Process a Batch Payment
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Overview
Batch payments allow you to process multiple card payments simultaneously by uploading a CSV file.
This guide will run through setting up the batch template, taking the payments and the reporting methods.
You can find the guide to Batch requests here.
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You can process batches in different currencies; the chosen currency applies to the whole batch. |
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We have added multiple layers of checks and security to our batch payment feature to ensure that it is fast, secure and accurate. Due to these security checks, the card must have been processed previously on Blink to generate the secure key needed (Blink unique reference (BUR)) . You can initiate a verify transaction on the virtual terminal or by sending a payment link to obtain this without charging the customer. |
Navigation
You can find Batch payments under the Payments tab on the left-hand navigation bar (Payments → Process a batch payment).
How does it work?
Within the Batch payment section, you can upload new batches and view your batch history.
Batch Upload
Select your Merchant ID from the drop-down list.
You can download a CSV template file by clicking the 'Download .csv Template' button. The template contains five columns, Name, Email, Blink Unique Reference, New amount, and New ref.
Select the currency you want to charge the batch in.
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Multiple currenciesIt is possible to process batches in different currencies, but the chosen currency applies to the entire batch. Blink facilitates the possibility of accepting payments in multiple currencies. When you set up a merchant account with us, you will be asked in which currencies you would like to process transactions. You can request additional currencies with Support. |
Filling in the template
The Blink unique reference (BUR) is a secure token created for each transaction, enabling refund, re-run, and Batch payments.
Finding the Blink Unique Reference
There are different methods available to find a customer's BUR. You can use any of the following methods:
Export a report
We recommend exporting a CSV report from the Blink card transaction page to easily gather all necessary information (name, email, BUR) to populate the template.
Columns needed on the exported report: Customer email (column D), Customer name (column E), and Blink unique reference (column S).
Once this is added, you can add the new amount to be charged and the new reference for the transaction.
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Report example |
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Transaction details |
Manually from Transaction History
You can retrieve the BUR from a specific transaction by clicking the dropdown menu on the Recent or Blink card transaction pages and copying the information over alongside the name and email of your customer.
Once this is added, you can add the new amount to be charged and the new reference for the transaction.
Using your own CRM/systems
If you have your own CRM or any other system, you can export a report containing the name, email, amount, and reference data (depending on the type of information you are storing). You can obtain the BUR by using any of the methods mentioned above.
Upload
Your template is now ready to upload - if you wish, you can save it with a relevant name (e.g. Jan '25 Batch).
Select 'Choose file' and choose your filled-out template on the Batch payments page, then press 'upload file'.
.png?version=2&modificationDate=1650292363137&cacheVersion=1&api=v2&width=34){kind=small} Reviewing your upload |
After uploading the file, Blink will display a summary of the batch which includes the number of transactions to be processed, as well as the name, email, amount, and reference for each.
You can easily spot any identified issues as the relevant row will be highlighted.
If you hover over a highlighted row, more information on the identified issue is displayed. You can still process the batch despite these warnings.
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Please note that you cannot use payment details (BUR) from a MID that is not associated with your Blink account. |
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Explanation of the Warning Messages
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If you notice an issue with the batch details that you wish to rectify, you can make the necessary changes to the original uploaded file. After that, you can re-upload the corrected file for processing using the 'Choose file' and 'Re-upload file' buttons.
The process takes approximately one minute, and the page will refresh upon completion.
Should you leave the page at any point after upload, you can return to the stage you left off by going to the Batch history page, finding the batch name (the name you gave to the file uploaded), and selecting 'Preview & Charge'.
You can also cancel the batch from here.
.png?version=1&modificationDate=1650292275168&cacheVersion=1&api=v2&width=34){kind=small} Charging the batch |
Once the batch has been reviewed and ready to be processed, select 'Charge'. Once you confirm this, Blink will process the batch, and the status will be 'pending - queued'.
This process usually takes a few minutes, and Blink will refresh periodically and display an update.
You can continue using other Blink areas while your job processes. You can check the progress via the Batch History page, where the status will be 'pending - queued'.
After completion, the Batch history status will change to finished, and you will be able to access the full status report.
Batch Status Report |
After the batch is completed, the status report will display the transaction status for each line.
At the bottom of the page, there is a summary that displays the number of successful and declined transactions.
There is also an 'Export Report' button, which allows you to download a detailed report. This report serves as a merchant receipt for Batch Payments and contains all the information (and more) that would appear on your regular Blink merchant receipt.
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Batch Statuses
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The customer will receive the regular receipt as usual.