Where to Find an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN)

When a financial transaction occurs, especially a refund, it moves through a network of banks and processors. An Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) serves as a unique identifier for these transactions. It helps trace the journey of a payment or refund through the financial system.

Understanding the ARN

An Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) is a unique, typically 23-digit number assigned to a credit or debit card transaction. It is generated by the acquiring bank (the merchant’s bank) as the transaction begins its journey through the payment network. The ARN connects the merchant’s bank to the cardholder’s bank (the issuing bank).

The ARN provides a specific tracking number for a transaction, particularly for refunds. It allows all involved parties—the merchant, acquiring bank, card networks (like Visa or Mastercard), and issuing bank—to monitor the transaction’s progress. An ARN differs from a transaction ID, which merchants use for internal tracking. This identifier helps resolve discrepancies or delays during the payment or refund process.

Locating Your ARN

Finding your Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) is not always automatic, as it is rarely provided on standard receipts or bank statements. Your first point of contact should be the merchant who initiated the refund. Merchants often have access to the ARN through their payment processing platforms and can provide it upon request.

If the merchant cannot provide the ARN, your bank or card issuer is the next resource. While ARNs are not typically listed on monthly bank statements, some banks may include them in online banking portals or transaction details within their mobile apps. You will likely need to directly contact your bank’s customer support.

When contacting your bank, provide specific transaction details: the exact date, amount, and merchant’s name. This information helps the bank locate the ARN for your refund. ARNs are usually generated a few business days after a refund has been processed by the merchant’s bank, so it may not be immediately available.

Using Your ARN

Once you have obtained your Acquirer Reference Number (ARN), it is a valuable tool for tracking a refund’s status. The ARN serves as a specific reference point your bank or card issuer can use to trace the refund’s journey through the payment network. Providing this number enables your bank to pinpoint the refund’s location, expediting inquiries.

The ARN is useful in resolving delayed or missing refunds. When communicating with your bank about a refund inquiry, presenting the ARN allows them to investigate the matter with greater efficiency and accuracy. This identifier shows the refund was initiated by the merchant and is moving through the financial system. It helps streamline communication and provides a clear audit trail for the transaction.