What is an avs mismatch?

An AVS (Address Verification System) mismatch occurs during a credit card transaction when the billing address provided by the customer does not match the address on file with the issuing bank. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as typographical errors, recent address changes, or different formatting between the two addresses.

AVS mismatches are typically flagged by the merchant's payment gateway or processor as a potential fraud risk, as they suggest that the person making the purchase may not be the legitimate cardholder. In many cases, the transaction will be declined or flagged for further verification before being approved.

To prevent AVS mismatches, customers should ensure that they provide their billing address accurately and consistently when making online purchases. Merchants can also take steps to reduce the risk of AVS mismatches by adjusting their fraud prevention settings and closely monitoring suspicious transactions.

Overall, AVS mismatches are a common occurrence in online transactions, but they can usually be resolved quickly and easily by confirming the customer's identity and verifying their billing address.