Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a continuously and automatically updated authentication mechanism for authentication, in real-time, the processing of transactions at point of sales devices based on corresponding target-specific identifiers. In one aspect, a processing server includes one or more memories having computer-readable instructions stored therein, and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to receive a request for processing a transaction; identify a merchant-specific identifier for a merchant associated with the transaction; determine, in real-time and using a machine trained model, whether the merchant-specific identifier is a valid merchant-specific identifier or not; and process the transaction based on whether the machine trained model indicates that the merchant-specific identifier is valid or not.

Abstract: Examples described herein include systems, methods, instructions, and other implementations of transactional promotions. One embodiment includes receipt of an authorization request message for a transaction associated with an account number. The authorization request message includes a merchant category code and does not include promotion information. A determination is then made that the transaction is eligible for a promotion based on the merchant category code. The promotion is then automatically applied to the transaction at the account number, and an authorization response message is then generated authorizing the transaction.