In service-oriented businesses like restaurants, salons, bars, hotels, and ride-sharing platforms, tips and gratuities are crucial. Tips are essential for employee income in addition to serving as a means of expressing gratitude. They impact processing fees, settlement, payroll, and compliance, posing hidden challenges for merchants when paid by card. Profitability...
Keyed-in Transaction Definition
Have you ever typed a customer’s card number over the phone? Or keyed in information in your point-of-sale system because the chip wouldn’t read? That’s what’s known as a keyed transaction — a payment made when the details of the card are entered manually, rather than swiped, tapped or inserted....
7 Best Mobile POS Systems for 2025
As companies become more mobile oriented and customers' expectations increase, a stable mobile POS system is crucial. Whether selling on the go or running a high-volume store, the best mobile POS solutions today provide flexibility, simplicity, and strong features. In this guide, we've curated the seven best mobile POS systems for...
How Transparent Fee Structures Improve Trust Between Merchants and Providers
In the world of payment processing, trust is everything. For merchants, selecting a payment provider is not just about choosing the right technology or the lowest price. It is about building a reliable partnership that supports business growth, simplifies operations, and protects financial stability. One of the most important yet...
The Impact of Domestic vs. International Transactions on U.S. Businesses
In a globalized marketplace, businesses in the United States are no longer confined to selling within their borders. Advances in technology, logistics, and digital payments have made it possible for even small and mid-sized companies to engage in international commerce. While this opens the door to new customers and growth...
What American Merchants Should Know About EMV, PCI, and Card Brand Rules
In today’s digital-first economy, accepting card payments is essential for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re running a neighborhood café, managing an online store, or overseeing a national chain, payment systems are central to smooth operations and customer satisfaction. But with convenience comes responsibility, especially when it comes to the...
Understanding the Role of Merchant Services in Supporting Local Economies
Local economies are the backbone of national prosperity. They are made up of small businesses, community organizations, and independent entrepreneurs who generate employment, promote innovation, and help maintain the unique character of towns and cities. As more commerce moves toward digital payments, the role of merchant services in sustaining and...
How U.S. Businesses Can Navigate Payment Processing in a Changing Regulatory Landscape
The world of payment processing is evolving rapidly. With more consumers embracing digital transactions and new technologies emerging each year, the infrastructure supporting these payments must keep pace. At the same time, U.S. regulatory frameworks around data privacy, security, and financial transparency are becoming increasingly complex. For businesses of all...