---
title: "External Approval Flow"
source_url: https://docs.rapyd.net/en/external-approval-flow.html
lang: en
---

# External Approval Flow

Some integrations require the calling app to perform its own card verification (for example, a store loyalty card) and then tell Core whether to approve or decline.

### How it works

1. Start the transaction with `WAIT_FOR_APPROVAL = "true"` in the parameters.
2. Core reads the card and broadcasts `ACTION_CARD_DATA` with card details.
3. Your app performs its own verification logic.
4. Your app calls `sendApprovalResult` to tell Core to approve or decline.
5. Core finalises the transaction and broadcasts `TRANSACTION_RESULT_ACTION`.

```java

// Step 1 — start the transaction and request a pause for approval
HashMap<String, String> params = new HashMap<>();
params.put(Parameters.WAIT_FOR_APPROVAL, "true");
params.put(Parameters.AUTO_VOID_ON_APPROVAL_TIMEOUT, "true"); // auto-void if you don't respond
Api.startTransaction(amount, TransactionType.SALE, params, context);
// Step 2 — receive card data in your BroadcastReceiver
case Messages.ACTION_CARD_DATA: {
    String cardData = intent.getStringExtra(Messages.CARD_DATA);
    String uti      = intent.getStringExtra(Messages.TRANSACTION_UTI);
    // Perform your own verification...
    break;
}
// Step 4 — send the approval decision
Api.sendApprovalResult(context, true);   // true = approve, false = decline
```

> **Note:**
>
> If `AUTO_VOID_ON_APPROVAL_TIMEOUT = "true"` and `sendApprovalResult` is not called within the timeout window, Core automatically voids the transaction.

### Update amount (discount cards)

If your verification logic results in a price change (for example a discount), call `sendUpdatedAmount` before calling `sendApprovalResult`:

```java

Api.sendUpdatedAmount(context, discountedAmount);
Api.sendApprovalResult(context, true);
```