How Payment-Enabled Fitness Trackers Work

Payment-enabled fitness trackers let you track your health and make secure, contactless payments – all from your wrist. Here’s how they work: NFC Technology: These devices use NFC (Near Field Communication) to connect with payment terminals for seamless transactions. Security Features: Payments are encrypted and protected with tokenization and biometric authentication (like fingerprints or facial […]
10 Best Practices for Chargeback Management

Chargebacks cost U.S. merchants billions in lost revenue and fees each year. But with the right strategies, you can reduce disputes, protect your revenue, and maintain customer trust. Here’s a quick breakdown of the 10 best practices for managing chargebacks effectively: Improve Customer Support: Offer accessible, responsive, and well-trained support to resolve issues before they […]
Compliance Training Trends for High-Risk Merchants 2025

High-risk merchants face stricter regulations and rising fraud risks in 2025. To stay compliant and reduce penalties, here’s what you need to know: New Visa Rules: Chargeback thresholds drop to 1.5% in April 2025 and 0.9% in January 2026. Privacy Laws: 75% of global personal data is now protected under modern laws, with new state […]
How to Spot Merchant Account Fraud

Merchant account fraud is costing businesses billions every year. Fraudsters use tactics like bust-out scams, transaction laundering, and micro-transaction testing to exploit payment systems. In 2023 alone, merchants lost $20 billion to chargeback fraud, and this number is expected to hit $28.1 billion by 2026. Here’s what you need to know to protect your business: […]
How Exchange Rates Affect Global Payments
Exchange rates directly impact global payments by determining how much one currency is worth compared to another. Here’s what you need to know: What Are Exchange Rates? Exchange rates show the value of one currency against another. For example, in June 2024, €1 was worth $1.07. Rates can be free-floating (market-driven) or fixed (pegged to […]
Flat Rate vs. Interchange Plus Pricing

Choosing the right payment processing model can save your business thousands of dollars annually. Here’s what you need to know: Flat Rate Pricing: Simple and predictable, with a fixed percentage (e.g., 2.9%) plus a small fee per transaction. Best for small businesses earning under $200,000/year. Interchange Plus Pricing: Breaks fees into components (interchange, card brand, […]
Common QR Code UX Issues and Fixes

QR codes are everywhere – restaurants, stores, and even on product packaging. But they’re not perfect. Common problems like poor design, bad placement, and security risks can frustrate users and hurt your business. Here’s how to fix them: Bad Scanning Experience: Use high-contrast designs, proper sizing (e.g., 1"x1" for every 10 inches of distance), and […]
What Is 3D Secure Authentication?

3D Secure (3DS) is a security protocol designed to protect online card transactions by verifying the cardholder’s identity. It reduces fraud, improves transaction security, and shifts liability for fraudulent chargebacks from merchants to issuing banks. Here’s what you need to know: How It Works: 3DS involves three domains – merchant’s bank, cardholder’s bank, and card […]
Contactless Payment Rings: Security Features Explained

Contactless payment rings make paying faster and safer. These small, wearable devices use NFC technology to securely transfer encrypted payment data with just a tap. They don’t need batteries and work like contactless credit cards but are more convenient since they’re worn on your finger. Key Features: Secure Transactions: Advanced encryption and tokenization protect your […]
What Is Multi-Factor Authentication in Payments?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security method that protects payment systems by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple steps. It goes beyond just a password, adding extra layers of protection to ensure payment details remain secure. Key Points: What is MFA? MFA uses three types of verification: Something you know (e.g., password or […]