Issuer action codes
Issuer action codes (IAC)s are EMV data objects. EMV cards store three issuer action codes:
- Denial
- Online
- Default
Each IAC contains a series of bits, set by the card issuer, which correspond to the bits in the Terminal verification results (TVR). This data object is used in the terminal's decision whether to accept, decline or go on-line for a payment transaction. IACs are a means for the card issuer to decide under what circumstances a card should be rejected. For example, some card issuers may decide that expired cards should be rejected, by setting the appropriate bit in the Denial IAC. Other issuers may want the transaction to proceed on-line so that they can in some cases allow these transactions to be carried out. There are corresponding Terminal action codes which are logically ORed with the Issuers action code, to give the transaction acquirer a level of control over the transaction outcome.