Verify address and CVV code

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Sounds simple, but this is something that is often ignored. A CVV Code or CARD VERIFICATION VALUE code is a three or four digit code located on the credit card itself and is a security feature to help verify that the card is on hand for “card not present” transactions.

Verifying the address and CVV code provides the confidence that the credit card is in the possession of the cardholder your dealing with and a positive address match should mean that your are shipping the product to an address recognized by the issuing bank.

What is MOPO processing?

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MOPO (mail order/phone order) processing is also known as “card not present”. MOPO transactions allow customers to make purchases by providing their credit card information without providing a signature over the telephone, Internet, or via mail.

Stay abreast of fraud trends/scenarios

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More and more, we see merchants being approached for”humanitarian” causes with large purchases needed for orphanages, churches, etc. These are uncommon for the business and are usually sent via e-mail.

Merchants are provided with multiple credit cards and are asked to split the sales to get them through. These sales are often invalid. Take the extra step if approached on a Teletypewriter (TTY) line. Unfortunately, another popular method for taking advantage of a merchant is using this device to shield one’s identity. Look for the warning signs and take the proper steps to verify the sale.

How can upgrading my business phones or internet service disrupt my credit card processing?

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Most of the countertop POS terminals (POS = credit card processing machines) being used at small businesses operate on a conventional analog phone line. These POS terminals often use a dial-up modem, very similar to the ones used in fax machines. If the analog, ‘dial-up’ phone line is eliminated, your POS terminal loses its ability to connect to your merchant service network. If the terminal cannot connect, sales cannot be approved by the cardholder’s bank. The ability to process credit cards would be lost.

What types of processing solutions does NDCN offer?

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NDCN offers a wide range of processing solutions for merchants so you can choose which is right for you. From retail stores to ecommerce and mail order to mobile transactions, Federated has the right solution for your business.

How Do Gift Cards Work?

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Let’s say you buy a packet of 100 gift cards that are customized with your logo and brand. If your average gift card sale is $50, then that’s $5000 in revenue you can generate. If you run at an average of 50% profit margin that is $2500 of pure profit in your pocket.

In many cases, card recipients add their own money at the point-of-sale, which will increase your revenue even more.

Invest in a Loyalty Program

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Loyalty programs can help retain existing customers because of how they provide incentives for customers to come back, but they also help bring in new customers. If your loyalty rewards program is enticing enough, new customers who stop by your store will more than likely return.

How much do I have to pay to accept credit cards?

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Like anything, rates vary depending on processor you are dealing with and the type of business you operated (i.e. storefront, ecommerce, mail order, etc.) It is important to find a merchant service provider who not only offers guaranteed low rates, but will provide your business with PCI compliant equipment and knowledgeable 24x7x365 customer service and technical support.

What if I own an ecommerce/internet business. Can I still process credit cards?

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Depending on the processor you choose to process your credit card transactions, the answer is yes. For instance, at National Debit Card Network, we have a proprietary ecommerce gateway called SafePay that allows you to process transactions quickly and securely. This is also known in the industry as “card not present” unlike most storefront businesses that physically swipe the customer’s credit or debit card.

What does PCI compliant mean for processing equipment?

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The Payment Card Industry (PCI) dictates that all merchants, regardless of size or number of transactions that accept, transmit or store any cardholder data need to have terminals and card processing equipment that is PCI compliant to ensure the strictest security guidelines are adhered to.

These are just some of the basics for business owners who want to accept credit card processing to help grow their business and customer base.