Understanding DART Files: Payment Processing

In the payment industry, a DART file (Daily Activity Report and Transaction file) typically contains a detailed report of all payment transactions processed by a payment gateway or processor over a given period, usually daily. This file is essential for reconciliation and financial reporting, helping merchants, acquirers, and processors to track and manage payment flows efficiently.

A DART file generally includes:

  • Transaction Details: Information about each transaction, such as amount, date, time, currency, and payment method.
  • Merchant Information: Details about the merchant(s) involved in each transaction.
  • Fees and Costs: Any associated processing fees, interchange fees, or other charges applied to the transaction.
  • Status Codes: Indicators of whether each transaction was successful, declined, or pending.
  • Settlement Information: Details on when and how funds are transferred to the merchant’s account.

DART files are crucial for ensuring that payments align with expected totals, detecting discrepancies, and providing a clear audit trail for compliance and reporting purposes.