Overview
Customer Vault is a secure feature that allows you to store customer payment information safely, making it easier to process future transactions. By using tokenized data instead of handling actual card numbers, you reduce your security risks and simplify compliance.
This is especially useful for businesses with repeat customers, recurring billing needs, or those looking to avoid storing payment data locally.
What Is Customer Vault?
Customer Vault is a secure tool that stores your customers' payment information—such as credit card or bank account details—using encrypted tokens. These tokens can be used to process payments without re-entering the full payment information each time.
Key Benefits:
- Secure Tokenization: Keeps actual card data off your systems.
- Supports Credit Card and ACH (Electronic Check) payments.
- Works with One-Time, Recurring, and Membership Billing.
- Reduces PCI Scope: Minimizes compliance requirements.
- Automatic Card Updater: Updates expired or replaced cards.
Common Use Cases:
- Subscriptions or membership services
- Repeat clients with ongoing invoicing
- Mobile or web-based transactions
How Customer Vault Works
Customer Vault works by turning your customers' payment info into a secure token that you can use for future charges. Here's how it works:
- You (or your customer) enter in payment details (credit card or bank account numbers).
- The information is safely stored and converted into a secure token called a Customer Vault ID.
- You use this Vault ID to process future transactions—no need to collect or store the full payment data again.
- You can charge customers through tools like the Virtual Terminal, iProcess, Batch Upload, or an API.
- If you're also using the Automatic Card Updater (an optional advanced feature), card details can be kept current automatically when cards expire or are reissued.
This setup improves security and makes it easier to manage payments for returning customers.
How to Activate Customer Vault
If Available to You:
- Log in to your Merchant Portal.
- Go to Marketplace Apps → App Store.
- Locate Customer Vault and click Enable.
- Alternatively, go to Customer Vault from the sidebar menu and click Enable Customer Vault.
Once enabled, you can begin storing customer profiles and processing tokenized transactions immediately.
Note: If you don't see the option, contact your Merchant Service Provider to request access.
Common Questions
Can I store CVV codes in the Customer Vault?
No. CVV codes are never stored, in compliance with card network rules. They may be used in the first transaction but are not saved.
Is there a limit to how many records I can store?
There’s no limit to the number of customer profiles, but each profile can only contain up to 255 billing or shipping methods.
What’s the difference between Customer Vault and Customer Token Vault?
Customer Vault uses merchant-specific tokens. Customer Token Vault (if available) uses network-issued tokens with added features.
Need Help?
If you need help activating or accessing the Customer Vault, please contact your Merchant Service Provider.