Short answer
A card network service that automatically updates stored card numbers and expiry dates when a customer's bank reissues their card.
Visa and Mastercard both run updater services. They matter most for subscription businesses, where an expired card means a failed renewal. Your processor queries the service and refreshes stored cards before the next charge.
When you switch processors, check that the new one supports account updater and that your stored cards are migrated in a way that keeps working. See how to switch from Stripe without losing customers or cards.
Part of our guide to how to switch from Stripe.
Related terms
- Network tokens: Replacement card numbers issued by Visa or Mastercard for a specific merchant, which stay valid when the physical card is reissued.