Validate an XML I-file before submission

Every XML I-file must be valid against Fexco’s XSD (XML Schema Definition) schema before you submit it to Fexco via Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). If the file contains structural errors, the entire file is rejected and none of the transactions in it are processed. Validating locally catches these errors before they reach Fexco, saving you a round trip.

Before you start

You need a completed XML I-file ready for validation. See Build and submit an XML I-file for how to build one.

Structural errors versus data errors

The I-file processor handles two categories of errors differently.

Error type	What happens	Example
Structural or syntactical error	The entire file is rejected. No transactions are processed.	A missing closing tag, an element in the wrong order, or a missing required attribute like `schemaVersion`.
Data error on an individual transaction	The file is accepted. Valid transactions are processed, and invalid ones are reported in the response file.	An unrecognized merchant ID or an invalid currency code.

Validation against the XSD catches structural and syntactical errors before submission. Data errors (such as an unrecognized merchant or mismatched acquirer) are only detected during server-side processing and appear in the response file.

Reference the XSD in your XML file

Your XML file must include the required namespace and schema version in the root element.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<iFile
    xmlns="http://www.fexco.com"
    xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
    xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.fexco.com ifile_v25.2.0.xsd"
    schemaVersion="25.2.0"
    fileSequenceNumber="1"
    disposition="test">

  <!-- merchant and transaction data here -->

</iFile>

Omitting the schemaVersion attribute or the namespace declaration causes the file to be rejected without any per-transaction error detail.

Validate with the online validator

Paste your XML or upload a file to check it against the I-file XSD schema rules. Results appear instantly with no software installation required.

You can also validate your file using any XML validator that supports XSD schema validation. If you do not have the XSD file, contact your Fexco project manager or email FMSservicedesk@fexco.com.

Next steps

Build and submit an XML I-file: return to the full I-file guide to submit your validated file.
Troubleshoot transaction import: resolve per-transaction data errors that appear in the response file after submission.
XML I-file format: look up the full XSD schema source and field specifications.

Getting started

Merchant boarding

Rate service

Transaction import

Android app

Go live

Validate an XML I-file before submission

Before you start

Structural errors versus data errors

Reference the XSD in your XML file

Validate with the online validator

Next steps