Clarification/Follow-up by shrikantv on 04/25/06 12:52 pm:
Hi excon,

I understand that it comes from the bank.
But what I dont really understand is the way it work. After the card is swiped, a call is placed on the card swiping machine. This number placed, I think, is a common number. Or is the number placed depending on the card read? Again, debit cards are also affiliated to visa/mastercard/maestro etc. So are the end banks reached or is this visa/mastercard network that validates the debit card.

Thanks for your prompt reply,
Shrikant

Clarification/Follow-up by shrikantv on 04/25/06 12:52 pm:
Hi excon,

I understand that it comes from the bank.
But what I dont really understand is the way it work. After the card is swiped, a call is placed on the card swiping machine. This number placed, I think, is a common number. Or is the number placed depending on the card read? Again, debit cards are also affiliated to visa/mastercard/maestro etc. So are the end banks reached or is this visa/mastercard network that validates the debit card.

Thanks for your prompt reply,
Shrikant

Clarification/Follow-up by excon on 04/25/06 7:47 pm:

Hello again:

I believe that it is the BANK rather than the visa/mastercard network that validates a debit card. As I said in my answer, I believe that a credit card purchase is approved by the credit card network.

excon