> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.switch.vaultera.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Least Cost Routing (LCR)

**Optimize processing fees on debit payments by routing traffic to the lowest-cost debit network.**

***

## 🚀 Getting Started with Least Cost Routing

**Least Cost Routing (LCR)** enables merchants to reduce transaction fees by automatically selecting the most cost-effective debit network for each transaction. Vaultera switch’s routing engine evaluates real-time parameters such as:

* Network fees
* Interchange rates
* Ticket size
* Issuer type

...to determine the cheapest routing option dynamically.

***

## ✅ Pre-requisites for Enabling LCR

Before you enable LCR in Vaultera switch, make sure you complete the following steps:

### Step 1: **Configure Connectors**

Ensure your connected payment processors (e.g., Adyen) support local debit networks.

### Step 2: **Enable Debit Card Support**

Debit card payment methods must be enabled on both your connector and Vaultera Switch dashboards.

### Step 3: **Enable Local Networks**

Activate one or more supported local debit networks (e.g., STAR, Pulse, NYCE, Accel) in the connector and Vaultera Switch configuration.

***

## 🛠️ Steps to Configure LCR in Smart Router

### Step 1: **Complete Pre-requisites**

Verify that debit-capable connectors and local network configurations are in place.

### Step 2: **Access Smart Router → Click "Manage" under Least Cost Routing**

### Step 3: **Confirm Pre-requisites in the Pop-Up**

A guided modal will verify the connector setup, debit card enablement, and local network configuration. Click **Enable** to activate LCR.

### Step 4: **View and Manage Active Algorithms**

Once enabled, Least Cost Routing becomes your active routing algorithm. You can manage it and view previously configured routing strategies via the Vaultera Switch Dashboard.

***

## 🌍 Supported LCR Configuration

| Category            | Supported Values                     |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Geographies**     | US                                   |
| **Connectors**      | Adyen                                |
| **Networks**        | STAR, Pulse, NYCE, Accel             |
| **Payment Methods** | Cards                                |
| **Flows Supported** | Payments (non-3DS), Refunds, Retries |

***

## 🔮 Future Scope

vaultera Switch is expanding the LCR capabilities. Upcoming features include:

### 🧠 Configurable Debit Routing Rule Engine

Define custom logic for routing debit transactions based on:

* Issuer
* Amount
* Geography
* Other merchant-defined parameters

### 🔌 Support for More Connectors & Payment Methods

Expansion beyond Adyen to include other processors and additional methods like **wallets**.

### 📦 BIN Data Source Integration

Enable use of your **custom BIN database** or third-party BIN providers to improve:

* Network identification accuracy
* Routing for non-card flows (e.g., wallets)