When a buyer pays by card, the charge isn't approved by Conekta alone: the bank that issued the card is also involved. Understanding that journey helps you interpret the statuses in the Conekta Panel and explain to the buyer what's happening with their payment.
What happens at the time of payment
- Capture: the buyer enters their card details in your Checkout, Payment Link, or integration. Conekta transmits them encrypted; you never store them.
- Authorization: Conekta sends the request to the issuing bank, which validates funds, limits, and security signals, and responds within seconds whether it authorizes or declines.
- Confirmation: if the bank authorizes it, the payment appears in your Conekta Panel as Paid and the amount is added to your balance pending payout.
Why the issuing bank is involved
The issuing bank is the one that knows the buyer's account: only it can confirm that there are funds, that the card is active, and that the purchase fits its customer's usual behavior. That's why the same payment can be accepted by Conekta and still be declined by the bank.
When a payment goes into review
Some authorized transactions go through an additional fraud-prevention check before being confirmed. It's a normal step that is usually resolved quickly; the details are in What it means when a payment is under review.
Next step
Check Which cards can I accept to learn about the brands and types available for your business.