What is an ARN (Acquirer Reference Number)? And why it matters for your business

Key takeaways

• An Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) tracks card transactions across banks.

• ARNs help speed up refunds, resolve disputes, and improve payment visibility.

• With Airwallex, you can easily find ARNs and manage transactions globally.

If you accept credit or debit card payments, you’ve probably come across an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) without realizing it. This small but powerful number helps you track transactions across banks, solve payment issues faster, and deliver a better customer experience.

An ARN acts like a tracking number for card payments. It gives you and your customers visibility into where a transaction is at any point in the payment flow. That means less guesswork, faster refund resolutions, and stronger evidence if you ever need to contest a chargeback.

This guide'll explain exactly what an ARN is, how it works, where to find it, and why it matters for your business.

What is an ARN number?

An Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) is a unique identification code assigned to every credit or debit card transaction as it moves through the credit card processing network. It acts like a tracking number, linking the merchant’s bank, the payment processor, and the card issuer so the transaction can be followed from start to finish.

With an ARN, you can trace a payment, refund, or transfer across banking systems in real time. Unlike internal transaction IDs, which stay within your payment platform, ARNs are recognized across the wider payment network. This makes it easier to manage payments, resolve customer queries, and get faster answers when something needs checking.

What are ARNs used for?

Speed and clarity matter when you're trying to solve a payment issue. That is where an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) can make a real difference. It lets you track a card transaction through the banking system and quickly find out where it stands.

Businesses use ARNs every day to:

• Track payments, refunds, and transfers across different banks

• Find out why a refund has been delayed and fix it faster

• Resolve customer disputes by showing proof that a payment was processed

• Work more closely with banks and payment providers when something needs investigating

• Reassure customers that their payment or refund is moving as it should

Using the ARN, you can avoid long back-and-forth conversations and give your customers quicker, more precise answers.

Where to find an ARN number

The ARN for a transaction can usually be found in your payment gateway portal or merchant dashboard. It often appears alongside the payment status or refund confirmation details. If it isn't immediately visible, your payment processor should be able to provide it on request.

In Airwallex, for example, you can find the ARN on the payment details page.

For customers, the ARN isn't always shared automatically. If a customer asks about a refund or payment status, you can retrieve the ARN from your system and pass it on to them. Some banks also include ARN details in transaction reports, but the fastest route is usually through the merchant.

Keeping easy access to your ARNs can help you move quickly when customers need updates, or when you need to follow up with your bank or payment provider.

Why ARN is good for both merchant and customer

Access to an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) benefits both sides of the transaction. It brings more transparency to the payment process and makes it easier to solve issues when they arise. For merchants, ARNs make it much simpler to track payments and refunds, reducing the time spent managing customer inquiries. If a customer raises a dispute, you can quickly provide the ARN as proof that the transaction was processed or the refund was issued. This helps you resolve disputes faster and strengthens your customer service by offering clear, timely updates.

ARNs give customers more control and visibility. Instead of waiting and wondering when a refund will arrive, they can use the ARN to check directly with their bank. This cuts down on confusion and builds trust, showing that your business takes their concerns seriously. When both sides can see exactly where a transaction stands, it leads to faster resolutions and better experiences all around.

Keep your transactions on track with ARN

Card payments can feel like they vanish into the system once they leave your checkout. With an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN), you and your customers never have to guess where a payment stands. You get real visibility across banks, faster answers when refunds or disputes arise, and a better way to build customer trust.

At Airwallex, we help businesses of every shape and size track their transactions more easily. Whether you're running an eCommerce store, a subscription business, or a growing online marketplace, our global payments platform gives you the tools to increase conversion rates, reduce costs, and improve cash flow. With extensive local payment method coverage, unique like-for-like settlement capability, and integrated financial operations in a single platform, we’ll help you confidently manage payments and customer experiences.

Tracking individual payments might seem small, but it can make a big difference when it matters most.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the significance of an ARN number in payment processing?

An ARN lets you track a card payment as it moves between banks. It provides visibility across the payment network and helps merchants and customers resolve issues faster.

How long does it typically take to receive an ARN for a transaction?

An ARN is usually generated once the payment network fully processes the transaction. In most cases, this happens within a few hours of the original payment or refund.

Can a customer directly use an ARN to track their purchase with the card network?

Yes. Customers can contact their banks, provide the ARN, and ask the bank to trace the transaction or refund using that number.

What should a merchant do if they cannot locate the ARN for a specific transaction?

If the ARN isn't visible in your payment dashboard, contact your payment processor or acquiring bank. They can retrieve it for you.

Is the ARN the same as a transaction ID or order number?

No. A transaction ID or order number is specific to your payment platform or website. The ARN is a network-level tracking code used across banks to trace card payments.