1.2 Level 2 and 3 Data Files

1.2.1 XML File Contents

Thredd can supply you with daily XML files that contain clearing data where there are relevant Level 2 and 3 data entries. The schemes provide this clearing data to Thredd in raw message form. Upon receipt, Thredd parses the data, modifies it in a standard format across all the supported schemes, and adds additional Thredd-specific data before building the Level 2 and 3 data XML files/reports. Thredd then delivers the XML files through sFTP Secure File Transfer Protocol. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a popular unencrypted method of transferring files between two remote systems. SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol, or Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a separate protocol packaged with SSH that works in a similar way but over a secure connection.. The clearing data follows the standard clearing cycles for the schemes (see Card Scheme and Gateway Provider Considerations).

sFTP files are deleted from the Thredd sFTP server after two calendar days. They are stored on our archive server for a limited period.

1.2.2 Sending Schedule

Thredd can send files of generated reports at a time that meets your business requirements. You can choose the InitiationTime, ToTime and FromTime settings. The following table summarises the time settings:

GenerationTimes and TransportationTimes determine the DeliveryTime of the report. The DeliveryTime depends on the number or volume of transactions in the file that passed from the report InitiationTime. The Initiation, From and ToTimes are selectable (FromTime = ToTime over a 24h period).

Card Scheme and Gateway Provider Considerations

You should consider the clearing cycles for the different schemes when selecting the Level 2 and 3 XML file generation times. The following summarises the clearing cycles:

• Mastercard — There are six clearing cycles per day, seven days per week. After each clearing cycle, Mastercard sends Thredd clearing files, which contain the settlement data. Data from cycles 5-6 from the night before and 1-4 from current day form a compete settlement day picture for most regions. These contain all the information you need to reconcile your settlements with Mastercard.

• Visa — Visa provide two clearing files (Domestic and International) each day. For International visa cycles, different timings exist for some regions (For example, Australia and Hong Kong). There is a maximum file size where, for the largest clients, it is possible that more than one Domestic and/or International file will be received on the same day. Visa domestic cycles start at 9 am, while international cycles start at mid-day. The clearing cycles run seven days a week.

• Discover — There are three sets of files sent by Discover from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 2 pm GMT. The files include:

  • Issuer Interchange (main clearing file for presentments and disputes)

  • Issuer Detail (settlement amounts and presentment fees)

  • Issue Disputes and Fee (chargeback updates and fee collection records)

  There are also monthly Sysops files which hold cycle parameters and daily foreign exchange files. Discover receives the SysOps files on the last Friday of each month.