Force Post

Force posts (also called "force sales" or "post authorizations") bypass the standard authorization process where the payment terminal or gateway electronically requests and receives real-time approval from the card network. Instead, the merchant manually enters a transaction directly into the batch for settlement, usually including an authorization code obtained through alternative means such as voice authorization from the processor's authorization center. Force posts are used when electronic authorization systems are unavailable due to internet or terminal outages, or when merchants receive phone orders and call for voice authorization.

Because force posts lack electronic authorization data, they carry higher risk and typically result in interchange downgrades that increase processing costs. Card networks classify force post transactions in higher-cost interchange categories because the lack of electronic authorization data prevents validation of security features like AVS, CVV, or EMV chip authentication. The interchange rate difference can range from 0.30% to 0.70% higher than the equivalent electronically authorized transaction. Additionally, force posts carry higher chargeback risk because the merchant bears greater liability when normal authorization procedures weren't followed.

Legitimate uses for force posts include voice authorizations obtained during system outages, offline transactions at venues without connectivity (such as mobile events), and split tenders where a partial authorization requires manual completion. However, force posts should be used sparingly and only when necessary. Excessive force post usage may trigger processor scrutiny, interchange downgrades, or fraud monitoring. Best practices include obtaining proper authorization codes before force posting, including as much transaction data as possible (card number, expiration date, AVS information), and force posting transactions as soon as connectivity is restored to ensure timely settlement within card network timeframes.