When you swipe, tap, or otherwise use your card to pay for a purchase, credit card payment processing is set into motion to authorize and complete the transaction. On the surface, credit card processing may seem instantaneous, but in reality, it’s a complex, multi-step process. It also can be expensive for a merchant, which is why some may have a minimum requirement for a credit card payment or a discount for cash.
Read on to learn about what credit card processing is and the different ways it can work.
What Is Credit Card Processing?
Credit card processing refers to the series of operations so that a charge can get authorized and a merchant can be paid when a consumer pays with a credit card. It is a critical part of how credit cards work to make payments.
While the process takes only seconds, it involves multiple steps and entities as well as fees. The costs associated with credit card processing are incurred by the merchant, but they can be passed along to consumers through credit card surcharges or a slightly higher price of goods.
Stages of Credit Card Processing
The time between tapping your credit card and being asked if you’d like a copy of your receipt are action-packed. While the steps may not impact you directly as a consumer, being familiar with them can help you understand what happens if a payment is declined or you’re prompted to re-enter your information (and have a generally better grasp of what a credit card is).
Payment Authorization
When a credit card is tapped or swiped, authorization occurs. The merchant collects the payment information, such as the CVV number on a credit card.
This information is then sent to the credit card processor, who then sends it to the card network. From there, the information is passed to the issuing bank, which confirms the consumer has the funds or credit to complete the transaction.
Sometimes, a merchant may conduct preauthorization. This is a common practice at hotels, where a small amount is charged and held. It may also occur at gas stations.
At this point, the merchant still does not actually have the money. An authorization functions as a kind of IOU, confirming to the credit card company and the merchant that your credit line can cover the charge. (This is another reason it can be beneficial to pay more than your credit card minimum payment each month, as it will free up more of your available credit.)
Payment Settlement
Settlement occurs when money transfers from the issuing bank to the merchant bank through the card network, and the funds are then deposited into the merchant’s account. This process generally takes several days from the point of sale.
The amount deposited into the merchant account is minus any fees that are deducted from the merchant’s payments. Fees may get deducted once a month for all activity that’s taken place during the previous cycle, or the merchant may opt to have them deducted every time settlement occurs.
From the cardholder’s perspective, this is the point in the process when a charge on their credit card account may shift from “pending” to “posted.”
Recommended: What is a Credit Card CVV Number?
Who Are the Players in Credit Card Processing?
Credit card processing depends on a chain of connections to get the job done. Here’s who’s doing what when it comes to credit card processing.
The Cardholder
When you choose to pay with a card, you trigger credit card payment processing. Because different cards charge merchants varying fees, you may find that not all merchants take all cards. If you know there’s a card that is frequently not accepted, this could be a consideration when you apply for a credit card.
The Merchant
The merchant accepts credit card payments in exchange for the goods or services they provide. They have control over which credit card processing services or processing system they use. Often, a processing system is combined with a point of sale (POS) system — the actual mechanism by which a person enters their payment information.
The Merchant Bank
The merchant bank, also known as the acquiring bank, is responsible for sending the card and transaction information to the credit card network. Once approved, funds are deposited into the merchant account, minus any processing fees. The merchant bank may also provide equipment for credit card transactions, such as card readers.
The Issuing Bank
The issuing bank is also known as the cardholder’s credit card issuer. It authorizes the card information, pays the merchant bank, and charges the cardholder for the purchase. It may also attach fees, including international transaction fees, to the purchase.
The Payment Processor
The payment processor is the vendor that facilitates communication between the merchant bank and the issuing bank. It essentially manages all of the processes that have to occur between a card being swiped and a payment being deposited into a merchant’s account. The processor will charge a fee for this service.
The Card Association
A credit card issuer or card association is the card brand on the credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. You may also hear this called a credit card network. While a credit card is attached to a specific bank, it also has a specific brand; in the case of Discover and American Express, they are both card networks and card issuers.
The card association collaborates with card issuers, merchants, and processors to help facilitate transactions. It will also receive part of the fee for a credit card transaction, called an interchange fee.
Charges Associated With Credit Card Processing
Just like consumers have to worry about APR on a credit card, merchants have to consider charges associated with credit card processing. Many merchants bake the cost of credit card processing fees into their payment structure.
Payment Processing Fees
The processing fee for a credit card transaction goes to the processor, which is the company that is responsible for accepting the credit card payment and sending the information to the payment network.
Interchange Fees
Interchange fees go to the issuing bank. These fees are generally a percentage of the transaction, plus a standard flat-fee per transaction. The amount of interchange fees can vary depending on the type of card used, whether the transaction was completed in-person or online, the amount of the transaction, and the type of business that the merchant is.
Service Fees
Also known as an assessment fee, a service fee is a monthly fee that is charged by the payment network. The amount of this fee can depend on the merchant’s transaction volume as well as their calculated risk level.
Types of Credit Card Processing Models
Beyond the various fee types, there are different types of pricing models that a credit card processing company may offer. While this won’t matter much on the consumer side, a business should consider which pricing model might work best. These options generally aren’t as straightforward to evaluate as identifying a good APR for a credit card.
Flat Rate
With this credit card processing model, the processor charges a fixed fee for all credit and debit card transactions. This rate will include interchange fees. This model keeps things simple; a business owner knows how much will be charged. However, credit card fees can be higher under the flat rate model.
Tiered
In a tiered model, the fee charged per credit or debit card transaction will depend on its classification. Often, this processing model will have the following tiers: qualified, mid-qualified, and non-qualified, with qualified having the lowest fees and non-qualified having the highest. Because of all the nuances, this model can be complex and potentially confusing for merchants.
Interchange Plus
This is the most common credit card processing model for pricing. With this model, fees are kept separate, making this a transparent and often cost-effective method. The merchant is charged a percentage of the transaction plus a fixed fee per transaction, with the wholesale fee and the markup fee clearly distinguished.
Subscription
With the subscription pricing model, which charges a flat monthly fee, one has to sign up for this service. Merchants will also pay a low per-transaction fee, as well as a very small payment processor fee. Monthly fees tend to be more than the transaction fees in this model, making it most suitable for businesses with high sales volumes.
Recommended: How Do Credit Card Companies Make Money?
Selecting a Credit Card Processor
Picking a credit card processor is an important choice for a business and one that should involve an assessment of what your business needs and what different credit card processors offer.
• Just as you’d consider average credit card interest rates if you were choosing a credit card, you’ll want to think over the fees different credit card processors charge.
• Look at what the fee model is, as different models may be more suitable depending on the type of business. Also consider what cards the processor will allow you to accept.
• Review the processor’s reliability and customer service availability. You might also think about additional features that are offered, such as a bundled or integrated point-of-sale system or a guarantee of next-day funds.
The Takeaway
Understanding credit card processing is helpful even if you’re not a merchant or entrepreneur. Once you know the costs of credit card processing, you may have insight into why some merchants may give cash discounts, for instance.
However, although fees are involved in these transactions, there are benefits to cardholders for using cards to complete their purchases, such as rewards and protections.
Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.
FAQ
How much does credit card processing cost?
On average, credit card processing can cost anywhere from 1.5% to 3.5% of the transaction amount. The exact cost will depend on a number of factors, however, including the banks, the credit card network, and the payment processor involved. Merchants’ costs can also depend on the credit card processing model they choose.
Is credit card processing secure?
Yes, it is generally secure. Credit card processing security has come a long way, with innovations on both the processing end as well as the credit card companies that create systems for security, whether people buy in-store or online.
Can I lower my credit card processing fees?
Yes, there are a number of ways you can explore to lower your credit card processing fees. Comparing processors and credit card processing models can be one way to secure lower fees. You might also apply a surcharge to pass on costs to customers. Or, you could simply ask your current processor if there’s any room to negotiate fees.
Photo credit: iStock/Demkat
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