Chargebacks: Yes, merchants have rights -- There are ways for the merchant to protect himself from unsubstantiated chargebacks. ... (See Unsubstantiated chargebacks)

How to negotiate card processing fees -- There is a way to cut costs with card processing fees without passing on the charges to the customer. We'll show you how. ... (See Card processing fees)

Processing terms you should know before negotiating -- You should know these card processing terms before entering into negotiations. ... (See Card processing fees)

Growing international? 3 ways your new customers can pay -- Expanding your business internationally? Before accepting your first order from out-of-country customers, you'll need to be able to accept foreign currencies ... (See International)

5 ways your store could be hacked -- While some data thieves may concentrate their efforts on the big retailers, small merchants can be victims as well ... (See Data breaches)

The small merchant's 2013 holiday calendar -- The 2013 shopping season is shaping up to be a unique one. Here are four events to prep for -- and tips for working them to your advantage ... (See Holidays)

4 things to know about taking payments over the phone -- Accepting card payments by phone is necessary for catalogs and food order businesses. Yet there are some risks -- and costs -- phone order merchants take on ... (See Phone orders)

6 ways online merchants can combat card-not-present fraud -- The adoption of EMV technology could cause criminals to shift their attention from stores to online merchants. Don't let yourself be a soft target ... (See Fraud)

Is your business mobile friendly? -- Many small merchants are saying "not now" to mobile payment technology. But are they missing out on business? ... (See Mobile)

Retailers, card companies throw legal punches as antitrust settlement drags on -- A year ago, Visa and MasterCard reached a landmark $6.4 billion settlement with 7 million merchants. But the fighting hasn't stopped ... (See Surcharge settlement)

Bitcoin: Another option for merchants -- Confused about what bitcoins are and about whether you should accept them as payment? Here's a primer ... (See Bitcoin)

You got rejected for a merchant account. Now what? -- Have you been turned down by a merchant account processor? Here's how to improve your chances the next time around ... (See Merchant account rejection)

5 ways your business can survive showrooming -- Mobile technology makes showrooming ("testing" a product in the store before buying it online) easier than ever. While some see it as a threat to small businesses, it doesn't have to be ... (See Showrooming)

Technology lets customers skip checkout line -- Long lines are an annoyance for customers. That's why some businesses are testing a variety of new checkout and ordering systems that help customers skip the wait ... (See Checkout)

Mobile gift cards can give small businesses an edge -- Mobile (aka digital) gift cards present merchants with an opportunity to gain an edge over big box competitors ... (See Mobile gift cards)

Options for streamlining your online checkout -- Competition is heating up among companies that streamline the check-out process for online merchants. Use our chart to find the right solution for your business ... (See Checkout)

Merchant year in review: Trends that defined 2012 -- Did you have trouble keeping up with all the changes in the payments industry in 2012? Here's a quick look back ... (See Payment trends 2012)

4 excuses small merchants make for ignoring data security -- Here are some of the most common excuses small merchants make to avoid PCI compliance, according to experts -- and why you should stop making them ... (See PCI DSS)

How to decode your merchant account rate -- The oft-quoted discount rate will likely apply to most of your transactions -- but not all of them. Here are the concepts you need to grasp to truly understand your rate. ... (See Merchant account rate)

Requiring a minimum credit card charge: You can do it -- but should you? -- Want to hang a sign near your register asking that all credit card purchases adhere to a $10 minimum to save on card processing costs? Is that legal or not? ... (See Minimum purchase)

Holiday marketing do's and don'ts for merchants -- With the holiday shopping season about to kick off, electronic marketing can make your business stand out when customers have so many options ... (See Holiday shopping)

Small Business Saturday: 5 ways to wow shoppers -- If you plan to participate in this year’s Small Business Saturday, now is the time to think strategy. Here are the Top 5 game plans and how to make them work for you ... (See Small Business Saturday)

How to prevent and detect employee data theft -- Are your employees stealing from your customers? Here's how employee data theft works -- and ways you can stop it ... (See Data theft)

PCI Compliance: An online merchant's guide -- Online businesses can avoid many of the overhead costs of brick-and-mortar merchants -- but they must still comply with PCI DSS. Payment security expert Branden R. Williams explains how ... (See e-commerce)

ISIS mobile wallet makes official debut -- After months of speculation and delays, the Isis mobile wallet has launched in two test cities. Here's what merchants need to know about the buzzed-about product ... (See Isis)

Merchant cash advances: Good deal or necessary evil? -- If you can't get a traditional loan, a merchant cash advance can be a way to revive your business. But it can also drain it. Here's what to know before signing up ... (See Merchant cash advance)

How to prevent skimming and other POS terminal attacks -- As a small business owner, you may not think of yourself as a crime fighter -- but your POS terminals are vulnerable to several sophisticated types of data theft ... (See POS attacks)

Expert Q&A: A PCI primer for brick-and-mortar merchants -- PCI compliance can be a maze for merchants. Payment security expert Branden R. Williams provides small brick-and-mortar merchants with a road map ... (See PCI)

5 tips for fielding merchant services sales pitches -- It may be hard to discern the truth from a really good sales pitch from a merchant service provider. Here are some tips for avoiding sales traps and finding the (real) good deals. ... (See Sales pitches)

New SpotPay mobile card reader takes swipe at competition -- SpotPay is the first mobile payment tool that financial institutions can offer directly to merchants. Will this stop merchants from turning to start-ups like Square? ... (See SpotPay)

Mobile payment app cheat sheet: A guide to merchants' many options -- The list of mobile payment apps just keeps getting longer. Use our chart to keep them all straight -- and to find the best one for you and your customers ... (See Mobile payments)

What to do after a data breach -- Small merchants have a reputation for nonchalance when it comes to data breaches. Yet they can wreak havoc on your business. Here are the first steps for damage control ... (See Data breach)

U.S. EMV roll-out doesn't mean merchants have to rush -- EMV card technology is getting rolled out in the U.S. Here's what you need to know about the deadlines -- and why you don't have to rush ... (See EMV)

Can your business afford to go cash-only? -- Plastic is convenient for consumers, but often expensive for merchants. So some small businesses say "no" to plastic and "yes" to good old-fashioned cash ... (See Cash-only)

Google Wallet makeover leaves merchants with yet another mobile payments choice to make -- Google touts its cloud-based digital wallet as a time-saver and wallet-replacer for shoppers. Yet it raises some questions and complications for merchants ... (See Google Wallet)

Terminal makers promise "future proof" products for merchants -- Digital payments. EMV. Mobile registers. For merchants, keeping up can be challenging -- and expensive. That's why some terminal makers are starting to tout their terminals as "future proof." ... (See Technology)

Walmart, Target reject Visa-MasterCard settlement. Should your business follow suit? -- Some big-box retailers are saying, "No thank you," to the recent settlement between retailers and credit card companies. But what's best for your business and customers? ... (See Lawsuit)

Merchant account guide for small ecommerce sellers -- Whether you're selling crafts, auctioning antiques or hawking your skills as a website designer, your needs as a small online business are different from those of brick-and-mortar ones ... (See Ecommerce)

What merchants need to know about the Senate's mobile payments hearing -- Three experts sounded off on mobile payments at this week's Senate committee hearing. Here are the highlights for merchants ... (See Senate hearing)

A guide to merchants' E-check options -- Plastic is becoming the norm, but some customers still prefer to pay by check. E-checks can help merchants eliminate some of the extra legwork involved in paper check acceptance ... (See E-checks)

Merchant account guide for churches and houses of worship -- If your house of worship is thinking about taking plastic, passing around the offering plate won't be enough. You'll need to set up a merchant account to process the payments. ... (See Church)

How to make smartphone and tablet payments secure -- Thinking about using a smartphone or tablet computer instead of a register? Here's how to make sure your customers' card data stays safe ... (See Data security)

Will consumers reject mobile payments? -- Upgrading point-of-service systems to accept mobile payments can have many advantages for merchants. The problem is, customers might not be on board ... (See Privacy)

Walmart snubs contactless payments -- but should small businesses? -- Walmart recently said it has no plans to support contactless payments. Yet moving toward contactless payments could pay off for smaller businesses ... (See Contactless payments)

Small business owners find silver lining in cloud-based POS systems -- Storing your data in the cloud could save your business time and money -- yet there are risks to consider before adopting a cloud-based POS system ... (See Merchant equipment)

Will VeriFone "SAIL" past its mobile payments competitors? -- Intrepid startups have been encroaching on traditional payment terminal makers' territory. Now, VeriFone is striking back at the competition with a new payments platform ... (See SAIL)

Visa's new fee causing concern and controversy -- If credit card processing fees weren't already taking a bite out of merchants' bottom lines, they can expect to incur yet another fee introduced in early April ... (See FANF fee)

Transaction fees lowered due to cap, Fed reports -- Thanks to a cap on fees, retailers are getting a break from debit card companies -- specifically, their transaction fees have been cut nearly in half, a report says. ... (See Debit)

Swipe fees fueling rising costs at the pump -- Swipe fees can add significantly to the costs of filling up at the pump. Yet merchants' hands are tied, according to a recent report from the National Association of Convenience Store Owners ... (See Fees)

Merchant loyalty programs get digital makeover -- Loyalty programs have come a long way since the familiar buy-10-get-one-free punch cards. Now, merchants are using technology to keep customers coming back ... (See Loyalty programs)

Eventbrite enters portable register fray -- Portable register applications let merchants turn their phones and tablet computers into sleek point of sale systems. Eventbrite just launched its own app aimed at special events ... (See At The Door)

In rush to mobile market, merchants vulnerable to fraud -- As the mobile market booms, some merchants aren't being as cautious as they should be with their mobile sites, leaving themselves vulnerable to hackers ... (See Security)

Converting cash customers to debit users -- What motivates customers to switch from cash to debit? A recent study gives some answers -- and shows why merchants might want to encourage debit card use ... (See Cash or debit)

Mobile payments roundup: 5 apps to watch -- The mobile payments marketplace is getting crowded, with various players launching their own products. Here are five apps to watch -- and what merchants should know ... (See Mobile payments)

SXSWi: Mobile payment adoption hurdles; Isis launch -- Mobile payments haven't taken off like proponents had hoped, according to a SXSW Interactive panel. But the next wave of mobile payment platforms could change that ... (See Isis)

Five months in, how is the Durbin Amendment affecting banks, merchants and consumers? -- The Durbin Amendment capped debit card transaction fees. Here's a look at how consumers, merchants and banks are thriving in a post-Durbin world. ... (See Durbin)

Etsy introduces alternative to merchant accounts -- Etsy recently announced that it's rolling out a new “direct checkout” system to U.S.-based sellers that will let them use Etsy as their credit card processor ... (See Etsy)

What MasterCard's EMV "roadmap" means for merchants -- Following Visa's lead, MasterCard is throwing its weight behind EMV technology -- and has suggested that it will be giving merchants incentives to get on board ... (See EMV)

What online merchants need to know about the new 1099-K -- A new tax form, the 1099-K, is making its debut for Tax Year 2011 and will affect many merchants who do business online. Here's what online sellers need to know ... (See 1099-K)

New IRS rules could lead to fee gouging -- A recent IRS reporting law could cost processors extra money. And some industry experts are worried those costs could get passed on to merchants ... (See IRS fee)

Restaurant battles bank over security breach -- Should a retailer be on the hook if the credit cards they accepted from their customers were later used fraudulently? A lawsuit is tackling that very question ... (See Lawsuit)

Many small merchants ignoring security standards -- Merchants that handle sensitive card data are supposed to adhere to certain standards to keep it safe. But many small businesses aren't doing so ... (See Card data)

Will new rules for Visa and MasterCard really help merchants? -- The Department of Justice's settlement with Visa and MasterCard is a win for merchants. But some small businesses might not be able to take full advantage ... (See Swipe fees)

Online shoppers find mobile payments safer than credit cards -- Here's one more reason to start accepting mobile payments: New research shows that online shoppers find carrier-billed mobile payments safer than using a credit card ... (See Mobile payments)

V.me: A new payment option from Visa -- Visa plans to launch a new online service next spring that allows customers to pay for goods and services without entering their account information online ... (See Online payments)

Paying with credit influences customers' buying habits -- Paying with a credit card may influence how your customer perceives your products, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research ... (See Customer psychology)

Large number of merchants storing unencrypted card data -- Are you storing unencrypted card data without realizing it? If so, you're not alone. 71 percent of participating merchants were found to have unencrypted card data stored on their networks, according to a recent study ... (See Data security)

7 reasons to accept smart cards -- Still weary of moving to chip-and-PIN? Here are seven reasons why installing new terminals and accepting smart cards will benefit your business ... (See Smart cards)

Tips for protecting your business from retail fraud -- Retail fraud costs merchants far more than just the cost of stolen goods, making it essential that you closely monitor your transactions ... (See Fraud tips)

Square updates Card Case, reinvents retailing -- Imagine accepting a customer's payment simply by typing in their name on an iPad. With Square's latest update to Card Case, that's now a reality for some ... (See Card Case)

Interchange-plus savings could be undermined by excessive fees -- Just because you've opted for interchange-plus pricing, don't stop monitoring your merchant statements for excessive markups and fees, say experts ... (See Interchange-plus)

Small-dollar debit card transactions have become pricy to process -- If you process a large volume of small dollar debit card transactions, you may be in for sticker shock the next time you look at your books ... (See Transaction fees)

Study: Consumers affected by debit card fees will likely turn to credit -- Consumers affected by the new debit card usage fees imposed by some banks are likely to switch to credit instead, according to a recent study ... (See Debit card usage fees)

Affinity introduces a merchant-friendly daily deals program -- The loyalty program provider, Affinity Solutions, has teamed up with Sovereign Bank on a new type of daily deals program that allows merchants to track the effectiveness of discounts and target likely customers ... (See Daily deals)

Some merchants still reluctant to steer customers toward debit -- Debit card swipe fees are now capped at 21 cents. However, many merchants still don't plan to steer customers away from credit and toward debit ... (See POS steering)

MasterCard urges ATM owners to upgrade to EMV technology -- MasterCard is throwing its weight behind chip and PIN. The network is urging member bank ATM owners to upgrade their ATMs to accept chip cards by April 2013 ... (See EMV)

A new way to accept credit cards -- with a webcam -- Payment companies such as Jumio are introducing innovative new tools that securely read credit cards with a simple click of a webcam. ... (See Netswipe)

Study: Merchants report waning confidence in the economy -- The National Small Business Association (NSBA) 2011 Mid-Year Economic Report found that small business owners are losing confidence in the economy, struggling to get financing and sweating over their prospects for 2012 ... (See Report)

A guide to Visa's merchant incentives for chip-and-PIN compliance -- Visa announced earlier this month that it will begin pushing for a U.S. migration toward chip-and-PIN (EMV) credit cards. Here's what you need to know about Visa's plan to encourage merchants to upgrade their terminals and accept chip-and-PIN credit cards ... (See EMV)

A guide to merchant category codes -- A merchant category code is a four-digit number the credit card industry uses to classify your business, track and even prohibit some types of purchases. ... (See MCC)

Merchant-funded rewards programs: Worth your participation? -- Merchant-funded rewards programs may be a short cut to customers and more effective than media advertising campaigns, say some experts ... (See Rewards)

After the Durbin Amendment: A new era in debit card transactions -- Beginning Oct. 1, 2011, debit card interchange fees will be significantly cheaper for merchants. Here's what you can do to maximize the benefit to your bottom-line ... (See Fees)

How to make sure you get your debit card fee reduction -- Beginning in October, banks will be required to lower their debit card swipe fees. But merchant account providers won't be required to pass on those savings to merchants. Here's what you need to do to claim your fee break ... (See Debit)

Fed pivots on interchange fees -- The Federal Reserve recently surprised merchants by changing the recommended cap on interchange fees from 12 cents to 21 cents per transaction ... (See Debit)

Back to School, Part 1: The major players in a credit card transaction -- In part 1 of our "Back to School" series, we look at the five key players who move a credit card transaction from your customer's first swipe to your business's bank account ... (See Part 1)

Back to School, Part 2: Credit card processing, 4 key issues -- In Part 2 of our "Back to School" series, we look at four key issues that merchants should consider before choosing a credit card processing system ... (See Part 2)

What You Need to Know About Equifax's New Business-Scoring Model -- Equifax has just launched a new credit-scoring system that reflects the new economic realities in the small business environment. Here's what you need to know about it ... (See Score)

Card Case, Register and Google Wallet: What You Need to Know -- Google and Square both announced last month new mobile wallets that they say can't be ignored. Here's what you need to know about the new systems ... (See Mobile)

6 tips for securing your payment system -- Fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, making it even more important that you regularly monitor the security of your payment systems ... (See Security)

Chargeback troubles? Fight back with these key steps -- Chargebacks are costly, time consuming and stressful. But they can often be prevented -- as long as you are vigilant with your business. Here are 5 ways that you can prevent a costly chargeback ... (See Chargebacks)

How to decode your merchant payment processing statement -- You don't need a master's degree in statistical analysis to decipher your merchant payment processing statement -- it just seems that way ... (See Statement)

5 more reasons why setting up a mobile payment system is worth the expense -- Many merchants are reluctant to invest time and money into setting up a mobile payment system. But the evidence suggests that mobile payments could be worth the extra trouble ... (See Payment)

Study: Get ready for mobile wallets -- Mobile payments are poised to become a major player in credit card transactions. Here's how to take advantage of the new payment landscape ... (See Mobile wallets)

5 ways to reassure your customers about payment security -- Want to keep your customers happy? Convince them that you value their privacy even more than they do. Here are 5 tips for reassuring your customers that their credit card information is secure ... (See Customer service)

Credit card privacy laws: Are you compliant? -- The California Supreme Court recently banned merchants from asking for consumer information, such as zip codes, after a purchase. But your state may have even tougher laws on the books ... (See Privacy laws)

Should you switch to a mobile payment system? -- Mobile payment systems make sense for mobile businesses because they need their equipment to be portable. But could regular brick-and-mortar establishments benefit too? Experts say: Maybe ... (See Mobile payment)

Point-of-sale devices are an easy fraud target, say experts -- According to a study conducted by Trustwave, a company that investigates payment card fraud, point-of-sale devices are often the weakest link when it comes to protecting customers' payment information ... (See Point-of-sale security)

Are the security concerns over Square's mobile payment device valid? -- Mobile upstart Square has created an affordable solution that allows regular folks to accept credit card payments, not just merchants. But VeriFone, a long-established competitor, has raised some security concerns over Square's device ... (See Mobile payment security)

5 ways to boost your business, despite low consumer confidence -- Consumer sentiment plummeted in March, foretelling new challenges for merchants. Here are 5 ideas for surviving and thriving in a difficult climate ... (See Consumer sentiment)

Time for a new merchant account? -- It may be time to do some rethinking of your business. If you don't already accept credit cards, perhaps this is the time to consider taking the leap. These tips can help. ... (See Merchant account)

Visa announces PCI compliance program -- but not for U.S. -- The Technology Innovation Program, recently announced by Visa, will reward merchants outside the U.S. for using chip-enabled technology and will help combat fraud ... (See PCI compliance)

Fighting high card processing fees with store debit cards -- Credit card processing fees have been eating away at merchants' profits for years, but change is in the air ... (See Card processing fees)

Florida case shows risk of checking, credit card scams -- A woman from Clearwater, Fla., who owns a fashion shop has been charged with depositing stolen checks and raiding her patrons' credit card accounts -- for the third time, no less ... (See Scams)

5 mistakes made with merchant accounts -- These are some of the most common -- and most easily avoidable -- mistakes business owners make with merchant accounts ... (See Merchant account mistakes)

High-risk merchant account mean higher fees for merchants -- Some businesses fall into a high-risk category, which could involve higher fees when opening a merchant account ... (See High-risk merchant accounts)

PCI data security standards: What they are and why they matter -- Merchants that accept credit card payments need to defend customers' sensitive personal data against theft and fraud. But where should your security measures begin? That's where PCI standards come in. ... (See PCI standards)

8 reasons why a mobile merchant account is for you -- Whether you run an online-only business or a brick-and-mortar store, or something else entirely, a mobile merchant account can provide welcome flexibility. ... (See Mobile)

Comparing the various types of merchant accounts -- There are countless different merchant account types -- but just how are they different? And which one is for you? ... (See Merchant accounts)

How to keep merchant account fees low -- Fees are an unpleasant part of dealing with merchant accounts. However, with a little homework and extra knowledge, you can likely help keep them manageable ... (more)

Phishing attack targets merchant accounts -- Merchant accounts are not immune to phishing attempts. Business owners should know how to recognize phishing and protect themselves against thieves. ... (See Phishing)

PayPal: Is it enough merchant account for your business? -- PayPal may be one of the best options for a merchant account for a growing business. But consider the following pros and cons of PayPal, and benefits of opening a second merchant account. ... (See PayPal)

More payment options for merchants on eBay -- For the first time, eBay is allowing multiple payment processors to manage transactions for sellers on the site ... (See eBay)

The scoop on multi-currency merchant accounts -- Multi-currency merchant accounts are of great benefit to merchants who wish to increase sales and brand awareness. There are some concerns with keeping such an account, however, including both the cost involved and the risk of fraud. ... (See Currency)

Can you afford your merchant account? -- Find out what minimums and fees need to be calculated in order to figure out if your business will be able to afford a merchant account. ... (See Costs)

5 ways to know you've outgrown your merchant account -- Here are signs that you may need to start looking for a new merchant account ... (See Merchant account)

Credit card rules for merchants 'anticompetitive,' says Justice Department -- The rules merchants must follow in order to accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard credit cards in their businesses are "anticompetitive," according to a civil antitrust lawsuit filed Monday by the U.S. Justice Department. ... (See Rules)

Mail order merchant accounts: What they are, how they work -- To sell by mail order in the 21st century, you'll need a mail order merchant account that meets the payment desires of an array of customers. ... (See Mail order)

Study: Debit card boom shows no signs of waning -- As consumers scaled back spending during the recession, they embraced a pay-as-you-go approach, forsaking charging for debiting -- a trend that does not appear to be going away anytime soon, according to PULSE network's 2010 Debit Issuer Study. ... (See Debit card)

Credit card usage decline slowing, study shows -- After 11 straight quarters of decline, consumer credit card use continues to fall for restaurants and retailers -- but at a slower pace than in recent months, according to a new study from Capital Access Network. ... (See Usage)

Video: How does credit card processing really work? -- You've got your merchant account, you accept credit cards and you know your business would be hit hard if you couldn't. But just how much do you know about how those credit cards actually get processed? We break it down for you. ... (See Processing)

Franchisers becoming lenders in tough economy -- Ready to open a franchise? Things like bank loans and merchant accounts might not be as easy to secure as you thought. ... (See Franchise)

How long should my merchant account contract last? -- Avoid the pitfalls of account termination fees by learning about the different types of merchant account contracts. ... (See Contracts)

5 things to remember about mobile credit card processing -- While applications, or apps, have made it possible for small businesses to process credit card transactions using their Apple iPhones or other smart phones, there are a few drawbacks to using this technology. ... (See Mobile)

Trade group offers credit card fee calculator -- The National Restaurant Association is assisting restaurateurs with a card processing rate calculator, leading the way for other business associations to develop similar tools. ... (See Calculator)

Your merchant account's been shut down -- now what? -- Providers will shut down a merchant account for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there are ways to get them reopened. ... (See Shut down)

BBB warns of credit card processing scam -- The credit card fraud involves a sales representative who offers to save the small business owner money on credit card processing fees if they sign a long-term agreement. ... (See BBB)

5 reasons mobile credit card processing is good for you -- Mobile credit card processing has made it easier for people to do business outside of brick-and-mortar stores. Merchants can benefit in a variety of ways from this new method of collecting funds. ... (See Processing)

Pushing your merchant account's limit -- As a business owner, you are trying to increase sales and customer interest, but going too far, too fast, could result in problems with your merchant account. ... (See Limits)

Finding the right merchant account for you -- With so many merchant account providers to choose from, how do you find one that's right for you? Here are some quick points to consider. ... (See Accounts)

10 things you must know about merchant account fees -- One of the most important parts of a merchant account agreement is the fee structure. Merchants should know the 10 basic types of fees before opening a merchant account. ... (See Fees)

Heartland releases new swipe terminals -- New debit and credit card swipe terminals have been introduced by Heartland Payment Systems that offer E3, a security technology that encrypts transaction data. ... (See Heartland)

Which merchant account type is best for my online business? -- When choosing a merchant account for your online business, you need to determine what services are included, such as shopping cart software. You should also compare the fees such as the discount rate and transaction fee. Here's more of what you should look for. ... (See Online)

Study: Businesses still don't understand PCI standards -- The new PCI standards have a September 2010 deadline, but only a small percentage of companies that accept credit cards have taken steps to meet them. ... (See PCI)

Amex wins suit against merchant account fraudsters -- American Express recently won a lawsuit against Nashville restaurant owners for credit card fraud. Unfortunately, credit card fraud remains prevalent in the United States and worldwide. ... (See Amex)

Visa expands small business savings program -- In Visa's quest to acquire new customers and to increase existing business credit card sales, it has introduced a new discount credit-processing program for small business customers: Visa SavingsEdge. ... (See Visa)

Survey: Small businesses say economy holding steady -- While small business owners were negatively impacted by the recession, a recent survey by Capital One reveals that they expect the economy to improve in the next six months. ... (See Economy)

Should you consider a multifunction POS terminal? -- Multifunction point-of-sale (or POS) terminals offer many advantages over traditional ones, including cost savings, customer convenience and PCI-standards compliance ... (See Terminal)

Why some don't accept plastic -- but should reconsider -- Some small business owners, for one reason or another, do not accept plastic as a form of payment. If you're one of them, here's why you should reconsider. ... (See Plastic)

7 fees to know about when shopping for merchant accounts -- Merchant accounts can differ greatly based on what fees and charges are incurred during their setup and use. When shopping for a merchant account, be sure to look at several providers before making a decision. ... (See Merchant account)

Combining merchant accounts and iPhone apps -- Merchants can now do business anywhere and at anytime with iPhone and iPod Touch apps that process credit cards. ... (See iPhone)

7 things you must know about credit card processing -- Credit card processing can be a complex thing. Here are seven key things that every merchant should know about it. ... (See Credit cards)

Can't get a merchant account? Here's what to do -- It can be extremely frustrating and discouraging to have your merchant account application denied. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help you get approved. ... (See Rejected)

What is a merchant account? -- Most business owners realize a merchant account is necessary for credit card processing, but what exactly is a merchant account, and how will it benefit your business? ... (See Merchant)

Will credit card reform mean higher interchange fees? -- Though consumers gained protections from the credit card companies with recent legislation, experts say a rise in interchange fees will probably be the result. ... (See Reform)

How to pick a payment gateway provider -- Online merchants should understand what a payment gateway is, why it is important, and how to select the right one for their business. ... (See Gateway)

Which business credit score should you get? -- Business credit is often measured with a Paydex score. It is important that a high Paydex score be maintained so that your business can obtain easy credit at low interest rates. ... (See Business score)

Accepting credit cards is crucial for your Internet business -- As a business owner with an Internet presence, you need to be able to accept credit cards on your Web site. Not only does the ability to accept credit cards online grow your potential customer base, but also it will make things easier on your customers. ... (See Online)

How telephone merchant accounts work -- Not everyone uses the Internet, at least not yet. A telephone merchant account system helps a business owner reach customers who don't go online or who don't trust making credit card transactions online ... (See Phone accounts)

New rules bring merchants new credit reporting burdens -- If a consumer contacts your company with a complaint about information that you have supplied to a credit bureau, you will be obligated to investigate under new federal rules that take effect on July 1. ... (See FACTA)

California officials examine credit card interchange fees -- Various government and private reports on rising interchange merchant fees have caused officials in California and Washington to consider solutions to help small businesses and consumers. ... (See Fees)

4 tips for cutting credit card processing fees -- There are a few things that you can do to reduce your credit card processing fees and maximize the amount of money that your customers spend. ... (See Tips)

4 tips for keeping credit card processing fees low -- There are a few things that you can do to reduce your credit card processing fees and maximize the amount of money that your customers spend. ... (See Tips)

FBI warns small businesses about rising cybercrime dangers -- Online banking might not be as safe as you thought. The ABA and FBI are encouraging small business owners to be vigilant about online financial transactions. ... (See Cybercrime)

How to pick, use small business credit cards -- Learn about how to choose small business credit cards and how to use them more effectively when making purchases and reaping rewards. ... (See Small biz)

New year, new merchant account? -- During the new year, while you are looking over ways to improve your business, don't forget to take a look at your merchant accounts and see if you are utilizing the right products ... (See New year)

Credit card processing iPhone apps keep coming -- At the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, credit card processing iPhone apps will be in the spotlight. ... (See iPhone)

5 big mistakes to make when choosing a merchant account -- You might be pumped and ready to start selling online, but it is important to avoid these merchant account mistakes that are so common with business owners today. ... (See Mistakes)

6 questions you must ask before you pick a merchant account -- Businesses must understand that it is important to know all of the details about the merchant account vendors seeking to supply services to their business. Here are some key questions to ask. ... (See Questions)

Breaking down the various types of merchant accounts -- What your merchant account does and doesn't do depends on what type of account you have ... (See Breakdown)

Visa releases data encryption best practices -- Securing credit card data is crucial. Visa has published a list of best practice recommendations in an effort to help merchants with that big task. ... (See Data)

Card processing apps for iPhone becoming more common -- Credit card processing apps for iPhone and iPod Touch are allowing merchants to cut costs and accept card payments away from the business home location. ... (See iPhone)

Square mobile payment tool now available for iPhone -- Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has introduces the world to Square, which will turn your iPhone into a portable credit card acceptance device. Square has the potential to revolutionize the way small businesses work. ... (See Square)

Study: Businesses lack policies for tackling cybercrime -- Small businesses are lagging in the quest for cybersecurity, a new study reveals. This can be costly for merchants who accept credit cards, for they may be in violation of PCI security standards. ... (See Cybercrime)

Thieves use merchant accounts to commit fraud -- Merchants are troubled by recent news of credit card tricksters using merchant accounts for their latest series of fraudulent activities. ... (See Fraud)

Going global with a merchant account -- If you have not taken your business international, then now is the time to go global. Don't worry about how you will get paid for an international sale; your merchant account will handle it for you. ... (See Global)

Will Congress curb merchant fees? -- With all of the reforms in the credit card industry to ensure fairer interest rate charges and more responsible lending, will the tables soon turn to offer businesses relief from credit card processing fees? ... (See Congress)

How wireless merchant accounts work -- From the new Square to the many other credit-card-related smartphone apps that have appeared in recent months, 2010 has seen a huge expansion of use of wireless technology. And if your business isn't up to speed, you could cost yourself money. ... (See Wireless)

United faces protests for move to shift card fees -- Mired in the economic crisis and facing increasing financial uncertainty, United Airlines recognizes the burden of credit cards and merchant accounts, and has decided that travel agents should bear the brunt of those costs instead. ... (See United)

Chase offers new small business cards -- The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Chase will soon offer small-business credit cards. According to the report, "J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.'s Chase Card Services plans to formally launch four cards aimed at small-business owners..." ... (See Chase)

U.S. merchant fees higher than those in other nations -- Recent credit card legislation sought to make credit card companies more transparent. The end result was that credit card companies can't arbitrarily raise interest rates or charge consumers hidden fees. But what about merchants? ... (See Fees)

Follow these best practices for accepting contactless payments -- Contactless payments have grown significantly in popularity over the last few years, and are expected to continue growing as the public becomes more reliant on credit cards and fobs rather than cash and checks. Here's how to handle them. ... (See Contactless)

Which merchant account type is best for my small business? -- Different types of merchant accounts allow you to process credit card payments in different ways. These include retail, Internet, wireless, telephone and mail order merchant accounts. Choosing the right type of account will save you money on fees. ... (See Small biz)

Beware of credit card processing scams -- Both buyers and business owners need to do some research before dealing with a credit card processor. Here's some hints of how to start. ... (See Scams)

Credit crunch forces firms to look elsewhere for funding -- Alternative funding sources have replaced credit cards and business loans because of the credit crunch. ... (See Funding)

So many merchant account types -- which should I choose? -- A merchant account gives a business credit card processing capabilities. There are five main types of merchant accounts: retail merchant accounts, internet merchant accounts, wireless merchant accounts and mail order merchant accounts. ... (See Merchant account)

Financial services company unveils new safeguard vs. ID theft -- PSCU Financial Services of St. Petersburg, Florida now uses CreditLock, a service that lets customers at over 600 credit unions lock and unlock their credit cards with a quick phone call. ... (See CreditLock)

More states adding data breach notification laws -- New data breach notification laws make merchants and vendors responsible for notifying customers when their private data is illegally accessed. More and more states are jumping on board. ... (See Data breach)

PayPal partners with wireless firm to create card processing tool -- A newly announced partnership between Transaction Wireless and PayPal means owners of most cell phones can now process credit cards remotely. ... (See PayPal)

Police ramp up efforts to prevent ID theft -- In an effort to crack down on credit card thieves, police detectives in Oviedo, Fla., make it a point to investigate all reports of identity theft, even if the amount is just $5. Learn more about what they're doing -- and what you can do -- to prevent fraud. ... (See Police)

Hacker pleads guilty to giant ID theft; learn how to protect yourself -- Ehud Tenenbaum, also known as "The Analyzer," recently pleaded guilty to a single count of credit card fraud that stemmed from a more than $10 million theft of credit card numbers. ... (See Hacker)

4 steps to help you keep credit card processing fees low -- Merchant account providers charge fees for payments made using credit cards. These merchant account fees can really add up, making profits from credit card transactions less. Here's the scoop on how to keep your credit card fees lower. ... (See Fees)

How retail merchant accounts work -- An overview of how retail merchant accounts work, the hardware you need and the options you should consider for your business. ... (See Retail accounts)

It's never too early to plan for the holidays -- Black Friday is the launch date for the Christmas holiday shopping season. Smart merchants understand that planning for this season can make the difference between having a profitable year or a loss, so don't wait. ... (See Holidays)

Starting a business? Don't forget a merchant account -- If you are starting a business, you need to realize that merchant accounts help you collect receipts from your customers -- whether they're paying in person, over the phone or even online via an iPhone app. ... (See Starting)

Man charged with massive credit card data theft -- The recent theft of millions of account numbers points out that better data security is needed at companies that process credit card transactions. ... (See Data theft)

What to watch for when switching merchant accounts -- Your merchant account for credit card processing is a vital tool for doing business; if you aren't fully satisfied with your current merchant account, it may be time to shop around. After all, competition to provide and oversee your merchant account is high. If your current provider isn't up to snuff, plenty of others want your business. ... (See Switching)

Florida group names Washington Bancard exclusive card processing partner -- The Florida Bankers Association of Tallahassee has selected a Coral Gables credit-card processing company as an exclusive partner for credit cards and processing services for its members. ... (See Partner)

Merchant account provider BluePay continues buying spree -- BluePay, a credit card processing company and merchant account provider, has acquired Landmark Merchant Solutions LLC, its sixth acquisition in a little over a year. ... (See BluePay)

Network Solutions data breach stirs controversy -- Network Solutions announces breach that impacts thousands of retailers. However, some retailers fear that customers will blame their small enterprises rather than blaming the company that merchants feel is responsible for the breach. ... (See Breach)

Merchant accounts victimized by hackers' unusual scheme -- Even with the data encryption methods currently in place, hackers still have found a fairly large loophole in the credit card processing system. By exploiting merchant accounts, unscrupulous individuals can commit credit card fraud without ever stepping into a place of business. ... (See Hackers)

'World's largest online merchant network' launched -- What would you give for a free merchant account? Shopster.com launches a free basic option for credit card processing, but is it worth it? ... (See Largest)

United Airlines shifts credit card merchant processing to travel agents -- United Airlines has informed some travel agents that they no longer will have access to United's merchant processing system for credit card purchases. The impact of this remains to be seen. ... (See Travel)

Merchant account provider creates new BlackBerry app -- If you are looking for "on the go" merchant account solutions, Merchant Warehouse's MerchantWare Mobile might be a welcome alternative. ... (See BlackBerry)

New rules let consumers dispute credit report errors with merchants -- Under new rules which go into effect next year, consumers can take up disputes over inaccuracies on their credit reports directly with the businesses that provided the information. Businesses, in turn, are required to investigate these disputes. This could have a significant impact on your record-keeping systems and administrative procedures. ... (See Rules)

New study sees flaws in data security standards -- Payment Card Industry data security standards aren't as effective as merchants may believe, according to a new report. ... (See Flaws)

Compare small business payment methods -- Gone are the days when the one-person company operating out of the spare room had but two options: cash or checks. Today's in-home entrepreneurs have more choices, from credit cards to PayPal to branded "shopping cart" programs. ... (See Payments)

How tokenization works -- Tokenization is a way to eliminate security concerns about the storage and transmission of sensitive credit card data over a merchant's network. Click through the graphic to learn how it works. ... (See Tokenization)

Credit card processing for nonprofits -- Considering accepting credit card donations for your nonprofit? There are a number of factors to weigh. ... (See Nonprofits)

Merchants eye mobile phones to transact card payments -- Smart-phone credit card transaction processing applications are coming online, offering convenience for consumers and the potential for higher sales to businesses. ... (See Software)

7-11 gathers signatures to fight credit card fees -- Popular convenience store chain 7-11 objects to high swipe fees on its credit card transactions and has organized a petition to try and get 1 million signatures. It's all to get the attention of Congress. ... (See 7-11)

A brief history of merchant accounts -- Merchant accounts can revolutionize your business by offering more technologically advanced financial services for your customers' ever-changing needs. However, merchant accounts have changed over the years as well. Here's a look at how the merchant account business got to where it is currently. ... (See Accounts)

Merchants use high-tech tools to reward loyal customers -- Rewards-based loyalty programs have gone digital. New customer benefits such as sale-price refunds and mobile coupons have taken the retail industry by storm. ... (See Rewards)

How do I get my business credit score? -- As a business owner, you have another whole set of credit reports to worry about. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to keep an eye on your business' economic reputation. ... (See Business )

Consider all possible fees before picking a merchant account -- Once you've decided to get a merchant account to accept customer payments by credit and debit cards, our new columnist says you should begin your search by first considering all the basic fees. ... (See Merchant fees)

Agencies issue frequently asked questions on ID theft rules -- The government is still implementing the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. The latest update is the report "Identity Theft Red Flags and Address Discrepancies." Here's what you need to know. ... (See ID theft)

What is a virtual merchant account? -- Use a virtual merchant account to increase sales and give customers what they want: an easy and secure way to purchase your goods and services when and where they want. ... (See Virtual)

Get answers to your questions about PCI data security standards -- Small business owners, with the help of merchant account providers and trade associations, can learn more about PCI standards for data security. ... (See PCI standards)

Study: Credit cards may not really increase spending -- A recent study found that customers who use credit cards don't actually spend more. It turns out that convenience of payment is just one part of a customer's overall shopping experience. ... (See Study)

4 key tips for negotiating with merchant account providers -- All aspects of credit card processing are negotiable if you are willing to discuss options with a customer service representative. We'll give you some tips on how to do it. ... (See Negotiate)

Using merchant accounts with third-party software -- Small business owners wanting financial software often choose Quicken. Now you can use Quicken to perform credit card transactions, too. ... (See Software)

When should you change merchant accounts? -- Here are some signs that your current merchant account provider just isn't that into you. ... (See Change)

FTC delays "Red Flags Rules" to May 1, 2009 -- Creditors and financial institutions granted a six-month extension to comply with FTC anti-theft 'Red Flags Rules.' ... (more)

What happens when you set up a merchant account? -- Some small-business owners avoid establishing merchant accounts for credit card processing because they feel intimidated by computer equipment. If you're one of these, it's time to get over that fear. ... (See Setting up)

All you need to know about the discount rate -- When you're shopping for a merchant account, paying attention to the discount rate will help you make the best decision for your business. ... (See Discount rate)

New bill aims to cut merchant fees -- Business owners often complain that they are unable to bargain for lower fees on merchant accounts. The U.S. Credit Card Fair Fee Act aims to help, but banks and credit unions are opposed to it. ... (See Fee cut)

Best privacy practices for businesses with merchant accounts -- Merchants need to take steps in order to guard their customers' credit card information. ... (See Data)

Alternatives to merchant accounts abound -- Online companies that provide easy alternatives to traditional merchant accounts have revolutionized credit card processing for the better. ... (See Alternatives)

What are interchange fees, and why should you care? -- Each time merchants choose to make a sale via credit cards, an interchange fee is charged for credit card processing. It's crucially important to make sure you know about them, so you can maximize your profits. ... (See Fees)

Does one merchant account work for all types of credit cards? -- A business wants its customers to be able to buy goods and services, no matter which credit card they have. But how does a business owner know which merchant account provider to use? ... (See Cards)

Who regulates merchant accounts? -- There are several agencies that ensure the viability of your merchant account. Here are the key players. ... (See Regulate)

Why a good business credit score matters -- As an entrepreneur, you simply can't afford to gamble with your business credit score. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to shore it up over time. ... (See Scores)

Credit cards drive growth in small business lending -- The nation's largest card issuers are also the largest providers of small business loans, according to a 2008 report by the Small Business Administration. ... (See Lending)

Small business owners' confidence in economy falls sharply -- Small business owners' economic confidence plummeted in May, just a month after reaching its highest level in more than a year, according a new report. ... (See Economy)

How struggling businesses should handle merchant accounts -- If your company is struggling to stay afloat in this turbulent economy, or you're facing the reality of shutting down operations, paying attention to all of your merchant accounts is critical during this time of change. ... (See Struggling)

5 reasons why data security is a really big deal -- With online and offline identity theft on the rise, it's more important than ever to pay attention to data security and how it applies to your business. Here are some reasons why data security needs to be a top priority for your business. ... (See Data security)

What is a merchant account? -- A merchant account allows a business to accept credit cards and may offer other merchant services, too. A merchant account can be obtained through a credit card company, a bank or another payment processing provider. ... (See Merchant accounts)

What you need to know about third party merchant accounts -- Qualifying for merchant accounts can be difficult for new and small businesses to do. They also can be expensive to maintain. One option that business owners have is to use third party merchant accounts. ... (See Third party accounts)

Consider these factors when selecting a merchant account -- Everything else aside, you will want your ability to accept credit card payments to be versatile. You're convinced that your business needs a merchant account telephone system for credit card processing. You have many merchant accounts from which to choose; now your task is to pick the best one for your needs. ... (See Choosing an account)

Merchant account fees: Are they worth it? -- Between the merchant account discount or interchange fee, the initial fee, merchant account monthly fees, minimum fees, gateway access fees and others, merchant accounts aren't cheap. But there are also plenty of good reasons to have one. ... (See Fees)

Can you increase your sales just by accepting credit cards? -- If you have a business and want to increase your competitive edge, then you need to accept credit cards online. Today, businesses have to accept credit cards online to survive. If you have a business and want to increase your competitive edge, then you need to accept credit cards online. ... (See Sales)

Tips for merchants on how to combat charge-offs -- There are several ways you can dramatically limit the number of credit card charge-offs your business encounters. Credit card charge-offs happen when a purchase is deemed uncollectible, which can put a big dent in your enterprise's merchant account. ... (See Charge-offs)

How to accept credit cards with your iPhone -- Can you use your iPhone for credit card processing? With the help of iPhone applications, accepting credit cards on your iPhone is a snap. ... (See iPhone)

How the credit card interchange process works -- When you use a credit card to make a purchase, a large network of companies comes together to make it all happen. It's called the credit card interchange process -- the system by which credit card payments are processed. ... (See Interchange)

What to look for when choosing the right merchant account company -- Finding a merchant account should not be a rush job. Once you've decided that your business needs to accept credit card payments, take your time to evaluate the costs and services offered for merchant accounts from a variety of credit card processing companies. ... (See Choosing)

'Red Flags Rules' deadline extended again -- The implementation date for the 'Red Flags Rules,' which require merchants to have written plans to combat ID theft, has been pushed back again by the FTC to Aug. 1, 2009. ... (See Delay)

Benefits for small businesses accepting credit cards -- Accepting credit cards is essential for small businesses that want to increase their revenue, satisfy their customers and keep their bottom line in line. Arranging to accept credit cards at your small store or e-commerce site makes good business sense. The amount of money it takes to accept credit cards will be quickly recouped by increased sales. Everything else being equal, a consumer will choose the small business that can accept credit cards online or in the store over those that do not. ... (more)

What's a payment gateway and how does it work? -- Do you conduct business online? If so, a payment gateway account might be beneficial for accepting credit cards. A payment gateway is simply an authorization service for Internet credit card transactions, and is used to facilitate communication between the business, the card issuer and the business's bank. ... (See Gateways)

What merchants must know about PCI security standards -- PCI security standards help to ensure that credit card transaction processing runs smoothly in regards to protecting cardholder data. Merchants should familiarize themselves with the standards before accepting any of the major brands of cards. ... (See Security)

Capital One releases emergency checklist for businesses -- Capital One Small Business released a checklist of steps businesses should take to prepare for emergency situations, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and floods grows. ... (See Checklist)

Breaking down the pluses, minuses of alternative payment systems -- When deciding how your business will accept credit card payments online, you might want to consider an alternative payment system. But how do you know what is best for your business? Alternative payment systems, for example, provide business owners with different ways to accept credit cards online. ... (See Alternatives)

Which merchant account is right for your home-based business? -- With today's challenging economy, many who have been unemployed for a substantial amount of time are considering starting up a small business at their home. However, it's not easy. ... (See Home business)

How Internet merchant accounts work -- You can increase online sales and profits by accepting credit cards on auction sites or your own Web site. No matter if you have your own merchant Web site or simply sell stuff on eBay, credit cards can become a vital part of your business. ... (See How Internet merchant accounts work)

6 questions you should ask about merchant accounts -- The average consumer and merchant is finding it hard to escape credit and debit cards. Merchants, in particular, need merchant accounts to accept a card transaction. However, do merchants know enough about merchant accounts to make the right choice? ... (See Questions)

6 tips for keeping merchant account rates and fees low -- A cautious approach to getting a merchant account -- an arrangement with a bank or other provider that will allow your business to accept credit cards -- and a little homework now can help keep those fears of rampant fees and extra charges from becoming a reality. ... (See Rates and fees)

Missing payments on business credit card can hurt personal credit -- Merchants who are propping up their small businesses with credit cards are risking damage to their own personal credit if they fail to make payments on their company cards, experts say. ... (See Credit scores)

Discover's merchant acceptance skyrockets -- The Discover card, once the black sheep of branded credit cards, received some vindication April 21, when Discover Financial Services executives announced the card was projected to reach 97 percent of merchant acceptance in 2010. ... (See Discover)

IRS targets merchants processing offshore cards -- The IRS is widening its net in an attempt to pull in tax-evading merchants who use offshore accounts to hide income. ... (See IRS)

House subcommittee debates card security standards -- A House subcommittee panel expressed doubt in a March 31 session that the current Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) council requirements imposed on merchants significantly prevent electronic crimes. ... (See Security)

Merchant account terms: Glossary, definitions -- Merchant accounts have their own special language, and for the business owner accepting credit cards, they're crucial to know. ... (See Glossary)

FAQs about applying for a merchant account online -- Frequently asked questions about merchant accounts, which are easy to use, but sometimes tricky to set up. ... (See FAQ)

How merchant account transactions work -- This interactive guide to merchant account processing and transactions lays out, in simple fashion, each step, from the customer's credit card swipe to money in the businessperson's pocket. ... (See Interactive)

FTC delays 'Red Flags Rules' to May 1, 2009 -- Creditors and financial institutions granted merchants a six-month extension to comply with FTC anti-theft 'Red Flags Rules.' ... (See Rules)

'Red Flags Rules' require merchants to help fight ID theft -- On Nov. 1, 2008, credit card issuers and businesses that extend credit must establish policies -- called the Red Flags Rules -- to help detect fraud. ... (See Identity theft)

6 keys to finding the right merchant account for you -- Shopping around for a merchant account can really pay off. We'll take a look at what small business should know so they can find the best account for their needs. ... (See The right account)

5 ways to prevent employee credit card abuse -- Here are 5 steps small business owners can take to prevent unauthorized credit card purchases by employees. ... (more)

Merchants struggle to secure user data, deter identity theft -- Merchants' battles to secure consumer credit card data never end. That's why the credit card industry imposes mandatory security standards on merchants, processors, manufacturers of PIN entry devices and application developers. ... (See ID theft)

Rules changing for merchants handling credit card data -- Safety concerns for consumers' credit card information prompt changes in the way businesses handle data. ... (See Changes)

Business credit scores: What they are, how to boost yours -- Just as an individual has a credit score, so does a business. As with individual scores, the number determines whether your business gets credit and at what rate. ... (See Scores)

Cashless businesses slowly catch on -- An Oregon cafe is one of a small but growing number of businesses that accepts credit cards or debit cards only. No cash. ... (See Cashless)

Merchant account interchange fees affect businesses, card issuers -- Increasingly controversial interchange fees ultimately paid by consumers. ... (more)