Overview
Once Customer Token Vault is active, tokenization happens automatically for eligible transactions. Tokens replace sensitive card data and can be used across supported processors within your account. This reduces the burden of managing stored card info while improving transaction performance.
How Tokenization Works
When a transaction is processed using a new card:
- A request is sent to the card brand (Visa or Mastercard).
- The card brand responds with a secure token.
- That token replaces the card number for future transactions.
- Each tokenized transaction also generates a unique cryptogram.
Only the first qualifying transaction with a card triggers token creation. All future transactions use the token.
Where Tokens Are Used
Network tokens work across:
- Recurring billing and subscriptions
- Card-on-file and Customer Vault use cases
- Multiple supported processors within the same merchant account
- Third-party integrations (like Shopify, QuickClick, QuickBooks, etc.)
Tokens are evergreen and portable within your account—even if you change MIDs or processors (as long as they support network tokenization).
Bulk Tokenization of Existing Cards
If you upgrade from Customer Vault, your existing stored Visa and Mastercard cards will be automatically tokenized in the background—a process called bulk tokenization.
How it works:
- This process begins after your onboarding is complete.
- It runs automatically. No action is required from you.
- Eligible stored cards will be converted to network tokens for future use.
- There is no cost for bulk tokenization during the current promotional period.
Note: There is no visual indicator for when bulk tokenization completes, but tokens will begin appearing in transaction logs once active.
Running a Sale Using Customer Token Vault
- Go to Customer Token Vault → List Customers.
- Search for the customer by Name, Company, or Vault ID, then click Submit.
- Click the credit card icon to start a Sale (or other transaction type).
- Review pre-filled payment info.
- Enter the Transaction Amount and any optional info.
- Click Charge.
You’ll see a confirmation message once the transaction is successful. Transactions processed this way will display the Customer Vault ID in the Customer ID field in your reports.
Transaction Action Types
Here are the available actions you can take from a stored customer record:
| Action | Description |
| Sale | Charges the customer immediately using the saved payment method. |
| Authorize | Authorizes a payment to be captured later. Useful for delayed services. |
| Recurring Subscription | Creates an automatic billing schedule. |
| Invoice | Sends a payment request to the customer via email. |
| Credit | Issues a refund to the customer. |
Using Multiple Billing Methods
If a customer has more than one billing method saved:
- Choose the preferred method when starting a transaction.
- Switch between credit card and ACH depending on your needs.
Other Ways to Use Stored Profiles
You can also use saved customer profiles with:
- Virtual Terminal: For manual, browser-based entries
- Mobile Apps: Like iProcess for mobile payments
- Batch Upload: Process multiple stored payments at once
- API Integrations: Automate transactions through your own systems
API integration allows full customization of your workflow. Speak with your developer or integration team for setup support.
Lifecycle and Cryptogram Details
- Evergreen tokens: Tokens remain valid even if the card expires or is reissued.
- Cryptograms: A unique cryptogram is created for each tokenized transaction. For recurring charges of the same amount, the same cryptogram may be reused.
- Security: If a token is compromised, the card brand can deactivate it without requiring cardholder action.
Common Questions
Will my existing stored cards work after upgrading?
Yes. Stored cards will either tokenize automatically on next use or via bulk tokenization.
Can tokens be reused across multiple processors?
Yes, as long as the processors are supported within your account.
What if a card doesn’t get tokenized immediately?
If tokenization fails (e.g., issuer delay), the system will try again when the card is next used.
Can I see which transactions used a network token?
Yes. Tokenized transactions will be labeled accordingly in your reporting tools.
What happens if a token is compromised?
Card networks can revoke and replace the token without needing to issue a new physical card.
Are tokens ever shared across merchants or platforms?
No. Tokens are exclusive to your account and cannot be transferred.
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance activating or configuring Automatic Card Updater, please contact your Merchant Service Provider.