Network
VisaCode
11.3Response window
30 calendar daysWin difficulty
HardDispute type
AuthorizationVisa 11.3 — No Authorization / Late Presentment: What It Is and How to Respond
Visa 11.3 covers three distinct but related authorization failures: (1) no authorization was obtained before processing; (2) the authorization code doesn't match or is invalid; (3) late presentment — the transaction was submitted for settlement more than 30 days after authorization. All three scenarios result in the same chargeback: the merchant processed a transaction without a valid, current authorization.
The most common trigger for e-commerce merchants is late presentment: authorization was obtained when the order was placed, but settlement wasn't submitted until weeks later (often for pre-orders, delayed shipments, or batch processing issues). Visa requires settlement within 30 days of authorization. The most common trigger for card-present merchants is voice authorization codes that weren't properly recorded or an authorization that was obtained but not tied to the settlement record.
Can you win this dispute?
Fight this dispute if...
- ✓You have authorization records with a valid, matching approval code showing the settlement was within 30 days.
- ✓A data mismatch occurred — the authorization exists but was coded differently in your records.
Accept this chargeback if...
- ✗No authorization exists.
- ✗Settlement was more than 30 days after authorization.
- ✗The authorization code does not match the settlement record.
Evidence checklist
- ✅ Required
Authorization record with approval code, date, amount, and account number: The complete authorization record demonstrating a valid approval was obtained and that the settlement amount and account match the approved transaction.
- ✅ Required
Settlement record showing submission within 30 days of authorization: Your settlement record with a timestamp demonstrating the transaction was submitted for clearing within 30 calendar days of the authorization date.
- ⭐ Strongly recommended
Processor logs confirming authorization was active at time of settlement: Processor-side confirmation that the authorization code was valid and had not expired when the settlement batch was submitted.
Key deadlines
Response window: 30 calendar days from the notification date.
Settle within 30 days of authorization. For pre-orders and delayed shipments, re-authorize at shipment rather than using the original order authorization.
How to prevent this chargeback
- 1
Use daily automatic batch settlement: Configure your payment gateway to settle transactions automatically each day. This eliminates the risk of authorizations aging past the 30-day limit due to manual oversight or delayed batch processing.
- 2
For pre-orders, re-authorize at shipment: Never use the authorization from the original order if you won't ship within 30 days. Obtain a fresh authorization at or near the time of shipment, when you are ready to settle. This is the standard approach for pre-order and made-to-order businesses.
- 3
Record authorization codes in your order management system: Store the authorization approval code, date, and amount against every order. This makes it easy to verify that settlement occurred within the authorization window and provides documentation if a dispute is filed.
- 4
Set up alerts for unsettled transactions approaching the 30-day limit: Configure your system or payment processor to alert you when authorized transactions have not been settled as the 30-day deadline approaches. Catching these before expiry is far easier than dealing with the resulting chargeback.
Frequently asked questions
What is Visa 11.3?
Visa 11.3 covers three related authorization failures: no authorization was obtained before processing; the authorization code doesn't match or is invalid; or late presentment — the transaction was submitted for settlement more than 30 days after authorization. All three result in the same chargeback: the merchant processed a transaction without a valid, current authorization.
What is late presentment and when does the 30-day clock start?
Late presentment means you obtained an authorization when the order was placed but didn't submit the transaction for settlement within 30 days of that authorization. The 30-day clock starts at the date and time the authorization was obtained — not the order date, not the shipping date, but the moment the authorization approval code was issued. After 30 days, the authorization expires and settling against it triggers 11.3.
How do I prevent Visa 11.3 for pre-order businesses?
For pre-orders and delayed shipments, do not authorize at the time of order if you won't ship within 30 days. Instead, re-authorize the card at or near the time of shipment. The authorization you obtain at checkout expires — use a fresh one when you're actually ready to settle. This is the standard approach for pre-order merchants and eliminates late presentment risk entirely.
How is Visa 11.3 different from Visa 11.2?
Visa 11.3 covers situations where no authorization was obtained at all, the authorization expired (late presentment), or the authorization code doesn't match — essentially, the transaction lacked a valid current authorization. Visa 11.2 is different: it specifically covers cases where a Decline response was received but the transaction was processed anyway. 11.3 = no valid authorization; 11.2 = decline was ignored.
Related reason codes
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