Articles by Kelly Brown on ArticleSnatch.com

Credit Card Processing Security You Can Count On

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:54:50 -0500

Any merchant accepting credit card payments is aware of numerous security issues involving the safety of their business and its consumers. There are two main aspects of credit card security for credit card processing: “AVS” and “CVV”. The “AVS”, or address verification service, is used to determine that the address provided by the customer matches the address on the credit card account. A credit card will be denied if the address is entered wrong. The “CVV”, or card verification value, refers to the three to four digit number found on the back of American Express, MasterCard, and Visa cards. Merchants can eliminate fraud by requiring the CVV code to complete a transaction. Even if the correct card holder enters the CVV card number incorrectly, the transaction will be declined. If your business is going to accept credit cards, whether in-store or online, it is imperative that you provide your customers with a guarantee that you’re protecting their credit card information. Veritrans Merchant Services is an industry leader that provides their clients an unwavering commitment to excellent and integrity in every aspect of credit card processing. **End Summary** Topics: Credit Card Processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ethan Luke. Credit Card Processing - Affordable and reliable Credit Card and Merchant Account services from Veritrans.

Credit Card Processing Offers Unique Advantages

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:29:47 -0400

Having reliable credit card processing is a must in todayâ€™s business world. The more payment options you can offer customers the more likely you are to make a sale. Accepting credit cards is one of the few ways companies can automatically and easily boost sales without investing in advertising. Studies show that accepting credit cards can increase company sales by 40 percent, because credit card customers spend 2 1/2 times more than cash-only customers. Credit card shoppers are also more likely to buy high-ticket items, luxury items, and make bulk purchases. By offering credit card processing a businesses is increasing its chance for larger, more expensive, and more frequent sales. Credit card processing also provides customers freedom, convenience, and a reduced risk of carrying cash. Studies show that consumers spend more when they're not constrained by the need for on-hand cash. Businesses can see increased purchases of higher-margin products, specialty items, and an increase in store visits. Customers also take connivance into consideration when deciding when, where, and how much to purchase. With credit card processing, you can speed customers through checkout without having to count change or wait for checks to be written out. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brigette Botkin. Credit Card Processing - Affordable and reliable Credit Card and Merchant Account services from Veritrans.

The Evolution of Merchant Account Service Providers

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:22:20 -0400

Though credit cards are perceived to be a recent trend, the truth is that credit card use spans back to the 1800â€™s through the use of specialized credit coins and charge plates. From there, the concept exploded. The century old love-affair with the concept of credit, created a market of processors and merchant services. Since the first credit uses, through special coins and plates, credit cards and their processing has evolved into two distinct species of providers. There are the cold-blooded credit card processors, that provide cut-throat merchant account services that only serve the provider. Their cold tactics include fine-print traps, and the addition of undisclosed fees. Their service, which is supposed to boost your businesses by allowing the acceptance of credit cards, can quickly take down your company. Sky-high, unstable processing rates, and non-existent additional features are the trade mark characteristics of a bad credit card processing and merchant account services provider. Their fly-by-night services can lack a choice of point-of-sale machines, leaving you with the frankenstein terminal of processors. At the other end of the evolutionary spectrum are the rare, nearly extinct, honest providers of merchant account services. **End Summary** Topics: Merchant Account Services]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brigette Botkin. Merchant Account Services - Affordable and reliable Credit Card and Merchant Account services from Veritrans.

Go Green with Electronic Credit Card Processing

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:47:41 -0400

Some companies are missing out on an easy way to help their company go green. Almost 22 million American customers still donâ€™t have the option of electronic billing or electronic transactions because of business restrictions. According to PayltGreen, if those 22 Million customers used electronic transactions rather than hard-paper options, the U.S. would save more than 9 million pounds of paper and avoid releasing 25 millions pounds of greenhouse gases each year. By adopting a paper-less option, your business will receive the respect of being a greenâ€ company, while also cutting back on operation costs. These costs include the basic price of paper, plus the housing costs for needed storage space, and the cost of the inconvenience of being chained to paper-transactions. Credit card processing can set your company free from the paper-transaction hedge maze, while opening up a door to new e-customers while getting your businesses the respect of the green community. Going green isnâ€™t as hard or costly as it sounds. Washington Mutual Inc. ran a year long campaign from 2007-2008, where they pledged to donate $1 to the National Arbor Day Foundation for every customer that switched from paper bank statements to e-statements. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brigette Botkin. Credit Card Processing - Affordable and reliable Credit Card and Merchant Account services from Veritrans.

Hot Check Solutions Offer Peace-Of-Mind

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:36:26 -0400

Though credit and debit cards are surging in popularity, checks have not lost their consumer fan base. Even in the Digital Age, many customers still prefer to write checks, and merchants who refuse to accept them turn away valuable business. However, check acceptance has its costs. Checks must be verified, reconciled, deposited at a bank and then processed. This usually means several days or weeks before the funds are available. Merchants must be careful in their choice to accept checks or decide if the added consumers are worth the hassle of check verification and the risk of fraud and hot checks. Hot checks are an increasing problem in the U.S. and across the globe. Every year, millions of dollars are stolen from businesses by thieves whose weapons-of-choice are hot checks. Theft by worthless or hot checksâ€ gives the offender several weeks before the crime is detected. Because of this, the offender has a head-start on authorities and become harder to catch. Often, because of this lapse in time, merchants are left to deal with the money lost to hot checks. To help merchants combat hot checks, companies have developed new technology that give peace-of-mind while defending against check fraud. **End Summary** Topics: hot check]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brigette Botkin. Hot Checks bogging down your business and ruining your profits? Then come to Veritrans for an affordable solution!

Fitting a Credit Card Processor to Your Business

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:12:23 -0400

Credit Card processing is an essential part of any business. In 2008 alone there were 22.40 billion debit card transactions made and billions more in credit cards processed. Of the top 50 issuers in 2008, debit card purchases totaled $917.43 billion, according to industry newsletter The Nilson Report. Nilson also reported that more than 272.0 million debit cards were in use in 2008 with an average amount of $3,373.0 in purchases per card. Decades ago, the US was first testing the waters of card culture. Now, it's deeply entrenched in every day life. People with cards are more loyal shoppers and more likely to spend. Instead of emptying their pockets for change or spending a few dollars, card holders are more likely to fill up or stock up. Because of this new terminal technology for credit card processing is a must. Whether you have a retail storefront, hotel, restaurant, a MOTO business or offer other services, your customers will expect your business to accept their preferred method of payment. When it comes to card processors, there is no lack of qualified equipment to choose from. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Botkin, Brigette Credit Card Processing - Affordable and reliable Credit Card and Merchant Account services from Veritrans.

Considerations For Choosing A Credit Card Processing Service

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:02:20 -0400

An essential step in setting your business up to accept credit cards either online or through alternative terminals is choosing a credit card processing provider. A dependable and streamlined credit card processing service can stimulate your sales by enabling you to accept all forms of payment, at all times. The processing company should be responsible, well-equipped, affordable and genuinely honest. There is an overwhelming amount of processing companies to choose from, but not all are going to meet these criteria. Finding the right fit can be a difficult process, so it is important to thoroughly understand the services offered by your potential provider and how much you should pay for these services. The Internet is always a useful tool to begin your search for the best credit card processing company. Here are a some factors to take in account when researching potential processing partners online. The first factor when considering a credit card processing service is their approval rate. A reliable service will have a high approval rate and quick processing of application without any fees. However, there is a fine line between high approval rates and approving anyone who is able to physically finish an application. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ethan Luke. Get affordable and reliable credit card processing and merchant account services from Veritrans.

Credit Card Processing: How Does it Work?

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:53:21 -0400

Credit card processing is simple to understand, and technology has made it very easy for merchant to accept credit cards as a payment method. The process is both quick and secure, so merchants can accept credit cards with confidence. The internet is a wonderful thing and there is hardly a single process that isn't made easier because of it. Running a business is certainly no exception, particularly the processing of credit cards. Credit card processing in any form allows a merchant to accept payment via the ever-popular plastic simply, quickly, and securely. You need a merchant account to accept credit cards, which is really just a special kind of bank account associated with the major credit card companies (Visa, Mastercard). A merchant account services company can provide with such an account along with the following types of credit card processing services: Retail Processing. Given their overwhelming usage, accepting credit cards is essential for retail businesses of all shapes and sizes. Wireless Processing. Take care of business wherever business is taking place. Wireless processing is convenient, fast and more secure than managing cash and checks. Online Processing. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Get affordable and reliable credit card processing and merchant account services from Veritrans.

Credit Card Processing Equipment

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:38:13 -0400

Customers expect to be able to pay for purchases large and small with credit cards. If you are looking to expand your payment options, you will need credit card processing equipment. Depending on your needs there are several options to choose from, in four categories: point-of-sale systems, stand-alone terminals, wireless/WiFi systems, and virtual terminals. With almost three times as many debit and credit cards as there as people in the United States, operating a cash-only business no longer makes sense. Customers expect to be able to pay for purchases both large and small with plastic. If you are looking to expand your payment options you will need credit card processing equipment. Depending on your needs there are several options to choose from. Common credit card processing equipment can be grouped into four categories: Point-of-sale systems, stand-alone terminals, wireless/WiFi systems, and virtual terminals. Point of sale systems. Point of sale (POS) systems are quickly replacing your typical cash register. Most units are advanced computers that operate, as the name suggests, at the point of sale (where and when a customer makes a purchase). These units accept cash and process debit and credit cards. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Get affordable and reliable credit card processing equipment and merchant account services from Veritrans.

Merchant Account Services: Five Hidden Fees to Avoid

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:26:00 -0400

Whether you offer a product or service, credit card processing is a must. A merchant account will allow your business to meet the needs of your customers. When choosing a service provider, carefully review any fees associated with the service. The following is a valuable list of five hiddenâ€ fees to avoid. If you are starting a business or looking to expand your payment options, you may be searching for merchant account service provider. Establishing a merchant account is different than a bank account in that it allows your business to add credit card processing as a method of payment. Some banks may offer this type of account to you, but specialized merchant account service providers are able to provide expanded services like credit card processing equipment, consulting, and 24-hour support. The disadvantage to operating through any merchant account, whether it be through your bank or another provider, are the fees associated with such a service. Some minimal fees are unavoidable (like those charged by Visa and Mastercard for example), but unfortunately there are many providers who may try and milk more money out of you than necessary. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Veritrans offers affordable and reliable credit card processing equipment and merchant account services .

Credit Card Processing on the Rise in Taxicabs

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:14:53 -0400

After overcoming initial challenges, taxicab companies are accepting customer demand for credit card processing. According to Visa and Mastercard, there are some 980 million bank-issued credit cards and debit card accounts in the United States. Gas stations, movie theaters, and even fast food joints now have point-of-sale credit card processing machinesâ€”who carries cash anymore when you can swipe and go? Unfortunately, when it comes to transportation itâ€™s not that easy. While some cities have accepted credit or debit cards in taxicabs for years, it is a concept that has been slow to catch on in major cities like New York, where cash has been the standard. Customers inclined to use a card have simply not been able to. But, there is hope on the horizon as new metro areas embrace the wave of the future, after overcoming the initial perceived challenges. Many taxicab companies have been hesitant to offer this additional method of payment. To speed things along, in 2007, New Yorkâ€™s Taxi and Limousine Commission mandated that by October 2008, all cabs be equipped with credit card processors in the rear of the cab. (These stand-alone wireless point-of-sale systems must allow the passenger to swipe their card themselves. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Veritrans offers affordable and reliable credit card processing equipment and merchant account services for taxicabs and other mobile merchants.

Credit Card Processing a Must for Any Business

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:04:35 -0400

If you currently donâ€™t accept credit cards, you are severely limiting your business. These days, the average consumer has multiple cards and prefers to use plastic over cash for transactions. Additionally, if you want to take your business to the internet, this of course is the only method of payment. If you plan doing business online, one easy option is PayPal. Essentially, anyone with an email address can send or accept money once they sign up. Some customers prefer Pay Pal because once they share their financial information with PayPal, they donâ€™t have to share it with each vendor they do business with. A benefit to the seller is that you donâ€™t have to get approved to have an account, another is that you donâ€™t have to have a shopping cart on your website. PayPal is pretty basic and inexpensive. A PayPal user has three options: a personal account, business, or premiere. With all three, there is a small fee to accept credit card payments. Vendorsâ€™ main complaint with Paypal is that when funds are transferred they go into a separate PayPal account, which is not regulated by Federal Banking Regulations. Occasionally, PayPal may freeze an account or hold money. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Get affordable and reliable credit card processing and merchant account services from Veritrans.

Why Won't My Credit Card Swipe?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:52:37 -0400

Credit cards are a popular form of payment and play a frequent role in our daily lives. Statistics show that there are more than 292 million credit cards in use in the United States, and we use them for transactions at the grocery store, gas pump, movie theater, and more. You may have seen the Visa commercial where lines are moving right along and then everything comes to a halt when someone pays in cash. You may feel this way when your credit card doesnâ€™t swipe.â€ You may want to blame the credit card machine, but more often than not, your card is the culprit. Merchants use credit card processing terminals or a Point of Sale (POS) system to verify if they can accept a charge, i.e. that the account is valid and credit is available. These systems readâ€ the card and link up to the merchantâ€™s bank. Transactions where a card is swiped typically cost a merchant much less than a hand-keyed transaction, so they are gaining popularity with merchants. Additionally, they speed up the transaction for both the merchant and the customer. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card processing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Helen Walker. Veritrans offers affordable and reliable credit card processing and merchant account services.

A merchant's guide to unembossed credit cards

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:34:20 -0400

Over the years, the look of credit cards has changed from a standard design to specialty cards featuring artwork, university logos and even family photos. Now, the face of credit cards is changing once again. Visa and MasterCard are beginning to issue unembossed credit cards to accommodate a changing payment culture. It is likely you have seen these cards already. The new unembossed cards have a flat, smooth surface instead of featuring raised numbers and symbols. This offers increased security to cardholders because an imprint of the card cannot be made. The unembossed credit cards are similar to cards already being accepted, and merchants should look for the new cards in the form of a credit, debit or prepaid card. The only difference is all information, including the cardholder name, primary account number (PAN), validity date and security character, is laser-engraved, thermal or indent printed securely on the front of the card. Also on the front of the new unembossed cards, merchants will see a disclaimer reading electronic use only.â€ This communicates to merchants and customers alike that the card may only be used at electronic point-of-sale terminals. **End Summary** Topics: credit card processing]]> Merchant Account]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Veritrans will give you a free consultation and a free analysis with recommendations for your particular credit card processing need. Call them at 1-866-474-4144 or email them today at info@veritransllc.com for more information.

Hot Checks - NSF Checks: The Challenge

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:08:30 -0400

An NSF Check is a check that was returned to the merchant because there was Non- Sufficient Funds, or not enough money in the check writers account to cover the check at the time that it cleared the merchants Bank. A Hot Check is a check that was returned for non-sufficient funds, or for one of several other possible reasons, including the checking account being closed or if the check was fraudulent, forged, or stolen. Whether you are a Fortune 500 company or a start up business, receiving a Hot Check/NSF Check is a frustrating, costly, and time-consuming situation. Besides negatively impacting your bottom line and hurting cash flow, dealing with hot checks consumes valuable time and resources that could be better spent on growing your business. This situation can be so discouraging that many merchants have stopped accepting checks altogether. While solving the hot check problem, not accepting checks effectively closes the door to a large segment of the buying public who will take their business elsewhere if their check is not accepted. Even when a check clears, there is a hard cost to check acceptance. **End Summary** Topics: NSF Check]]> hot check]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> An NSF Check is a check that was returned to the merchant because there was Non- Sufficient Funds.While solving the hot check problem, not accepting checks effectively closes the door to a large segment of the buying public who will take their business elsewhere if their check is not accepted.

New Credit Card Processing Legislation Passed In Tennessee and California

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:02:21 -0400

New legislation has been passed in Tennessee and California that will change the credit card information that is printed on receipts, the information is now required to be truncated on both the customer copy and the merchant copy of the credit card receipt. This will affect many merchants in these two states and require that they comply with this new legislation in regards to credit card processing. More details on this new credit card processing legislation are listed below: Tennessee Effective January 1, 2007, a new provision of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act went into effect. The new consumer makes it illegal to electronically print more than the last 5 digits of a credit card number and the card expiration date on receipts retained by merchants and the receipt provided to customers. **End Summary** Topics: credit card processing]]> Merchant Account]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Veritrans will give you a free consultation and a free analysis with recommendations for your particular credit card processing need. Call them at 1-866-474-4144 or email them today at info@veritransllc.com for more information.