Transaction File Data Elements, Formats and Guidelines

Each Transaction file is composed of the basic elements (data subdivisions) listed below:

  • Transaction Header Data and Transaction Data
  • Customer/Shopper Data
  • Line Item Data
  • Tender Data

Because the Transaction file is very large, each of its elements is described in a separate subsection below. (The first part of the Transaction file is described in The Transaction Header and Transaction Data Elements.) For each element, a table lists the data fields associated with that element. Not all data fields listed in the tables below are required in the transaction file. Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Notes:

  • Only the Transaction file is discussed element by element; other files are described as a whole, and all supported data are described in a single table.
  • Check each subsection below for crucial details about using the data in that element.
  • Note that the custom/shopper data element, described in Customer Data, is used to convey and update customer information, including data regarding the customer's loyalty program membership.