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Payments App Store and Forward (SAF) Mode

October 9, 2024

Description

How to take payments while offline using the Store and Forward option in the Payments app

What's in this article?

Store and Forward (SAF) allows you to accept payments in an offline mode when there is a power or internet outage, or when connectivity is known to be unreliable. It enables you to continue to provide a seamless checkout process for your customers during what would be considered "downtime". Transactions "processed" offline are stored and then transmitted (forwarded) for authorization when the device is back online. 

Use cases for SAF:

  • Backup method in case of an outage
  • Outdoor events that may be out of cell tower range
  • Crowded events where a network might be overwhelmed
  • Mobile businesses (e.g., food trucks, field service businesses) that might operate out of cell tower/wi-fi range

Feature availability:

  • SAF is available on Countertop A80 and the Portable A920 standalone terminals only. SAF is not available for POS solutions.
  • SAF functionality is enabled at the time your merchant account is set up. 

SAF risks

Since the device will operate in an offline mode, you are exposed to the additional risk of not knowing if a transaction has been approved or declined at the time you are accepting the transaction. An example of such risk is a transaction that is declined due to insufficient funds or a lost or stolen card. While processing transactions in Store and Forward (SAF) mode, it is strongly recommended that you retain receipts and obtain contact information for each customer in case a transaction does not go through. Additionally, if your device becomes damaged while accepting transactions in SAF mode, you could lose the sales that were stored in your device. 

CAUTION!
Bank of America does not have recourse to fund you for lost sales.

Processing transactions using SAF

Your terminal automatically checks for a network connection at the start of each transaction. If a connection is detected, the transaction will be processed as normal. If no connection is detected, the transaction will be processed offline in SAF mode. You can trigger SAF mode by removing the Ethernet cable from your terminal (if being used) or by shutting off the WiFi connection.

You can store a maximum of 1000 transactions while in SAF mode. Setting for a greater number is not recommended. 

To check connection status

If you are experiencing connectivity issues, you can check the connectivity status of your device.

  1. Drag down from the top of the terminal screen.

    Main app screen
  2. Confirm that the Wi-Fi icon is connected. If the Wi-Fi icon is not highlighted, the device is not connected.

     Wi-Fi connectivity - connected vs not connected
  3. To check other connection types, click the Settings gear.

    Settings gear.
  4. Enter your password.

    Password input.
  5. Under Wireless & Networks, tap More. 

    Wi-Fi settings: More option.

    All connection types will be listed with their status.

    Connection types
To process an offline transaction

Transactions taken while in SAF mode will appear to process as normal; however, you will not know if the transaction has actually been approved or declined.

  1.  On the Payment tab, tap Sale.

     Payments Tab: Sale option.
  2. Enter the sale amount and tap Confirm.

    Sale amount input with confirmation button

A receipt will print with an Approved response, however, the receipt will show Pending Transaction verbiage while the terminal is offline. 

Offline transaction receipt with Pending Transaction verbiage.


IMPORTANT!
Save all receipts. You will not know if the transaction has been approved or declined while in SAF mode.

To upload (or submit/transmit) stored transactions

Transactions will not officially process until you manually upload the transactions in the Store & Forward menu and close the batch.

  1. In the Payments app, tap the FUNC tab.

    FUNC tab.
  2. Tap Store & Forward.

    FUN Tab: Store and Forward option.
  3. Tap Upload Trans.

    Store and Forward Upload Transactions option.
The terminal will process the transactions and print the receipts.
To view SAF transactions

You can view transactions that have been taken while in SAF mode.

  1. Tap the FUNC tab.

    Payments app FUNC tab.
  2. Tap Store & Forward.

    FUNC Tab, Store and Forward option.
  3. Tap Display Trans.

    Store and Forward Display Trans. option

Transaction declines in SAF

Transactions that are declined in Store and Forward mode remain in the terminal until they are resent and approved, or they are removed from the terminal. A batch that includes declined transactions will successfully close, leaving the declined transactions in the terminal. 

Resend failed transactions

You can attempt to resend the failed (declined) transactions by selecting Resend Failed in the Store and Forward menu.

To resend failed transactions

  1. In the Payments app, tap the FUNC tab.

    Payments app FUNC tab.
  2. Tap Store & Forward.

    FUNC Tab Store and Forward option.
  3. Tap Resend Failed.

    Resend Failed option.
Remove a transaction from a batch 

A batch that includes declined transactions will successfully close. Any declined transactions will remain in the terminal and can be resubmitted using Resend Failed. Transactions that remain declined after the Resend Failed attempt will remain in the terminal until they are manually removed/cleared. 

NOTE:
It is recommended that you contact support for assistance with removing transactions to avoid clearing transactions in error.


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