Networks

Card processing networks act as an intermediary between an acquirer and an issuer in the authorization of credit card and/or debit card transactions. Card Networks offer important services to Acquirers and their merchant clients by their participation in SIGIS through the authorization of FSA/HRA debit card transactions and ensuring they meet the IIAS requirements. Card Networks also ensure Card Issuer’s and Plan Administrators that IIAS transactions are only generated from a Certified Merchant.

Networks have access to the following programs once a SIGIS membership is established:

SIGIS IIAS Transaction and Data Retention Specification

SIGIS requires any network that uses and supports the SIGIS Technical Specification to process IIAS transactions to become certified.

IIAS Certification

To become certified a Network must complete the Network Self-Assessment Certification form and a technical testing checklist. Once the certification form and checklist are completed, the Network will submit it to SIGIS for approval. A Network will not be permitted to claim that it supports IIAS transactions using the SIGIS standard until it has been certified to the IIAS standards developed and approved by SIGIS. Key components that a Network must support are:

  • Message specifications of participating Card Network transactions must contain all of the required FSA amount fields and an IIAS flag indicating an IIAS system was used. The message format should also support partial authorizations to improve the handling and acceptance of FSA and HRA card transactions. PIN Networks must support the Cash Back Amount field. In addition, a transaction control process must be in place to ensure that IIAS certified merchant transactions are properly identified to card issuers.
  • Each network that supports the SIGIS 90% standard will need to define identification fields/values that uniquely identify each merchant store location. These values are then entered by the merchant during the registration process and transmitted to the issuer. These values will be used during the authorization process to identify SIGIS 90% Registered Merchants.

SIGIS provides additional support through our Help Desk that is available to answer any questions regarding the programs listed above.

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Related FAQs

Networks are only required to be SIGIS certified if they wish to use the SIGIS standards for IIAS and 90% transaction processing to support FSA / HRA cards for SIGIS certified merchants.  Networks that are not SIGIS certified, that process FSA / HRA card transactions across their network will see high card declines as the issuer / plan administrator will not have the required information to approve the transaction per IRS regulations for support an IIAS or 90% system.

Card processing networks act as an intermediary between an acquirer and an issuer in the authorization of credit card and/or debit card transactions.

SIGIS requires any network that uses and supports the SIGIS Technical Specification to process IIAS transactions to become certified.

Below are the steps to obtain, complete and submit a Network Certification.

  1. Click the Login and enter login information.
  2. Click the Access IIAS Forms link on the right hand side of the page.
  3. A new window will open, select the Network Certification tab.
  4. Complete the form and submit.

No, the certification requirements are the same for both network types.  For those organizations that support a PIN network and a signature network, a separate certification must be completed for each network type. 

NOTE: The certification process for both network types is the same; however there may be a difference in the standards requirements. Click here to view the IIAS Transaction Specification.

SIGIS will post an updated member network list on a weekly basis.

As a paid member of SIGIS in good standing, a network is able to confirm the status of its SIGIS Network Certification by visiting the  SIGIS Member Networks page. If the Network is listed as “Certified” then the network has completed the certification process.