Paying with a credit card has become second nature for many consumers, but the simple taps and swipes hide an intricate digital system that is easily misunderstood. Credit card processing involves a complex network of financial institutions, payment processors, credit card networks, and merchants working together to facilitate electronic payments. Unravel the mysteries of credit card processing to gain a deeper understanding of how money moves within the digital economy.

What Is Credit Card Processing?

Credit card processing allows businesses to receive credit card payments from customers. On a technical level, it involves a series of steps and components that work together to ensure a seamless and secure credit card payment experience for both the merchant and the customer.

Credit card payment processing may seem daunting, but with the right merchant services provider like Zen Payments, in-person and online transactions can be seamlessly approved or declined, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best – making money and serving their customers.

The Importance of Credit Card Processing for Businesses

Whether you operate an e-commerce store or a brick-and-mortar shop, accepting credit and debit cards has become a customer expectation. So, let's dive into why credit card processing is so important for businesses like yours.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Finding the right credit card processing services is key to meeting customer expectations. Let's face it: nobody carries around bundles of cash anymore. By providing a convenient payment method, businesses make it easier for customers to make purchases, resulting in a smoother and more satisfactory shopping experience.

Increased Sales and Revenue:

When you open your doors to credit and debit card payments, you also open up a floodgate of sales opportunities. Studies have shown that customers spend more when paying with credit cards, as they can make larger purchases without worrying about carrying cash. By offering this payment option, businesses tap into a larger customer base, leading to increased sales and revenue for your business.

Improved Cash Flow:

One of the biggest advantages of credit card processing is the improved cash flow it provides. When customers pay using credit cards, the funds are typically processed and deposited into the merchant's account within one to three business days with no additional effort on their end. This fast and automated process eliminates the waiting period associated with checks or cash payments that must be collected.

Secure & Compliant Transactions:

Working with a trusted merchant service provider like Zen Payments ensures that your credit card transactions are secure and PCI compliant. Reputable payment providers are well-versed in online payments and understand the importance of safeguarding against fraud and data breaches. By partnering with them, you can have peace of mind knowing that your customers' sensitive information is protected, building trust and loyalty.

Parties Involved in Credit Card Processing

Payment processing systems must accommodate several key players to ensure a smooth transaction.

The Merchant

The merchant is the business owner or online retailer selling a product or service. They are the ones accepting credit and debit card payments from customers. The role of the merchant is to provide a safe and secure environment for the cardholder to make their purchase.

The Cardholder

This customer possesses a credit or debit card and is making the purchase. The cardholder provides their card information to the merchant to complete the transaction.

The Merchant's Bank

The merchant's bank, also known as the acquiring bank or the acquiring financial institution, provides the merchant with a merchant account. This allows them to accept credit and debit card payments. The merchant's bank verifies the transaction and ensures the funds are transferred from the cardholder's account to the merchant's account.

The Payment Processor

The payment processor is the intermediary between the merchant, the cardholder, and the card associations. Credit card processors handle the technical aspects of the transaction, securely transmitting the card information, verifying its authenticity, and ensuring that the funds are transferred correctly.

The Issuing Bank

The issuing bank is the financial institution that issued the credit or debit card to the cardholder. They are responsible for authorizing or declining the transaction based on the availability of funds and any other factors, such as fraud detection.

The Card Association

Credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express set the rules, regulations, and interchange fees for card transactions, ensuring security and consistency across the industry.

How Credit Card Processing Works

1. Transaction Initiation

Transactions are initiated when a customer makes a purchase in-person or online. For in-person transactions, customers can provide their credit card information by either swiping, inserting, or tapping their cards on a POS terminal. Online, credit card information can be provided through an e-commerce website or a mobile app. This information is then encrypted and securely transmitted to the merchant's bank or payment processor for authorization.

2. Authorization Request

From there, the merchant's credit card processor sends a request to the customer's issuing bank to verify that the cardholder's account is valid and active and then determine whether they have enough funds to cover the purchase. The transaction may be declined if the available credit or funds are insufficient.

At this stage, an issuing bank will also perform anti-fraud safety verifications. On the customer side, the bank will verify whether the card has been reported stolen or lost or if any other unusual activity has been flagged. It will also assess the payment network to determine the risk of the transaction.

3. Transaction Authorization

After the issuing bank verifies the account and the payment network assesses the risk, a decision is made on whether to approve or decline the transaction. If the authorization request is approved, the payment processor sends the authorization response back to the merchant bank, allowing the transaction to proceed. This entire process happens in a matter of seconds.

4. Authorization Response

Next, the issuing bank reviews the request and provides an authorization response as either an approval or decline code. This response is then transmitted through the payment network to the acquiring bank, an intermediary between the merchant and cardholder's banks.

5. Transaction Completion

Once a transaction is approved, the funds are deducted from the customer's account and held in a temporary account before they can move to the merchant bank. This is to ensure that the payment is captured and ready for settlement. The business can then provide the goods or services to the customer.

This marks the completion of the transaction process, as both parties have fulfilled their obligations.

6. Settlement

After a transaction is approved, it is typically added to a batch of other transactions awaiting the next step in the settlement process. At the end of each day or predetermined period, the business compiles all the approved transactions and submits them to the acquiring bank.

The acquiring bank then requests funds from the issuing bank through the payment network. Upon approval, the issuing bank transfers the necessary funds to the acquiring bank, which deposits them into the business's merchant bank account minus any credit card processing fees.

Credit Card Processing Costs

When it comes to credit card processing, businesses have several costs to consider.

Transaction fees: These charges occur every time a customer purchases using a credit card. They are typically a percentage of the total transaction amount and can vary depending on the type of card used.

Monthly Fees: These fees are charged by the merchant service provider for maintaining your account and providing ongoing support. They can vary based on the services and features included in your payment processing plan.

Set-up fees: These are typically a one-time charge for setting up your merchant account and getting everything up and running.

Terminal or equipment fees: If you're using traditional point-of-sale terminals or equipment, there may be fees associated with leasing or purchasing them.

PCI-compliance fees: PCI compliance fees are related to ensuring the security of your customers' credit card information. Merchants who handle credit card data must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Some providers charge a fee for assisting with this compliance process.

Chargeback fees: In case of a dispute or fraudulent transaction, chargeback fees may apply. These fees cover the administrative costs associated with handling and resolving chargebacks.

Conclusion: Boost Your Business with Zen Payments Merchant Services

Credit card processing is a complex system involving multiple parties, and each plays a crucial role in ensuring secure and efficient transactions. By embracing credit card payments, businesses can enhance the customer experience, increase sales and revenue, and improve cash flow.

Partnering with a reliable merchant service provider like Zen Payments can help businesses navigate the intricacies of credit card processing, ensuring secure, compliant, and efficient transactions. Contact us today to get started.