Restrictive vs Extended
Exploring MRS request types.
Last updated
Exploring MRS request types.
Last updated
There are two different types of requests you can make to MRS:
restrictive
extended
You specify which type you want with the type
parameter.
The Restrictive call can be used to populate a statement view of transactions.
Its main purpose is to return merchant names and logos.
Characteristics of the Restrictive call
Does not rely on the Google Maps Platform APIs.
The caching rules are determined by Snowdrop.
Match rates will typically be lower as compared to the Extended call.
Returns what is needed to populate a statement view of transactions.
name
The merchant name.
website
The website for the merchant (if appropriate).
Img (logo)
logoImg (string):
categoryImg (string):
A logo for the merchant, if one is found. If a logo is not found a general category icon is returned.
A logo for the merchant, if one is found. (Does not return a category icon).
A category icon for the merchant. These can be customised by the bank.
cachePolicy
An indicator for the caching rules for the returned information.
logoScore
An indicator as to the likelihood that the returned image is a logo.
categorisation
Categorisation is returned when the merchant has been found in the Snowdrop Top Merchants database.
ID
This is an optional transaction identifier that can be sent to Snowdrop. If sent, it is returned. This is to allow for linking up the returned information with other systems.
The Extended call is used to populate a statement view of transactions.
Its main purpose is to return a map location (when appropriate) for the transaction. It also returns categorisation and other information.
The typical architecture is to present a statement view (list of transactions) first and then allow the user to press (or click) on a transaction to get more info. This is when the Extended call is used.
Characteristics of the Extended call
Relies on the Google Maps Platform.
The caching rules are determined by Google.
Match rates will typically be higher as compared to the Restrictive call. This is because the Google Places database is very comprehensive.
Includes everything provided by the Restrictive call.
Includes the address, map coordinates, categorisation and more.
See the API specification for more details.