Note: This document will be updated periodically as new features and functions are added to the Flex platform. 

The Finix Flex (Flex) platform provides software companies interested in taking payments in-house with a simple and scalable payments strategy. Flex is a lightweight entry into the payment facilitation model. 

This document is a high-level overview of the Flex platform. This document includes API interactions and functionality, as well as workflows. This guide is organized into three sections: 

1. Creating a merchant
2. Creating a buyer
3. Processing payments

Processing payments 

The lifecycle of a transaction includes the following events: 

1. Card authorization and sale 
2. Settlement

Creating an authorization 

An authorization (also known as a card hold) reserves a specific amount on a credit card to be captured at a later date. The creation of an authorization creates a transfer. A transfer represents the flow of funds to or from a payment instrument. A transfer can have four possible state values: PENDING, SUCCEEDED, FAILED, or CANCELED.

Note: The creation of an authorization can be completed via the Flex APIs.          

Capturing an authorization 

When the authorization is captured, funds are transferred to a resource.  The transfer state value is updated from PENDING to SUCCEEDED. 

Creating a sale 

Note: The creation of a sale can be completed via the Flex APIs.          

Creating a settlement 

A settlement represents a collection of transfers to be paid out to a specific Merchant. Settlements are created daily.