Skip to main content
Refunds and voids reverse previous transactions through PCI Booking’s Universal Payment Gateway (UPG). Neither operation requires card data or a token. They reference the original transaction.

​
Void

A void cancels a pre-authorization before it has been captured. No funds were transferred, so the hold is simply released.
  • Submit the original transaction reference.
  • The PSP releases the hold on the cardholder’s funds.
  • Only works on uncaptured authorizations.
Use a void when a booking is cancelled before fulfillment, or when an authorization is no longer needed.

​
Refund

A refund returns funds from a completed transaction, either a charge or a captured authorization. The PSP processes the return using the original transaction details.
  • Submit the original transaction reference and the refund amount.
  • Full or partial refunds are supported.
  • The PSP credits the cardholder’s account.

​
Timing: When to Void vs. When to Refund

The key distinction is whether the transaction has been settled (funds transferred from the cardholder’s bank to the merchant’s bank).
  • Before settlement: Use a void. The authorization hold is released and no funds move. Settlement timing varies by PSP but typically happens at end of day or within 24 hours.
  • After settlement: Use a refund. The PSP initiates a credit back to the cardholder’s account. Refunds may take several business days to appear on the cardholder’s statement, depending on the issuing bank.
If you attempt a void after settlement has already occurred, the PSP will reject it. In that case, submit a refund instead. Some PSPs automatically convert a void request into a refund if settlement has passed, but this behavior is not universal.

​
Partial Refunds

You can refund less than the full transaction amount by specifying a lower value in the Amount field. Partial refunds are useful for scenarios such as:
  • A guest shortens their hotel stay and is owed a partial credit
  • One item in an order is returned while others are kept
  • A service fee is waived after a complaint
Some PSPs support multiple partial refunds against a single transaction, up to the original charge amount. Others allow only one refund per transaction. Check your PSP’s documentation for their specific partial refund policy.

​
PSP-Specific Considerations

PCI Booking routes void and refund requests to the PSP that processed the original transaction. Each PSP has its own rules and limitations:
  • Void windows. Some PSPs allow voids only within a few hours of the original authorization, while others allow voids until end-of-day settlement.
  • Refund timeframes. Most PSPs allow refunds for up to 180 days after the original charge. Some extend this to 365 days.
  • Currency handling. Refunds are processed in the same currency as the original charge. Cross-currency refund adjustments (due to exchange rate changes) are handled by the issuing bank, not PCI Booking.
  • Transaction references. The GatewayReference you submit must match the reference returned by the PSP in the original charge or capture response.

​
Key Points

  • No card data involved. Both operations reference the original transaction, not the card token.
  • Same UPG endpoint. Voids and refunds use the same Universal Payment Gateway as charges and authorizations.
  • PSP handles the reversal. PCI Booking routes your request to the correct PSP based on the original transaction.
  • Idempotency. Submitting the same void or refund request twice may result in a duplicate reversal, depending on the PSP. Use unique references and check the transaction status before retrying.

​
Next Steps

Charge

Process charge transactions.

Authorize & Capture

Two-step payment processing.