# Save a payment method with the API

> Learn how to use the Payabli API to add and manage saved payment methods

<AudienceInfo audiences={['developers']} />

This guide explains how to save a payment method for reuse via tokenization with the Payabli API. This call exchanges sensitive payment information for a token that you can use to process future transactions.

## PCI information

Because improperly handling customer card data can result in fines and impact your ability to process transactions, you must understand and fulfill PCI security requirements. When using the direct-access APIs, you must make sure that your systems and practices meet PCI requirements.

If you have any questions about how to maintain PCI compliance, reach out to the Payabli team.

<Note>
  For a built in PCI-compliant experience, consider using Payabli's embedded components instead of the direct-access API. You can use the 

  [PayMethod UI](/guides/pay-in-components-paymethod-ui)

   or 

  [EmbeddedMethod UI](/guides/pay-in-components-embeddedmethod-ui)

   to save a payment method.
</Note>

## Build the request

Send a POST request to `/api/TokenStorage/add` to save a payment method. For complete information, see the [API reference](/developers/api-reference/tokenstorage/save-a-payment-method-tokenize) for this endpoint.

This endpoint accepts several optional parameters that you can use to customize the request.

<ParamField query="temporary" type="boolean" default="false">
  Creates a temporary, one-time-use token for the payment method that expires in 12 hours.
</ParamField>

<ParamField query="achValidation" type="boolean" default="false">
  When `true`, enables real-time validation of ACH account. This is an add-on feature. Contact Payabli for more information.
</ParamField>

<ParamField query="forceCustomerCreation" type="boolean" default="false">
  When set to `true`, a new customer record will be created even if an existing customer record is found. Possible values: `true` or `false`. Default is `false`.
</ParamField>

<ParamField query="createAnonymous" type="boolean" default="false">
  When `true`, the request doesn't require you to pass the `customerData` object, and creates the token with no customer information attached. When the token is used to make a payment for the first time, it will be associated to the customer making the payment.
</ParamField>

The response returns a `ReferenceId`, which is both the `storedMethodId` to use with transactions, and the `methodId` used to manage the payment method.

## Examples

These examples show how to save various payment methods using the API.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Tokenize a card">
    This example shows how to save a card payment method. The request includes the `customerData` object with an existing customer's ID `4440`.

    <EndpointRequestSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TokenizeCard" />

    Returns a response like this:

    <EndpointResponseSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TokenizeCard" />
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Create anonymous Token">
    This example uses the `createAnonymous` parameter to create a token without customer information. The token is associated with the customer when it is used for the first time.

    <EndpointRequestSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TokenizeCardAnonymous" />

    Returns a response like this:

    <EndpointResponseSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TokenizeCardAnonymous" />
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Convert a temp token to permanent">
    This example converts a temporary token to a permanent token. The `temporary` parameter is set to `true` in the request, and the response returns a permanent token.

    <EndpointRequestSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TemptoPermanent" />

    Returns a response like this:

    <EndpointResponseSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TemptoPermanent" />
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Tokenize ACH">
    This example tokenizes an ACH payment method. The `achValidation` parameter is set to `true` to enable real-time validation of the ACH account.

    <EndpointRequestSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TokenizeACH" />

    Returns a response like this:

    <EndpointResponseSnippet endpoint="POST /api/TokenStorage/add" example="TokenizeACH" />
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Managing tokenized payment methods

You can manage saved payment methods with the following endpoints:

* [Delete a payment method](/developers/api-reference/tokenstorage/remove-a-payment-method)
* [Update a payment method](/developers/api-reference/tokenstorage/update-a-payment-method)
* [Get a payment method](/developers/api-reference/tokenstorage/get-a-payment-method)

## Related resources

See these related resources to help you get the most out of Payabli.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Prerequisites">
    * **[Tokenization and saved payment methods overview](/guides/platform-tokenization-overview)** - Use tokenization to store and reuse payment methods securely
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Advanced topics">
    * **[Extend embedded components with the temporary token flow](/guides/platform-developer-tokenization-temp-flow)** - Use the temporary token flow with embedded components to have complete control over user transaction experience without expanding PCI scope
    * **[Temporary token example app](/guides/platform-tokenization-temp-token-app)** - Go through a guided checkout experience using the temporary token flow
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Related topics">
    * **[EmbeddedMethod UI](/guides/pay-in-components-embeddedmethod-ui)** - Learn how to use the EmbeddedMethod UI embedded component to add the ability to securely store a payment profile or execute a sale
    * **[PayMethod UI](/guides/pay-in-components-paymethod-ui)** - Learn how to use the PayMethod UI embedded component to securely store a payment profile with a low-code modal-based UI.
    * **[Share payment method tokens](/guides/platform-developer-tokenization-share-tokens)** - Learn how to use organization or network tokens across paypoints
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>