# Tokenization

Tokenization refers to the storage of a credit card for future payments. The credit card data is stored as tokens for both the customer and the merchant, which simplifies and speeds up the payment process.

Please note: Tokenization does not guarantee that the amount can actually be charged.

### The benefits of tokenization

* Merchants can use the token to execute a charge in the Payrexx backend.
* Shoppers can save their credit card details in the shop for the next purchase.
* Card data can be stored for an unlimited period.
* Only the card number and expiration date are checked, not the credit limit.

### Increased security through tokenization

In tokenized payments, the credit card number (PAN, Primary Account Number) is not transmitted during the transaction but is replaced by a token. This increases the security of the payment.

## Integration

Tokenization with Payrexx can be set up via the API, Gateway, or [Payrexx tools](https://docs.payrexx.com/merchant/english/account/tools).

### Via API or Gateway 

You can find instructions for implementing tokenization as a payment method via API or gateway in our developer documentation.

{% embed url="<https://docs.payrexx.com/developer/guides/gateway/payment-types/tokenization>" %}

### Via Payrexx Tools&#x20;

After registering a payment provider that supports tokenization, the "Tokenization" payment method can easily be selected in the [Payrexx Tools](https://docs.payrexx.com/merchant/english/account/tools).

#### Example

The following example shows how to activate tokenization in the [Pages Tool](https://docs.payrexx.com/merchant/english/account/tools/pages):&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1455115231-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MYJhU4qriZCz_Wxs0T0-887967055%2Fuploads%2FH0cMdi3KpBhG0hjfgtyA%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0489925e-abb8-42ca-9060-ec47f775615e" alt=""><figcaption><p>Activation of tokenization in the Payrexx Tool "Pages"</p></figcaption></figure>

### Subscription payments

{% hint style="info" %}
For subscription payments using tokenization, it is necessary to manually charge the stored credit card data (token) after the desired subscription period.
{% endhint %}

For more information on using tokenization for subscriptions, refer to the following article.

{% content-ref url="subcription/subscriptions-via-tokenization-api" %}
[subscriptions-via-tokenization-api](https://docs.payrexx.com/merchant/english/payment/functionalities/subcription/subscriptions-via-tokenization-api)
{% endcontent-ref %}