# Support
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/easy-savings-specials/documentation/support/index.md

## FAQ {#faq}

### General {#general}

Easy Savings Specials Merchant Offers API is a global platform that offers redemption-based merchant deals for SMEs. By using a Mastercard branded business card, SMEs gain access to offers that help them save both time and money. Mastercard promotes these offers through the issuer's microsite, eliminating the need for SMEs to search for deals online, and increasing program awareness and usage. The Easy Savings Specials Merchant Offers API uses [OAuth 1.0a](https://oauth.net/core/1.0a/) for authentication. The Easy Savings Specials Merchant Offers API is available in over 130 countries and supports 21 languages. As availability and language support are subject to change, contact your [Mastercard Product Support Team](mailto:easysavings_specials_API@mastercard.com) for the latest details.

### Onboarding {#onboarding}

**Pre-requisites:**

* [Mastercard Developers Account](https://developer.mastercard.com/account/log-in)
* [Java 17](https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#java8) or higher
* [Apache Maven 3.9](https://maven.apache.org/download.cgi) or higher

**Application Configuration:**

* Create an account at [Mastercard Developers](https://developer.mastercard.com/account/sign-up).
* Download the reference application and check the **README.md** file to configure and run the application. Refer to [Reference Application](https://developer.mastercard.com/easy-savings-specials/documentation/reference-app/index.md) section.
There are two environments available for testing. The sandbox test environment provides API stubs with simulated, static responses. Developers who want to explore using the Merchant Identifier without formally entering into an agreement with Mastercard use it. It contains sample data and an ability for developers to test their code, so they can determine if the functionality offered meets their needs. The production environment supports commercial deployments. To begin onboarding with the Easy Savings Special Merchant Offers API, refer to [Quick Start Guide](https://developer.mastercard.com/easy-savings-specials/documentation/quick-start-guide/index.md) section. For assistance with pre-implementation questions, contact our [API Support Team](mailto:apisupport@mastercard.com). Mastercard APIs use one-legged [OAuth 1.0a](https://oauth.net/core/1.0a/) for authentication and authorization. Your application must digitally sign each request using its private key. Mastercard grants access only to requests with valid signatures from authorized clients. For setup instructions, refer to [API Basics](https://developer.mastercard.com/easy-savings-specials/documentation/api-basics/index.md) section. We recommend using well-established OAuth libraries instead of building your own implementation from scratch. These libraries ensure proper signing of your requests and reduce the risk of authentication issues. For a list of supported and recommended libraries, refer to the [Client Libraries](https://developer.mastercard.com/platform/documentation/authentication/using-oauth-1a-to-access-mastercard-apis/#client-libraries) section.

Mastercard provides a plugin for Insomnia that allows you to test your API signing key. You can use this plugin to simulate authenticated requests without writing code. To install and configure the Insomnia tool, refer to [Insomnia Application Tutorial](https://developer.mastercard.com/easy-savings-specials/documentation/insomnia-tutorial/index.md) section.
Yes, third-party developers can use the API, but access depends on their email domain and when they are onboarded.

* If they use the same organization email domain, the system grants access with minimal steps.

* If they use a different domain, the contract must mention their involvement. If added after the contract is signed, a detailed assessment is required.

For help with access or onboarding, contact the [Mastercard Product Support Team](mailto:easysavings_specials_API@mastercard.com) with:  

**Email subject:** Easy Savings Specials Merchant Offers API: Third-party developers   

**Email body:** Include:

* A brief description of the situation.
* Details of the third-party developer.
* Whether they use your organization's email domain.

This helps expedite the review and support process.
Yes, Mastercard provides sample code and API documentation to support your integration with the Easy Savings Special Merchant Offers API. For details, refer [Reference Application](https://developer.mastercard.com/easy-savings-specials/documentation/reference-app/index.md) section.

### Technical {#technical}

The system updates offer as needed. To ensure the information presented to cardholders remains accurate, up-to-date, and relevant, we strongly recommend that issuers refresh their offers daily by making an API call. Call the Display Offers API once a day to update your offers database or storage. This ensures SME business cardholders see the latest offers.

### Support {#support}

If your team experiences issues, contact the [Mastercard Product Support Team](mailto:easysavings_specials_API@mastercard.com), and provide the necessary details.

**Email subject:** Easy Savings Specials Merchant Offers API: Issue with *(describe issue)* .   

**Email body:** Include:  

* A brief description of the situation.
* Screenshots (if applicable)

This helps the support team investigate and resolve your issue faster.
For any questions or issues related to the Easy Savings Specials program including program policies, eligibility, or participation, contact the [Mastercard Product Support Team](mailto:easysavings_specials_API@mastercard.com). You can monitor the current status of the Easy Savings Special Merchant Offers API through the [API Status](https://developer.mastercard.com/api-status) page. This page provides real-time updates and indicates whether there are any known issues or ongoing maintenance activities affecting the API.

If the API displays operational but you are still experiencing downtime, contact the [Mastercard Product Support Team](mailto:easysavings_specials_API@mastercard.com) for clarification.

**Email subject:** Easy Savings Specials Merchant Offers API: Experiencing an outage   

**Email body:** Include:   

* A brief description of the issue
* Time and date the issue started
* Any specific error codes encountered
* Environment (sandbox or production)
* Screenshots (if applicable)

This helps the support team investigate and resolve your issue faster.
If you or your team encounter any issues while redeeming offers through the ESS Merchant Offers API, contact the [Mastercard Product Support Team](mailto:easysavings_specials_API@mastercard.com) for assistance.

**Email subject:** Easy Savings Specials Merchant Offers API: Issue in offer redemption   

**Email body:** Include:   

* A clear description of the issue
* Relevant offer IDs or transaction details
* Any error codes or messages received
* Date and time the issue occurred
* Screenshots or logs (if available)

This helps the support team investigate and resolve your issue faster.

## Get help {#get-help}

### Contact us for technical support. {#contact-us-for-technical-support}