validate_card Method
Checks the card number and expiration date for validity.
Syntax
def validate_card() -> None: ...
Remarks
This method performs several checks on customer information to determine if the card information submitted could be valid. This should be done before submitting an actual transaction for authorization. The tests performed are listed below:
| Luhn Digit Check | This process checks the digits of the card_number to make sure that it could be a valid card number. The mathematical algorithm used to determine validity is outlined in the Visa External Interface Specification: Authorization Record Formats Version 5.8, page 63. |
| Card Type Check | This process checks the length and the beginning digits of the card_number to determine if it is a valid card type. The results of this check is stored are the card_type and card_type_description properties. |
| Expiration Date Check | The date given in card_exp_month and card_exp_year is compared to the current system date to make sure that the card is still valid. |