Network
DiscoverCode
ATResponse window
30 calendar daysWin difficulty
HardDispute type
AuthorizationDiscover AT — Authorization Non-Compliance: What It Is and How to Respond
Discover AT is filed when a transaction was processed without proper electronic authorization — no authorization request was sent and approved, or the authorization obtained doesn't correspond to the settled transaction. AT is Discover's equivalent of Visa 11.3 (No Authorization). Every transaction must have a corresponding authorization from the card issuer. If there's no authorization on record — or the authorization doesn't match the settlement — AT can be filed.
AT disputes include several scenarios: a transaction was processed offline without authorization; an authorization was declined but the merchant processed the transaction anyway; the authorization obtained has a different amount or account number than the settled transaction; or authorization was obtained but the transaction was settled too long after authorization (which falls under AT for Discover, unlike Visa which uses a separate code for late presentment).
Common reasons you received this dispute
- 1Transaction processed in offline mode without authorization
- 2Authorization was declined but transaction was processed anyway
- 3Authorization obtained for a different amount than the settlement amount
- 4Settlement submitted after the authorization had expired
- 5Voice authorization code obtained but not recorded correctly in the settlement
Can you win this dispute?
Fight this dispute if...
- ✓You have a valid authorization record with matching approval code, amount, and timing
- ✓The authorization code was obtained and recorded correctly
Accept this chargeback if...
- ✗No authorization exists
- ✗Authorization was declined and you processed anyway
- ✗Settlement amount materially differs from authorized amount
Evidence checklist
- ✅ Required
Authorization record showing approval code, authorization date, amount, and account number.
- ✅ Required
Settlement record showing matching details to the authorization.
- ⭐ Strongly recommended
Processor logs showing the authorization request and response.
How to write your response
Your response must demonstrate that a valid electronic authorization was obtained and that the settlement matches it. Lead with the authorization approval code, then show the settlement record confirming the same amount was submitted within the authorization's valid period.
“We are writing to dispute Discover chargeback [reference] under reason code AT. Authorization approval code [CODE] was obtained on [date] for [amount]. Exhibit A is the authorization record showing the approval. Exhibit B is the settlement record confirming the transaction was submitted within the authorized parameters. We respectfully request reversal of this chargeback.”
Key deadlines
Response window: 30 calendar days from the notification date.
How to prevent this chargeback
- 1
Never process a transaction after receiving a Decline or Pickup response: The only correct action is to stop the transaction.
- 2
Always record the authorization approval code in your transaction records: This is your primary proof that authorization was obtained.
- 3
Submit settlements within the authorization validity period: Typically 5–7 days for card-present transactions.
- 4
Use a payment gateway that automatically declines settlement of expired or declined authorizations: This eliminates the most common AT triggers at the system level.
Frequently asked questions
What is Discover AT?
Discover AT is filed when a transaction was processed without proper authorization, or when the authorization obtained doesn't correspond to the settled transaction. It covers declined-but-processed transactions, offline transactions, and expired authorization settlements.
How do I prove authorization for a Discover AT dispute?
Provide your authorization record showing the approval code, date, amount, and account number — and a settlement record showing these match. Your payment processor can usually pull these records.
What if I processed a transaction offline?
Offline transactions (processed without real-time authorization) are high AT risk. Discover requires electronic authorization for all transactions when authorization systems are available. If you consistently need offline capability, discuss your processor's offline authorization protocols.
How is Discover AT different from Visa 11.3?
Both cover authorization non-compliance. The dispute logic and evidence requirements are essentially identical. The practical difference is network — Discover AT affects your Discover transactions while Visa 11.3 affects Visa transactions.
Related reason codes
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