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How card-on-file payments work

What to expect when your card is saved for future payments – including how we keep your card details secure, how the card will be used, and how to update or query a saved card.

Written by Chris Carty

When your card is saved for future payments, this is known as a card on file arrangement. This guide explains what that means for you – how we keep your card details secure, how your saved card will be used, and what to do if you have any questions.


🔒 Your card details are safe

Adfin does not store your card credentials anywhere in our systems.

  • When you save a card, we exchange your card details for a unique token that represents your card.

  • We store the token, not your card number.

  • Whenever a payment is taken from that card, we exchange the token with the card schemes (Visa, Mastercard, and so on) to process the transaction securely.

This is the industry-standard tokenisation approach used by card schemes worldwide – your actual card number never sits in Adfin's systems.


💳 How your saved card will be used

  • Once your card is saved, it can be charged for future payments by the business or individual providing services to you.

  • You'll always be notified by Adfin at least 1 working day in advance of any card payment being taken automatically from your account.


📝 Questions or need to update your saved card?

If you have any queries about a saved card, or you'd like to update the card details on file, please reach out to the business or individual you're paying directly. They can make changes on their side and get in touch with Adfin if needed.

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