What is PCI?

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Overview of PCI

PCI DSS is the payment card industry security requirement for any organization that process, transmit and/or store cardholder data.  PCI DSS standards are endorsed by all the major card brands.

Compliance requirements are divided into four levels based on the number of transactions a merchant processes annually. Merchants fit in the following levels:

  • Level One:  Any merchant regardless of acceptance channel, processing over 6,000,000 transactions per year in a single card brand. 
  • Level Two: Any merchant regardless of acceptance channel, processing 1,000,000 to 6,000,000 transactions per year, in a single card brand.
  • • Level Three: Any merchant processing 20,000 to 1,000,000 e-commerce transactions per year, in a single card brand.
  • • Level Four: Any merchant processing fewer than 20,000 e-commerce transactions per year, in a single card brand.

Most frequent consumer information theft occurs at smaller merchants, levels two, three or four.

Using a good payment gateway, merchants can transfer some liabilities for compliance to the gateway.

Interested in PCI-DSS secure payment processing?

Contact info@paynetsecure.net today

What are Business Ratios?

Ratios are important financial analysis tools that help determine profitability, liquidity, financial structure, reordering, leverage, and interest coverage. Ratios report primarily on past performances.  However, ratios can be predictive as well because they can point to potential problem areas.

Trend analysis is when ratios are compared over a period of time.  Trend analysis is useful to determine patterns in a business.  They are also used to compare one business to another business, both inside and outside of an industry sector.

In comparing trend analysis between financial periods or between companies, keep the following 4 points in mind.

  • Make an allowance for changes in accounting policies that occurred during the time span being examined.
  • Take into consideration material differences in accounting policies between a company and industry norms.
  • Know the types of accounting policies used. Different accounting methods can result in a wide variety of reported figures.
  • Determine if ratios were calculated before or after adjustments were made to the balance sheet or income statement, such as non-recurring items and inventory or pro forma adjustments. Adjustments can significantly skew the ratios.

Ratios and High Risk Processing

Business ratios are an important consideration when underwriting a high risk merchant account. Particularly high volume merchant accounts.

Underwriters routinely check business ratios when reviewing a high risk, high volume account.  The results are important for account approval.

Underwriters use ratios to confirm that the business is in good financial shape.  And has the resources required to cover contingent liabilities from chargebacks.  

Conclusion

When applying for high volume, high risk merchant accounts, business financials are often requested. Underwriters run the business ratios to be confirm the company has the financial strength to support the processing volumes requested.

Interested in secure high risk processing for your business?

Contact info@paynetsecure.net today

Boost Profits with Alternative Payments

Cards are the most popular method of payment for consumers making purchases online.  But, if you only accept cards at checkout, you are losing sales and leaving money on the table unnecessarily.  

Alternative payment methods are the fastest way to increase sales. Get orders from shoppers that don’t have cards, are maxed out on cards, or who simply to pay you without using a card.

Alternative Payments for US Shoppers

The US has the highest penetration of card use than any other country in the world.  In credit card debt ridden America, think of the number of cardholders who have maxed out credit limits.  And, one can hardly ignore the number of potential buyers, including recent immigrants that do not have cards.

Additionally, the increasing concerns buyers have about security threats and identity theft make them afraid to disclose any personal information online, including credit card data.  Even with the card associations increased requirements for 3-D Security, cardholders are still wary.

Electronic Checks Most Popular Alternative Payment Method in US

Electronic checks are the most commonly used alternative payment method in the US. Millions of Americans regularly purchase goods & services online with echecks.

Echecks give you the ability to electronically debit funds from buyers’ bank accounts. Funds are automatically deposited to your business bank account.

More than 30% of US ecommerce sites accept checks online. If you do not have echecks as a payment option on your checkout page, you risk losing sales to your competitors that do.

Alternative Payments for Global Ecommerce

In international markets, low penetration of credit cards mean merchants must offer alternative payments. For example, Germany is the second largest internet shopping markets in the EU.  Yet, only 26% of Germans prefer to use credit cards for online payments.  In China, use of credit cards is less than 5%.

Be aware of the preferred method of payment in international markets and add those international payment types options to your shopping cart.  Local bank transfers are the most commonly used alternative payment method for international shoppers.

Conclusion

The more ways shoppers can buy you, the more sales you make.

In the US, accept checks online and watch your sales grow. For international merchants, local bank transfers are often preferred over cards.

Interested in increasing sales & profits with alternative payments?

Contact info@paynetsecure.net today

 

Safeguard Your High Risk Merchant Account

You’ve finally gotten your high risk merchant account approved. Now, how to you keep protect your high risk processing?

Here are 10 tips to help you.

  • Monitor your monthly processing volumes.  If you are going to exceed the approved processing limits significantly, call the bank and let them know the reason.  For example, you may be implementing an ad campaign, bring out a new product, or expanding your marketing efforts.
  • If you expect a very large growth spurt, consider getting additional merchant accounts.
  • If you are changing merchant account providers, ramp processing volumes down slowly from your existing account.  If you suddenly close your account, the acquiring bank gets nervous and can decide to freeze your funds or hold your reserves.
  • If you have average tickets that are much higher than normal, call the bank and let them know the reason why.  Banks hate surprises. Keep the bank informed..
  • Put your customer service number next to your company name on the billing descriptor.  When customers view their credit card statements, you want customers to call you first with any questions, not the card issuing bank.
  • Provide superb customer service. Responsive customer service prevents chargebacks.  And builds customer loyalty.
  • Make it easy for your customers to return items if not satisfied.  Particularly if you sell a lower ticket item, issuing a refund is easier than fighting a chargeback.
  • Review reports.  Reconcile statements.  Properly manage your account.
  • Implement fraud protection.  Cyber criminals are waiting for a chance to attack you.  Implement superior fraud protection and keep your business safe.
  • Keep your bank informed of any changes in your way of doing business.  Consider your high risk merchant account bank an important part of your team. 

Conclusion

Payment processing is vital to your long term business success. Protecting your high risk merchant account ensures that revenues from payment processing will continue to flow. 

Interested in applying for high risk processing for your business?

Contact info@paynetsecure.net today