AP2 Payment Flow — From Request to Settlement

Why it matters

Getting the flow right is critical for payment correctness. Skipped or misordered steps cause chargebacks, disputes, or fraud losses.

The architecture

Step 1: merchant creates payment request (amount, currency, description). Sends to payer agent.

Step 2: payer agent presents to user for authorization.

How it works end to end

Step 3: wallet returns payment token to payer agent. Token represents authorized funds.

Step 4: payer agent sends token to merchant.

Step 5: merchant captures via payment processor. Actual charge happens.

Step 6: settlement — funds move from user's account to merchant's.