Payment Account Reference

Payment Account Reference (PAR) provides an aggregated view of a Card Member’s account activity across different payment formats. Developed by EMV Co, it is a non-financial reference generated by American Express Network Services that is associated with a Primary Account Number (PAN). PAR links the PAN and associated tokens to allow acquirers and Merchants to comply with their obligations and provide value-added services to Card Members.

Why it’s great

How it works

1

Through this API, the Merchant requests a PAR for a Card Member's 15-digit American Express Account Number

Through this API, the Merchant requests a PAR for a Card Member’s 15-digit American Express Account Number.

2

American Express returns a PAR

American Express returns a PAR.

3

The Merchant uses the PAR to link the different Card numbers associated with an Account

The Merchant uses the PAR to link the different Card numbers associated with an Account.

Technical Highlights

• The PAR value for an account remains the same throughout the life-cycle.
• Leverages Public (Client ID) and Private (Secret) key pair and HMAC Authentication.
• Encrypted communication via TLS.
• Restful API with JSON format for data exchange.

What You Need To Go Live

• Comply with the use-cases outlined in Why It is Great.
• Terms and Conditions provided by Client Manager or Payment Consultant must be signed by an Authorized Signatory
• Adhere to the SDLC process within American Express for Developers
• Protect data using standard information security methods the same way they would protect other American Express data, according to local and regional laws and regulations.