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Payments 101
What is an Issuing Bank?
The issuing bank is the institution responsible for physically issuing a credit card. They represent your customer, and advocate on behalf of the cardholder.
What is an Acquiring Bank?
The acquiring bank is often confused with the merchant service provider. In reality, the acquiring bank is the back-end funding institution on record with the card brands.
What's a Merchant Service Provider
The merchant service provider is responsible for processing credit card transactions on behalf of the merchant. They provide support, equipment, and representation.
What is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway offers access to a virtual terminal, recurring payments, saved credit card data, and a connection to shopping cards and 3rd party systems.
What are the Card Associations?
The card associations are Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. They set the rules for card acceptance, and define how banks interact with merchants.
What is a Chargeback?
A chargeback is a customer dispute. Unless you respond to the chargeback, the customer will automatically win. It's important to keep chargebacks to a minimum.
Authorization and Capture
There are two steps to a sale, the authorization and capture. Until you capture funds, the authorization will remain in a non-complete status, and you won't get paid.
Funding Schedule and Cutoff Times
Most merchants can receive next-day deposits. In order to get paid quickly, it's important to submit your sales prior to the cutoff time, which can vary based on equipment.
Batching (and why it's important!)
"Batching out" or "Settling" your sales is a critical step. Failure to batch out on a daily basis can lead to lost funds, angry customers, and higher rates.
Can I process EBT payments?
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is sometimes known as "SNAP" or food stamps. Merchants who sell food in a card-present environment are eligible to accept EBT payments.
What is Address Verification (AVS)?
Address Verification Service is a tool to help merchants mitigate potential fraud. By verifying a customer-supplied address in real-time, the sale is less likely to be fraudulent.
Can I process Fleet payments?
WEX or Fleet cards are used by automotive and fleet service companies, and can be accepted by gas stations, auto-repair shops, and other automotive-based merchants.
What industries does AND serve?
AND is proud to support merchants of all types. We work with retailers, healthcare providers, B2B merchants, restaurants, professional service providers and many more!
What is Apple Pay and NFC?
NFC stands for "Near Field Communication". Apple Pay is a form of NFC. It means credit card payments made through a mobile phone, or "contactless" payments.
Does AND support high-risk?
Yes, AND works with high-risk merchants to provide fair terms and pricing. We work closely with your business to find an appropriate solution for your high-risk needs.
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