# Digital Redemptions
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/digital-redemptions/documentation/index.md

## Overview {#overview}

Digital Redemptions allows Digital Merchants or Issuers to offer points redemption within their checkout, for purchases made by members of participating issuer rewards programs. The APIs detailed under each Use Case allow for the creation of a Digital Redemptions user experience at checkout. The APIs can be used within websites or mobile apps.
![how it works](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/digital-redemptions/img/api.png)
Cardholder finalizes their cart and is ready to checkout. They enter their credit card number into the Merchant-hosted or Issuer-hosted checkout fields.
![how it works](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/digital-redemptions/img/cart.png)
Using Digital Redemptions APIs, the Merchant or Issuer requests eligibility and points balance.
![how it works](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/digital-redemptions/img/points.png)
Cardholder elects to pay with points and charge any remaining balance to their card.
At a later stage, if a refund of the points is required, the Merchant or Issuer can use the APIs to request a credit redemption.
Note: The Mastercard Digital Redemptions product page can be found [here](https://developer.mastercard.com/product/mastercard-digital-redemptions).

## How It Works {#how-it-works}

![How It Works](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/digital-redemptions/img/merchandise/how_it_works.png)

### Point Balance: {#point-balance}

1. Consumer initiates purchase and provides card information at partner website/app.
2. Partner website/app calls Mastercard Digital Redemptions to retrieve point balance using the card information provided.
3. If a valid account is found, Mastercard Digital Redemptions return point balance.
4. Point balance information is displayed on partner website/app.

### Redemption/Cancellation: {#redemptioncancellation}

1. Consumer confirms purchase using the points OR cancellation of an existing purchase.
2. Partner website/app calls Mastercard Digital Redemptions to redeem points OR cancel the redemption.
3. Mastercard Digital Redemptions successfully records redemption OR cancellation of redemption.
4. Mastercard Digital Redemptions sends confirmation upon successful redemption.

### Good to Know {#good-to-know}

* Refer the [Glossary of Terms](https://developer.mastercard.com/digital-redemptions/documentation/glossary/index.md) to know about the cardholder identifiers.
* We have created a [Reference Application](https://developer.mastercard.com/digital-redemptions/documentation/reference-app/index.md) to get you started.
* Refer to the [Use Cases](https://developer.mastercard.com/digital-redemptions/documentation/use-cases/index.md) for additional details on how the API works.
* Refer to the [Quick Start Guide](https://developer.mastercard.com/digital-redemptions/documentation/quick-start-guide/index.md) for additional guidance.

Tip: If you don't have a Mastercard representative, reach out for help from the [support page](https://developer.mastercard.com/digital-redemptions/documentation/support/index.md#get-help).

## Next Steps {#next-steps}

When you are ready to use the APIs, refer to the [API Basics](https://developer.mastercard.com/digital-redemptions/documentation/api-basics/index.md) page for API authentication, and environment details.