> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.smartretry.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Payment Methods

> Supported payment methods and how to specify them in requests.

SmartRetry supports a broad range of payment methods. You specify the payment method using the `payment_method` field inside the `payment_instrument` object in your request body.

## Supported values

| Value              | Payment method                       | Examples                              |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| `cards`            | Credit and debit cards               | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover      |
| `digital_wallets`  | Mobile and digital wallets           | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay    |
| `bnpl`             | Buy Now Pay Later                    | Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm              |
| `online_banking`   | Direct bank transfers / open banking | Faster Payments, SEPA Credit Transfer |
| `rtp`              | Real-Time Payments                   | FedNow, SEPA Instant, PIX             |
| `vouchers`         | Prepaid vouchers                     | Paysafecard, Boleto voucher           |
| `cash`             | Cash-based payment methods           | PayCash, OXXOPay                      |
| `direct_debit`     | Direct debit schemes                 | ACH, SEPA Direct Debit, BACS          |
| `cryptocurrencies` | Crypto payments                      | Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins        |

## Specifying a payment method

Pass `payment_method` inside the `payment_instrument` object:

```json theme={null}
{
  "payment_instrument": {
    "payment_method": "cards",
    "card_number": "4111111111111111",
    "expiry_month": 12,
    "expiry_year": 2027,
    "cvv": "123"
  }
}
```

## Card-specific fields

When using `cards`, include the card details in `payment_instrument`:

| Field          | Required | Description                                        |
| -------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| `card_number`  | Yes      | 13–19 digit primary account number (PAN)           |
| `expiry_month` | Yes      | Card expiry month (1–12)                           |
| `expiry_year`  | Yes      | Card expiry year (2024–2099)                       |
| `cvv`          | No       | Card verification value - optional but recommended |

<Note>
  SmartRetry has access to card details and transaction data as part of the retry and optimization process. All sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
</Note>

## Token-based payments

For a tokenized payment, send the 88-character SmartRetry `token` at the top level of the sale or pre-authorization request. A normal successful payment response does not return a token. Retrieve a stored payment-instrument token from the [transaction status response](/docs/api-reference/payments/status) when available.

Pass the token at the top level:

```json theme={null}
{
  "token": "a8f3k2m9xqv1p7r4t6y8u2i5o9e3w1q0a8f3k2m9xqv1p7r4t6y8u2i5o9e3w1q0a8f3k2m9x"
}
```

This removes the need to re-transmit raw card data, simplifying repeat billing and reducing PCI scope.

## Currency support

SmartRetry supports 50+ currencies using ISO 4217 codes. Pass the currency code in the top-level `currency` field.

<Info>
  Supported currencies include: USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, KWD, CNY, AUD, CAD, CHF, SEK, NOK, DKK, RUB, ILS, INR, BRL, MXN, ZAR, SGD, HKD, NZD, AED, SAR, TRY, PLN, CZK, HUF, THB, PHP, MYR, BGN, RON, IDR, KRW, COP, UAH, VND, QAR, BHD, EGP, MAD, KES, UGX, NGN, OMR, ARS, CLP, JOD, PYG, RWF, and more.
</Info>

## Retry and recovery support

SmartRetry's intelligent retry engine works by analyzing decline reasons and re-routing transactions through a different acquirer, 3DS configuration, or card parameter. Retry coverage varies by payment method:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Best retry coverage" icon="rotate-right">
    `cards` and `digital_wallets` receive the most comprehensive retry logic, including acquirer routing, ECI-level adjustments, and 3DS optimization.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Method-dependent" icon="circle-info">
    `bnpl`, `online_banking`, `rtp`, `direct_debit`, and other methods are subject to the retry capabilities supported by the connected acquirer or provider.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  SmartRetry only retries transactions that have a realistic chance of succeeding. Hard declines - such as stolen card or permanent do-not-honor responses - are not retried to avoid unnecessary processing.
</Note>