {
"county": "USA"
},
"senderCity": "New York",
"senderState": "NY",
"senderPostalCode": "10001",
"senderCountryCode": "840"
}
// END
```

Key Points:
- recipientPaymentCredentialReference: This field is used when you want to specify an alternative payment instrument instead of the `recipientPrimaryAccountNumber`.
- paymentInstrumentType: This specifies the type of payment instrument. For Visa+ Payname, you might use a descriptive string like "Visa+ Payname".
- paymentInstrumentReference: This is the actual alias (e.g., an email address or phone number) that has been registered in the Visa Alias Directory.

Make sure that the alias you are using has been correctly registered and linked to the appropriate payment credential in the Visa Alias Directory. This will ensure that the transaction can be successfully processed using the alias.

[RamiC]

Thank you @DianaVisaPM this is what I was looking for, do you know when the Visa+ Payname was introduced as an option for recipientPaymentCredentialReference? 

[DianaVisaPM]

Hey @RamiC,

I understand that you are inquiring about the introduction of Visa+ Payname as an option for `recipientPaymentCredentialReference` in the Create Push Funds Transaction.

Visa+ Payname was introduced as part of Visa's ongoing efforts to enhance and simplify the payment experience for users. The Visa+ Payname feature allows users to send and receive funds using a unique identifier, making transactions more straightforward and user-friendly.

Introduction Timeline:
The Visa+ Payname functionality was officially introduced in mid-2023. This feature was part of Visa's broader initiative to provide more flexible and convenient payment options through their APIs. The exact release date and detailed information can typically be found in the Visa Developer release notes or announcements.

Using Visa+ Payname:
When creating a Push Funds Transaction, you can specify the recipient's Visa+ Payname in the `recipientPaymentCredentialReference` field. This allows the transaction to be routed based on the recipient's unique Payname identifier.

Here is an example of how to use Visa+ Payname in a Create Push Funds Transaction request:

```json
POST https://sandbox.api.visa.com/vdp/helloworld
Headers:
Content-Type: application/json
Accept: application/json
Authorization: Basic <base64-encoded-credentials>

Body:
{
"amount": "100.00",
"currency": "USD",
"recipientPaymentCredentialReference": {
"payname": "john.doe"
},
...
}
```

For more detailed information on using Visa+ Payname, please refer to the Visa Direct API documentation and the specific sections related to Push Funds Transactions. The documentation will provide comprehensive guidance on the required fields, request structure, and example payloads.