Restrictive vs Extended

Exploring MRS request types.

There are two different types of requests you can make to MRS:

• restrictive

• extended

You specify which type you want with the type parameter.

Restrictive

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.

Example UX for Restrictive calls:

Information returned by a Restrictive call:

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.

Extended

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.

Example UX for Extended call:

Information returned by the Extended call:

Includes everything provided by the Restrictive call.

Includes the address, map coordinates, categorisation and more.

See the API specification for more details.

Data Flow Diagram: Restrictive vs Extended