Glossary
Utilize the extensive electronic payment processing glossary of terms.
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ABA Routing Number - Also referred to as a Transit Routing Number. Directs electronic ACH deposits to the proper bank institution.
ACH - Automated Clearing House - A regional organization used by member banks to electronically transfer funds directly from sending bank through the Federal Reserve to the Merchant's bank.
Acquirer - A financial institution that maintains the merchant credit card processing relationship and receives all transactions from the merchant to be distributed to the Cardmember Banks.
Agent Bank - Smaller financial institutions that contract to become an issuing and/or acquiring agent of another member bank.
Airline/Passenger Transport - Ticket purchases for travel on passenger transport establishments.
American Express - An organization that issues American Express® cards and acquires transactions, unlike Visa and MasterCard, which are Associations
Arbitration - The procedure an Acquirer may use to resolve a complaint with a Card Issuer on behalf of the establishment. Use this procedure after a good faith collection attempt has failed.
Associations - MasterCard International, Visa U.S.A., or Visa International, which are licensing regulatory agencies for bankcard activities.
ATM - Automated Teller Machine - A device where a cardholder can enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) and can access their checking, savings, or credit card accounts in order to deposit/withdrawal funds instantly.
Authorization - Approval by, or on behalf of, the card issuer to validate a transaction for a merchant or another affiliate bank. An authorization indicates only the availability of the cardmember's credit limit at the time the authorization is requested.
Authorization Approval Code - A number issued to a participating merchant by the Authorization Center that confirms the authorization for a sale or service.
Authorization Center - A department within FDMS that electronically communicates a merchant's request for authorization on Credit Limit credit card transactions to the cardmember's bank and transmits such authorization to the merchant via electronic equipment or by voice authorization.
Authorization Request - A request by an acquirer, on behalf of their merchant, for approval by the issuer to complete a sales transaction involving a payment card.
Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) - A terminal device used to accept payment for fuel at a petroleum service station.
Available Credit - The amount of credit available on the cardholders credit line after the current balance and outstanding authorizations have been calculated.
Average Ticket - The average dollar amount of a merchants credit card transactions.
ACH - Automated Clearing House - A regional organization used by member banks to electronically transfer funds directly from sending bank through the Federal Reserve to the Merchant's bank.
Acquirer - A financial institution that maintains the merchant credit card processing relationship and receives all transactions from the merchant to be distributed to the Cardmember Banks.
Agent Bank - Smaller financial institutions that contract to become an issuing and/or acquiring agent of another member bank.
Airline/Passenger Transport - Ticket purchases for travel on passenger transport establishments.
American Express - An organization that issues American Express® cards and acquires transactions, unlike Visa and MasterCard, which are Associations
Arbitration - The procedure an Acquirer may use to resolve a complaint with a Card Issuer on behalf of the establishment. Use this procedure after a good faith collection attempt has failed.
Associations - MasterCard International, Visa U.S.A., or Visa International, which are licensing regulatory agencies for bankcard activities.
ATM - Automated Teller Machine - A device where a cardholder can enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) and can access their checking, savings, or credit card accounts in order to deposit/withdrawal funds instantly.
Authorization - Approval by, or on behalf of, the card issuer to validate a transaction for a merchant or another affiliate bank. An authorization indicates only the availability of the cardmember's credit limit at the time the authorization is requested.
Authorization Approval Code - A number issued to a participating merchant by the Authorization Center that confirms the authorization for a sale or service.
Authorization Center - A department within FDMS that electronically communicates a merchant's request for authorization on Credit Limit credit card transactions to the cardmember's bank and transmits such authorization to the merchant via electronic equipment or by voice authorization.
Authorization Request - A request by an acquirer, on behalf of their merchant, for approval by the issuer to complete a sales transaction involving a payment card.
Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) - A terminal device used to accept payment for fuel at a petroleum service station.
Available Credit - The amount of credit available on the cardholders credit line after the current balance and outstanding authorizations have been calculated.
Average Ticket - The average dollar amount of a merchants credit card transactions.
Bank Identification Number (BIN) - A unique six-digit number assigned by the associations to identify member transactions and accounts.
Bankcard - A credit card or check card.
Banknet® Data - MasterCard assigns a Banknet reference number and date to every authorization transaction. To qualify for the best rates, the deposit transaction must include the Banknet reference number and date obtained in the authorization. The authorization must have resulted from a complete and unaltered reading of the magnetic stripe, and the authorized and cleared amounts must be within defined tolerances. If any of these criteria are not met, the best the transaction can achieve is Merit 1.
Banknet® Telecommunications Network - The primary “data transport†communication facility that links all MasterCard® customers and MasterCard data processing centers into a single on-line financial network.
Bankwire - An electronic funds transfer directly from a sending bank, through the Federal Reserve, to the merchant’s bank.
BASE I - A component of the VisaNet Integrated Payment System (V.I.P.) that provides authorization-related services for transactions that are subsequently cleared and settled through BASE II.
BASE II - A VisaNet system that provides clearing and settlement services.
Batch - Usually a day's worth of transactions, including sales and credits to be processed by the card processor.
Baud Rate - The speed at which information can be transferred through a Communication (serial) port (usually referred to as a ""COM Port"").
BIN Number - Bank Identification Number - the first 6 digits of a Visa card number or 2-6 digits of a MasterCard account number that identifies the card issuer and type of card (Regular Credit, Purchase card, Corporate card, etc.).
Business Card - A card issued to corporate clients who provide them to their employees for reimbursable business expenses. The clients can establish individual spending limits for each employee.
Bankcard - A credit card or check card.
Banknet® Data - MasterCard assigns a Banknet reference number and date to every authorization transaction. To qualify for the best rates, the deposit transaction must include the Banknet reference number and date obtained in the authorization. The authorization must have resulted from a complete and unaltered reading of the magnetic stripe, and the authorized and cleared amounts must be within defined tolerances. If any of these criteria are not met, the best the transaction can achieve is Merit 1.
Banknet® Telecommunications Network - The primary “data transport†communication facility that links all MasterCard® customers and MasterCard data processing centers into a single on-line financial network.
Bankwire - An electronic funds transfer directly from a sending bank, through the Federal Reserve, to the merchant’s bank.
BASE I - A component of the VisaNet Integrated Payment System (V.I.P.) that provides authorization-related services for transactions that are subsequently cleared and settled through BASE II.
BASE II - A VisaNet system that provides clearing and settlement services.
Batch - Usually a day's worth of transactions, including sales and credits to be processed by the card processor.
Baud Rate - The speed at which information can be transferred through a Communication (serial) port (usually referred to as a ""COM Port"").
BIN Number - Bank Identification Number - the first 6 digits of a Visa card number or 2-6 digits of a MasterCard account number that identifies the card issuer and type of card (Regular Credit, Purchase card, Corporate card, etc.).
Business Card - A card issued to corporate clients who provide them to their employees for reimbursable business expenses. The clients can establish individual spending limits for each employee.
Capture - An action in which an electronic credit card sale transaction is submitted for financial settlement. Authorized credit card sales must be captured and settled in order for a Merchant to receive credit for their sales and a cardholder’s account to be debited/credited.
Car Rental - Automobile rentals that are typically rented on a daily or weekly basis.
Card Issuer - Financial organizations authorized by a regulatory organization to issue credit or debit cards to individual cardholders.
Card Reader - Device used to access information from the magnetic stripe of a plastic credit or debit card. The magnetic stripe contains essential cardholder and account information that is necessary for processing transactions.
CARDnet® - First Data Merchant Services Proprietary Terminal and Data capture system.
Cardholder - Also referred to as cardmember. The authorized user to whom a credit card has been issued.
Cardmember Bank - The bank that issued a bankcard to an individual. The term is frequently used in conjunction with interchange arrangements to identify the card issuing bank.
Cash Advance - Cash that is received by a cardholder and appears as a charge on their credit card bill. Cash advances can be distributed by a bank teller or an ATM machine.
Chargeback - A returned transaction resulting from the lack of adherence to the conditions of the Sales Agreement, Association regulations or the Operating Procedures and the resultant debiting of a merchant account.
Check Guarantee Service - A service provided through the merchant' s POS equipment that guarantees payment up to a defined limit, provided the merchant follows proper steps in accepting the check.
Checkdigit - The last digit of a number, calculated using a mathematical formula to insure the accuracy on the preceding numbers.
Clearing - The process of exchanging financial transaction details between an acquirer and an issuer to facilitate posting of a cardholder's account and reconciliation of a customer’s settlement position.
Compliance - Adhering to the Visa and MasterCard regulatory bylaws.
Corporate Card - A card issued to corporate clients who provide them to their employees for reimbursable business expenses. The clients can establish individual spending limits for each employee.
Credit - A refund or price adjustment given for a previous purchase transaction.
Credit Card - A card that enables the cardholder to purchase goods or services against a line of credit established by the issuer.
Credit Draft - A document evidencing the return of merchandise by a cardmember to a merchant, or other refund made by the merchant to the cardmember.
Credit Limit - The maximum balance that an issuer has approved for the cardholder to carry on a credit card account.
Currency Conversion - The process by which the transaction currency is converted into the currency of settlement or the currency of the issuer for the purpose of facilitating transaction authorization, clearing, and settlement reporting.
Car Rental - Automobile rentals that are typically rented on a daily or weekly basis.
Card Issuer - Financial organizations authorized by a regulatory organization to issue credit or debit cards to individual cardholders.
Card Reader - Device used to access information from the magnetic stripe of a plastic credit or debit card. The magnetic stripe contains essential cardholder and account information that is necessary for processing transactions.
CARDnet® - First Data Merchant Services Proprietary Terminal and Data capture system.
Cardholder - Also referred to as cardmember. The authorized user to whom a credit card has been issued.
Cardmember Bank - The bank that issued a bankcard to an individual. The term is frequently used in conjunction with interchange arrangements to identify the card issuing bank.
Cash Advance - Cash that is received by a cardholder and appears as a charge on their credit card bill. Cash advances can be distributed by a bank teller or an ATM machine.
Chargeback - A returned transaction resulting from the lack of adherence to the conditions of the Sales Agreement, Association regulations or the Operating Procedures and the resultant debiting of a merchant account.
Check Guarantee Service - A service provided through the merchant' s POS equipment that guarantees payment up to a defined limit, provided the merchant follows proper steps in accepting the check.
Checkdigit - The last digit of a number, calculated using a mathematical formula to insure the accuracy on the preceding numbers.
Clearing - The process of exchanging financial transaction details between an acquirer and an issuer to facilitate posting of a cardholder's account and reconciliation of a customer’s settlement position.
Compliance - Adhering to the Visa and MasterCard regulatory bylaws.
Corporate Card - A card issued to corporate clients who provide them to their employees for reimbursable business expenses. The clients can establish individual spending limits for each employee.
Credit - A refund or price adjustment given for a previous purchase transaction.
Credit Card - A card that enables the cardholder to purchase goods or services against a line of credit established by the issuer.
Credit Draft - A document evidencing the return of merchandise by a cardmember to a merchant, or other refund made by the merchant to the cardmember.
Credit Limit - The maximum balance that an issuer has approved for the cardholder to carry on a credit card account.
Currency Conversion - The process by which the transaction currency is converted into the currency of settlement or the currency of the issuer for the purpose of facilitating transaction authorization, clearing, and settlement reporting.
Data Encryption Standard (DES) - A popular, standard encryption scheme. See also: encryption.
Database - A collection of data organized and designed for easy access. For example, a collection of customer names and addresses may form the content of a database. Particularly significant for search and find purposes.
Debit - The processing of cardholder debit cards.
Debit Card - An ATM bankcard, also called a check card, that allows a merchant to deduct money directly from a consumer's bank account. Debit cards issued with a Visa® or MasterCard® logo are accepted by any merchant that also accepts Visa or MasterCard credit cards.
Decline - The response to indicate that a Point of Sale (POS) transaction was not approved.
Deferred Installment and Recurring Billing - The same transaction amount billed to the cardholder at pre-determined timeframes.
Demand Deposit Account (DDA) - Refers to an individual business bank account that is credited or debited for deposits, fees, and adjustments.
Dial-Up Asynchronous - Dial-up connectivity using an Asynchronous modem.
Dial-Up Bi-Synchronous - Dial-up connectivity using a Bi-synchronous modem.
Dial-Up Terminal - An authorization device, which, like a telephone, dials the authorization center for validation of transactions.
Dial-Up Via Packet Network X.25 - Data is divided into pre-determined lengths and transferred across a switched network.
Direct Marketing / Mail Order - Telephone or Mail Order.
Download - The transfer of information from one computer (generally connected via the Internet) to another computer. Users need to be careful about downloading files or programs from a site in which he/she is unfamiliar. A virus could be downloaded and it would be
DS3 - A framing specification for T-3 synchronous lines. See also: T3.
Database - A collection of data organized and designed for easy access. For example, a collection of customer names and addresses may form the content of a database. Particularly significant for search and find purposes.
Debit - The processing of cardholder debit cards.
Debit Card - An ATM bankcard, also called a check card, that allows a merchant to deduct money directly from a consumer's bank account. Debit cards issued with a Visa® or MasterCard® logo are accepted by any merchant that also accepts Visa or MasterCard credit cards.
Decline - The response to indicate that a Point of Sale (POS) transaction was not approved.
Deferred Installment and Recurring Billing - The same transaction amount billed to the cardholder at pre-determined timeframes.
Demand Deposit Account (DDA) - Refers to an individual business bank account that is credited or debited for deposits, fees, and adjustments.
Dial-Up Asynchronous - Dial-up connectivity using an Asynchronous modem.
Dial-Up Bi-Synchronous - Dial-up connectivity using a Bi-synchronous modem.
Dial-Up Terminal - An authorization device, which, like a telephone, dials the authorization center for validation of transactions.
Dial-Up Via Packet Network X.25 - Data is divided into pre-determined lengths and transferred across a switched network.
Direct Marketing / Mail Order - Telephone or Mail Order.
Download - The transfer of information from one computer (generally connected via the Internet) to another computer. Users need to be careful about downloading files or programs from a site in which he/she is unfamiliar. A virus could be downloaded and it would be
DS3 - A framing specification for T-3 synchronous lines. See also: T3.
E-Cash (Electronic Cash) - A system by which consumers can transfer monetary value over the Internet or other online connection to pay for goods, services or information. Normally, this is associated with low transactions or is a method used between individuals when the seller does not accept credit/debit cards.
E-Mail Address - The domain-based address that is used to send electronic mail to a specified destination. For example ""info@serve-first.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "".
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) - Electronic acceptance of government benefits (e.g., food stamps and/or cash).
Electronic Bill Payment - A program provided by banks and third party service providers whereby consumers can electronically pay their bills. The bank or third party provider sends funds that are submitted by the consumers electronically or by check to the biller.
Electronic Bill Presentment - A program whereby billers can electronically present a bill to a consumer so that the consumer can electronically pay the amount owed to the biller.
Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) - 1) Internet-originated transactions (except via E-mail); 2) The use of the Internet for commercial purposes such as banking, shopping (buying products/services from merchants and/or individuals), or purchases of financial services and products.
Electronic Draft Capture (EDC) - A process which allows the merchant' s dial-up terminal to receive authorization and capture transactions, and electronically transmit them to FDMS for processing. This eliminates the need to submit paper for processing.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) - The movement of monetary funds from one source to another utilizing electronic transmission over various telecommunications’ networks.
Electronic Mail (E-Mail) - A system whereby a computer user can exchange messages with other computer users (or groups of users) via a communications network. E-Mail is one of the most popular uses of the Internet.
Encryption - A method of coding data, using an algorithm, to protect it from unauthorized access. There are many types of data encryption, and they are the basis of network security.
Encryption Key - A data string used to encrypt or decrypt information.
Expiration Date - The date embossed on the credit card beyond which the card is not acceptable by the establishment at the Point Of Sale (POS).
E-Mail Address - The domain-based address that is used to send electronic mail to a specified destination. For example ""info@serve-first.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "".
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) - Electronic acceptance of government benefits (e.g., food stamps and/or cash).
Electronic Bill Payment - A program provided by banks and third party service providers whereby consumers can electronically pay their bills. The bank or third party provider sends funds that are submitted by the consumers electronically or by check to the biller.
Electronic Bill Presentment - A program whereby billers can electronically present a bill to a consumer so that the consumer can electronically pay the amount owed to the biller.
Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) - 1) Internet-originated transactions (except via E-mail); 2) The use of the Internet for commercial purposes such as banking, shopping (buying products/services from merchants and/or individuals), or purchases of financial services and products.
Electronic Draft Capture (EDC) - A process which allows the merchant' s dial-up terminal to receive authorization and capture transactions, and electronically transmit them to FDMS for processing. This eliminates the need to submit paper for processing.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) - The movement of monetary funds from one source to another utilizing electronic transmission over various telecommunications’ networks.
Electronic Mail (E-Mail) - A system whereby a computer user can exchange messages with other computer users (or groups of users) via a communications network. E-Mail is one of the most popular uses of the Internet.
Encryption - A method of coding data, using an algorithm, to protect it from unauthorized access. There are many types of data encryption, and they are the basis of network security.
Encryption Key - A data string used to encrypt or decrypt information.
Expiration Date - The date embossed on the credit card beyond which the card is not acceptable by the establishment at the Point Of Sale (POS).
File Transfer - The copying of a file from one computer to another over a computer network.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) - A standard method of transferring text, sound and graphics files, as well as executable program files, over the Internet. Also, FTP is usually the name of the program the user invokes to execute the protocol.
Firewall - A series of hardware and software-based security measures that limit outside access to a server or network.
Fleet Card - A card issued to corporations for control and tracking of fleet purchases on a single card.
Floor Limit - The minimum dollar amount established for a single unauthorized transaction. Authorize transactions exceeding the floor limit. A zero floor limit requires an authorization on all transactions.
Frame Relay - Data is divided into pre-determined lengths (Frames) and transferred across a Leased Line.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) - A term used which refers to a list of questions/answers that are provided by companies relating to software products, Web site questions, etc.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) - A standard method of transferring text, sound and graphics files, as well as executable program files, over the Internet. Also, FTP is usually the name of the program the user invokes to execute the protocol.
Firewall - A series of hardware and software-based security measures that limit outside access to a server or network.
Fleet Card - A card issued to corporations for control and tracking of fleet purchases on a single card.
Floor Limit - The minimum dollar amount established for a single unauthorized transaction. Authorize transactions exceeding the floor limit. A zero floor limit requires an authorization on all transactions.
Frame Relay - Data is divided into pre-determined lengths (Frames) and transferred across a Leased Line.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) - A term used which refers to a list of questions/answers that are provided by companies relating to software products, Web site questions, etc.
Gift Card - A magnetic-stripe or smart (chip) card that replaces traditional paper gift certificates that are most often used in retail, restaurant and lodging establishments.
Hardware - The physical components of a computer, including peripherals.
Hologram - A laser-created photograph that produces a three-dimensional image. Used as an anti-counterfeiting measure on bankcards.
Home Page - The page by which a user normally enters a Web site and also contains the major hotlinks (hyperlinks) to the various features/contents of the site. Sometimes referred to as the “Welcome Mat†of a Web site.
Host - A computer that allows users to communicate with other host computers on a network. Individual users communicate by using application programs, such as electronic mail and FTP.
Hologram - A laser-created photograph that produces a three-dimensional image. Used as an anti-counterfeiting measure on bankcards.
Home Page - The page by which a user normally enters a Web site and also contains the major hotlinks (hyperlinks) to the various features/contents of the site. Sometimes referred to as the “Welcome Mat†of a Web site.
Host - A computer that allows users to communicate with other host computers on a network. Individual users communicate by using application programs, such as electronic mail and FTP.
ICA Number - A distinctive four-digit identification number assigned by MasterCard to identify a member or processing endpoint.
Imprint - An imprint of a customer's credit card can be electronic (swiping the card through a credit card terminal) or manual (taking a physical impression of the credit card by utilizing a card imprinter). Either of these two methods is required to prove the cardholder’s credit card was present.
INET - The MasterCard® Clearing and Settlement System (INET) is a centralized facility operated by MasterCard for the daily processing, routing, and settlement of worldwide financial transactions between MasterCard and its members.
Installment Payments - A set of transactions used to process a set number of pre-determined payments (e.g., 5 payments of $29.95).
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - A digital network that moves up to 128,000 bits-per-second over a regular phone line at nearly the same cost as a normal phone call.
Interchange - The exchange of transaction data between acquirers and issuers through the associations.
Interchange Compliance - A process to ensure that the appropriate interchange rate is applied to a transaction in accordance with association requirements.
Internet Protocol Network (IPN) - The First Data IPN is a distributed transaction transport. The IPN features privacy, state-of-the-art security, reliability, network management, high performance, fault-tolerance and a level of load-balancing required in a network that is capable of transporting hundreds of millions of transactions from end-users to the First Data payment processing hosts.
Issuing Bank - Cardmember's bank, or the bank which has issued a MasterCard® or Visa® card to an individual.
Imprint - An imprint of a customer's credit card can be electronic (swiping the card through a credit card terminal) or manual (taking a physical impression of the credit card by utilizing a card imprinter). Either of these two methods is required to prove the cardholder’s credit card was present.
INET - The MasterCard® Clearing and Settlement System (INET) is a centralized facility operated by MasterCard for the daily processing, routing, and settlement of worldwide financial transactions between MasterCard and its members.
Installment Payments - A set of transactions used to process a set number of pre-determined payments (e.g., 5 payments of $29.95).
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - A digital network that moves up to 128,000 bits-per-second over a regular phone line at nearly the same cost as a normal phone call.
Interchange - The exchange of transaction data between acquirers and issuers through the associations.
Interchange Compliance - A process to ensure that the appropriate interchange rate is applied to a transaction in accordance with association requirements.
Internet Protocol Network (IPN) - The First Data IPN is a distributed transaction transport. The IPN features privacy, state-of-the-art security, reliability, network management, high performance, fault-tolerance and a level of load-balancing required in a network that is capable of transporting hundreds of millions of transactions from end-users to the First Data payment processing hosts.
Issuing Bank - Cardmember's bank, or the bank which has issued a MasterCard® or Visa® card to an individual.
JCB® - Credit cards issued by the Japanese Credit Bureau.
Julian Date - Day of the year expressed as a three-position number, with a range of 001 through 366 (for example, 001 = January 1).
Julian Date - Day of the year expressed as a three-position number, with a range of 001 through 366 (for example, 001 = January 1).
Kilobyte - Usually referred to as a thousand bytes, but in actuality it is 1,024 bytes.
Leased Line - A private Point-to-Point communications link, originating and terminating at specific points.
Lodging - Hotel/Motel/Cruise line related transactions
Lodging - Hotel/Motel/Cruise line related transactions
Magnetic Stripe - A stripe of magnetic information affixed to the back of a plastic credit or debit card. The magnetic stripe contains essential cardmember and account information.
Mail Order/Telephone Order (MO/TO) - Refers to direct marketing (card not present transactions).
Mail Path - A series of machine names used to direct electronic mail from one user to another.
MasterCard - An association of banks that governs the issuing and acquiring of MasterCard® transactions.
Media Retrieval Requests - Media retrieval is the process of obtaining paper documents from a centralized location. There are two types of media retrieval requests that can be obtained: 1) requests for sales drafts from cardholders and 2) requests for documentation in defense of the chargeback from card issuers. Merchants must fulfill media within 12 days of receipt. If the media is fulfilled after 12 days of receipt, the status is fulfilled late. If the media is not fulfilled at all, the status is expired.
Merchant - Store owner or seller of products.
Merchant Account Number - A number that numerically identifies each merchant to the merchant processor for accounting and billing purposes.
Merchant Category Code (MCC) - A code assigned by an Acquirer to identify a merchant’s type or mode of business and the merchandise sold.
Modem - A communications device that enables a computer to transmit information over a telephone line. An external modem is plugged into a PC serial port whereas an internal modem is mounted in a PC card slot.
Multi-Currency Capable - Able to accept Foreign currency.
Mail Order/Telephone Order (MO/TO) - Refers to direct marketing (card not present transactions).
Mail Path - A series of machine names used to direct electronic mail from one user to another.
MasterCard - An association of banks that governs the issuing and acquiring of MasterCard® transactions.
Media Retrieval Requests - Media retrieval is the process of obtaining paper documents from a centralized location. There are two types of media retrieval requests that can be obtained: 1) requests for sales drafts from cardholders and 2) requests for documentation in defense of the chargeback from card issuers. Merchants must fulfill media within 12 days of receipt. If the media is fulfilled after 12 days of receipt, the status is fulfilled late. If the media is not fulfilled at all, the status is expired.
Merchant - Store owner or seller of products.
Merchant Account Number - A number that numerically identifies each merchant to the merchant processor for accounting and billing purposes.
Merchant Category Code (MCC) - A code assigned by an Acquirer to identify a merchant’s type or mode of business and the merchandise sold.
Modem - A communications device that enables a computer to transmit information over a telephone line. An external modem is plugged into a PC serial port whereas an internal modem is mounted in a PC card slot.
Multi-Currency Capable - Able to accept Foreign currency.
Nashville - The processing platform previously known as Envoy.
Network - A computer network is a data communications system which interconnects computer systems at different various sites. A network may be composed of any combination of LANs, MANs or WANs.
North - The processing platform previously known as Card Establishment Services (CES), also referred to as CARDnet.
Network - A computer network is a data communications system which interconnects computer systems at different various sites. A network may be composed of any combination of LANs, MANs or WANs.
North - The processing platform previously known as Card Establishment Services (CES), also referred to as CARDnet.
Offline Debit - Offline debit transactions take place using the dual message credit card processing method in which the authorization occurs at the time of the transaction using one message, and the transaction is settled later using another message. These transactions do not require a PIN (Personal Identification Number), but do require the cardholder's signature. This transaction is processed like a credit card with the posting to the cardholder's account within a few days of the transaction occurrence. These are often referred to as 'check card' or 'debit card' transactions.
Omaha - The processing platform commonly referred to as FDR (First Data Resources).
Online Debit - An online debit transaction occurs in a single message format that allows the transactions to be completely settled from an authorization request. This method requires a cardholder to enter their PIN (Personal Identification Number). The transaction must be approved online by requesting authorization from the financial institution. If the transaction is approved, funds are withdrawn from the cardholder's account at the time of the transaction. The funds for the transaction are guaranteed to the merchant.
Operation System (OS) - Operating System - The basic software that provides a PC’s user interface and sets the architectural standards for all applications.
Omaha - The processing platform commonly referred to as FDR (First Data Resources).
Online Debit - An online debit transaction occurs in a single message format that allows the transactions to be completely settled from an authorization request. This method requires a cardholder to enter their PIN (Personal Identification Number). The transaction must be approved online by requesting authorization from the financial institution. If the transaction is approved, funds are withdrawn from the cardholder's account at the time of the transaction. The funds for the transaction are guaranteed to the merchant.
Operation System (OS) - Operating System - The basic software that provides a PC’s user interface and sets the architectural standards for all applications.
Packet - The unit of data sent across a network. A ""Packet"" is a generic term used to describe a smaller unit of data, which is broken down and transmitted over the Internet.
Packet Switch Node (PSN) - A dedicated computer whose purpose is to accept, route and forward packets in a packet switched network.
Personal Computer (PC) - A compact computer device found in homes and offices.
Personal Identification Number (PIN) - Numbers that are typically four digits in length that are assigned to consumers to identify them when they use debit cards at an ATM, point-of-sale device, or a home device.
Petroleum - Gas station, fuel delivery transactions, also includes use of Gasoline or Fleet Cards.
Point Of Sale (POS) - The point at which a product is purchased and delivered.
Point of Sale Terminal - A device placed in a merchant location which is connected to the processor's system via telephone/leased lines and is designed to authorize, record, and settle data by electronic means for all sales transactions with the merchant processor.
Portal - A Web site that includes a wide variety of services and hyperlinks designed to entice consumers to use the site as their home page or starting point for surfing the Internet.
Primary Account Number (PAN) - The cardholder’s account number to which transactions are to be charged.
Private Label - A credit card issued by merchants, to be used only in their stores.
Processor - A transaction processor, distinct from the bank, that processes data from the credit card transactions and then distributes funds from the merchant's bank account.
Protocol - A formal description of message formats and the rules two computers must follow to exchange those messages (basically to communicate with each other). Protocols can describe low-level details of machine-to-machine interfaces (e.g., the order in which bits and bytes are sent across a wire) or high-level exchanges between allocation programs (e.g., the way in which two programs transfer a file across the Internet).
Purchase Card - A type of card intended to enable corporations to reduce the costs associated with authorizing, tracking, paying, and reconciling purchases. Transaction processing can include itemization of purchases.
Purchase Card Level II - Provides businesses with sales and tax level of a purchase(s).
Purchase Card Level III - Provides business detail-level of purchase description.
Packet Switch Node (PSN) - A dedicated computer whose purpose is to accept, route and forward packets in a packet switched network.
Personal Computer (PC) - A compact computer device found in homes and offices.
Personal Identification Number (PIN) - Numbers that are typically four digits in length that are assigned to consumers to identify them when they use debit cards at an ATM, point-of-sale device, or a home device.
Petroleum - Gas station, fuel delivery transactions, also includes use of Gasoline or Fleet Cards.
Point Of Sale (POS) - The point at which a product is purchased and delivered.
Point of Sale Terminal - A device placed in a merchant location which is connected to the processor's system via telephone/leased lines and is designed to authorize, record, and settle data by electronic means for all sales transactions with the merchant processor.
Portal - A Web site that includes a wide variety of services and hyperlinks designed to entice consumers to use the site as their home page or starting point for surfing the Internet.
Primary Account Number (PAN) - The cardholder’s account number to which transactions are to be charged.
Private Label - A credit card issued by merchants, to be used only in their stores.
Processor - A transaction processor, distinct from the bank, that processes data from the credit card transactions and then distributes funds from the merchant's bank account.
Protocol - A formal description of message formats and the rules two computers must follow to exchange those messages (basically to communicate with each other). Protocols can describe low-level details of machine-to-machine interfaces (e.g., the order in which bits and bytes are sent across a wire) or high-level exchanges between allocation programs (e.g., the way in which two programs transfer a file across the Internet).
Purchase Card - A type of card intended to enable corporations to reduce the costs associated with authorizing, tracking, paying, and reconciling purchases. Transaction processing can include itemization of purchases.
Purchase Card Level II - Provides businesses with sales and tax level of a purchase(s).
Purchase Card Level III - Provides business detail-level of purchase description.
Quasi-Cash Transaction - A transaction representing a merchant’s sale of items that are directly convertible to cash, such as: gaming chips, money orders, opening deposits, wire transfer money orders, etc.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - The computer’s primary workspace which holds all applications and documents in use.
Real Time Credit Card Processing - Online processing of credit cards delivering authorization.
Receipt - A hard copy (paper) document recording a transaction. The receipt usually includes date, merchant name/location, account number, amount, reference number, and signature, if the cardholder is present at the time of the transaction.
Reconciliation - The process of checking the amount processed against the amount funded to a merchant’s checking account. Also to make compatible or consistent, with regards to numbers and accounting.
Recurring Transaction - Items that are charged periodically to the customer, for ongoing services (Ex: Health club Monthly membership)
Referral - The message received from an issuing bank when an attempt for authorization requires a call to the Voice Authorization Center or Voice Response Unit (VRU).
Representment - A transaction presented to the issuer by the acquirer when the establishment requests a reversal of a chargeback.
Retrieval Request - A request to a merchant for either a legible copy or an original sales record.
Reversal - A request by the establishment to represent a chargeback to the card issuer.
Router - A device, which forwards traffic between networks. The forwarding decision is based on network layer information and routing tables, often constructed by routing protocols.
Real Time Credit Card Processing - Online processing of credit cards delivering authorization.
Receipt - A hard copy (paper) document recording a transaction. The receipt usually includes date, merchant name/location, account number, amount, reference number, and signature, if the cardholder is present at the time of the transaction.
Reconciliation - The process of checking the amount processed against the amount funded to a merchant’s checking account. Also to make compatible or consistent, with regards to numbers and accounting.
Recurring Transaction - Items that are charged periodically to the customer, for ongoing services (Ex: Health club Monthly membership)
Referral - The message received from an issuing bank when an attempt for authorization requires a call to the Voice Authorization Center or Voice Response Unit (VRU).
Representment - A transaction presented to the issuer by the acquirer when the establishment requests a reversal of a chargeback.
Retrieval Request - A request to a merchant for either a legible copy or an original sales record.
Reversal - A request by the establishment to represent a chargeback to the card issuer.
Router - A device, which forwards traffic between networks. The forwarding decision is based on network layer information and routing tables, often constructed by routing protocols.
Sales Draft - A document used as proof of purchase for goods or services by a cardholder.
Search Engine - Online directory utilized by visitors to locate information, sites, and a host of services.
Second Chargeback - Occurs when the card issuer determines a representment is unsupported by the documentation provided by the establishment.
Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) - A protocol developed by MasterCard® International, Visa® International and others to protect the security of credit card transactions conducted over the Internet.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) - A software encryption system developed by Netscape Communications Corporation that encodes information so that it can be read only by the intended recipient.
Self-Service Terminal - A customer activated terminal, especially one including the functions both of delivering and paying for goods (for example, in an automatic fuel vending system or a movie ticket vending system).
Server - A software program ,or the computer running the program, that allows other computers to share its resources (e.g., file servers and name servers).
Settlement - The process by which members exchange financial data and value resulting from sales transactions, cash disbursements, or merchandise credits, which are ultimately billed to the cardholder's account.
SIC (Standard Industry Classification) Code - A number assigned by an Acquirer to identify a merchant’s business type (also known as MCC- Merchant Category Code).
Signature Capture - Electronic capture of the signature of a cardholder, which eliminates the need for paper storage/retrieval.
Smart Cards - Payment cards with built-in computer chips that allow them to manipulate and retain data. Monetary value can be transferred from a bank account to the smart card’s chip via a smart card device that writes to the chip.
South - The processing platform previously known as NaBANCO
Split Dial - A process which allows the authorization device to dial directly to different card processors (e.g., American Express) for authorization. In this instance, the merchant cannot be both EDC and Split Dial. Split Dial is also utilized for Check Guarantee com
Split Dial/Capture - Process which allows the authorization terminal to dial directly to different card processors (e.g., American Express) for authorization and Electronic Draft Capture.
Submission - The process of sending batch deposits to the Acquirer for processing.
Swiped Cards - Credit or debit cards that were magnetic stripe read (processed via the card reader).
Systems Network Architecture (SNA) - A proprietary networking architecture used by IBM and IBM- compatible mainframe computers.
Search Engine - Online directory utilized by visitors to locate information, sites, and a host of services.
Second Chargeback - Occurs when the card issuer determines a representment is unsupported by the documentation provided by the establishment.
Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) - A protocol developed by MasterCard® International, Visa® International and others to protect the security of credit card transactions conducted over the Internet.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) - A software encryption system developed by Netscape Communications Corporation that encodes information so that it can be read only by the intended recipient.
Self-Service Terminal - A customer activated terminal, especially one including the functions both of delivering and paying for goods (for example, in an automatic fuel vending system or a movie ticket vending system).
Server - A software program ,or the computer running the program, that allows other computers to share its resources (e.g., file servers and name servers).
Settlement - The process by which members exchange financial data and value resulting from sales transactions, cash disbursements, or merchandise credits, which are ultimately billed to the cardholder's account.
SIC (Standard Industry Classification) Code - A number assigned by an Acquirer to identify a merchant’s business type (also known as MCC- Merchant Category Code).
Signature Capture - Electronic capture of the signature of a cardholder, which eliminates the need for paper storage/retrieval.
Smart Cards - Payment cards with built-in computer chips that allow them to manipulate and retain data. Monetary value can be transferred from a bank account to the smart card’s chip via a smart card device that writes to the chip.
South - The processing platform previously known as NaBANCO
Split Dial - A process which allows the authorization device to dial directly to different card processors (e.g., American Express) for authorization. In this instance, the merchant cannot be both EDC and Split Dial. Split Dial is also utilized for Check Guarantee com
Split Dial/Capture - Process which allows the authorization terminal to dial directly to different card processors (e.g., American Express) for authorization and Electronic Draft Capture.
Submission - The process of sending batch deposits to the Acquirer for processing.
Swiped Cards - Credit or debit cards that were magnetic stripe read (processed via the card reader).
Systems Network Architecture (SNA) - A proprietary networking architecture used by IBM and IBM- compatible mainframe computers.
T1 - A leased line traditionally used for twenty-four telephone lines but now also used to move data at a speed of 1.544 Mbps (megabits per second).
T3 - A leased line; the speed at which data can be transmitted at 44.746 Mbps.
TCP/IP Communication for Dedicated Circuits - TCP/IP for Leased Lines.
TCP/IP Protocol Suite - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A common shorthand which refers to the suite of transport and application protocols which runs over IP.
Terminal Identification (TID) - A unique identification number assigned to a specific point of sale device by the Acquirer.
Third Chargeback - A third chargeback occurs when the card issuer determines the second representment is unsupported by the documentation provided by the establishment.
Toolbar - The toolbar sits across the top or down the side of a particular window (computer screen). The toolbar allows the user to perform certain tasks such as opening a file or submitting a document to be printed.
Topology - A network topology shows the computers and the links between them.
Track 1 - The first magnetic track on a financial transaction card. It is read-only, and its contents are defined in ISO 7813.
Track 2 - The second magnetic track on a financial transaction card. It is read-only, and its contents are defined in ISO 7813.
Transaction - A credit card sale or refund between the cardholder and merchant, or the processing of the exchange by the Acquirer.
Transaction Cleared As Debit Card - Applies only to Visa. A Visa® Check Card looks like a Visa credit card; however, it is an off-line debit card with the Visa brand name. As opposed to having a line of credit, the cardholder’s checking account is debited. Since these transactions provide less risk to the issuer, the merchant receives a lower interchange rate.
Transaction Date - The date a cardholder effects a card purchase of goods, services, or other things of value or effects a cash disbursement.
Transaction Fees - Service costs charged to a merchant on a per transaction basis.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) - An Internet Standard transport layer protocol that is connection-oriented and stream-oriented, as opposed to UDP (see UDP).
T3 - A leased line; the speed at which data can be transmitted at 44.746 Mbps.
TCP/IP Communication for Dedicated Circuits - TCP/IP for Leased Lines.
TCP/IP Protocol Suite - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A common shorthand which refers to the suite of transport and application protocols which runs over IP.
Terminal Identification (TID) - A unique identification number assigned to a specific point of sale device by the Acquirer.
Third Chargeback - A third chargeback occurs when the card issuer determines the second representment is unsupported by the documentation provided by the establishment.
Toolbar - The toolbar sits across the top or down the side of a particular window (computer screen). The toolbar allows the user to perform certain tasks such as opening a file or submitting a document to be printed.
Topology - A network topology shows the computers and the links between them.
Track 1 - The first magnetic track on a financial transaction card. It is read-only, and its contents are defined in ISO 7813.
Track 2 - The second magnetic track on a financial transaction card. It is read-only, and its contents are defined in ISO 7813.
Transaction - A credit card sale or refund between the cardholder and merchant, or the processing of the exchange by the Acquirer.
Transaction Cleared As Debit Card - Applies only to Visa. A Visa® Check Card looks like a Visa credit card; however, it is an off-line debit card with the Visa brand name. As opposed to having a line of credit, the cardholder’s checking account is debited. Since these transactions provide less risk to the issuer, the merchant receives a lower interchange rate.
Transaction Date - The date a cardholder effects a card purchase of goods, services, or other things of value or effects a cash disbursement.
Transaction Fees - Service costs charged to a merchant on a per transaction basis.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) - An Internet Standard transport layer protocol that is connection-oriented and stream-oriented, as opposed to UDP (see UDP).
Upload - The process of transferring information from your computer to another computer through the Internet.
User ID - This is the unique identifier (like your logon name) that you use to identify yourself on a computer.
V.I.P. System - VisaNet Integrated Payment System. The VisaNet authorization, clearing and settlement services provided to members.
Valid Date - The date embossed by the card issuer on the credit card. An establishment cannot accept a card for payment of goods or services prior to this date.
Vendor - Typically, a provider of software and/or hardware to a merchant.
Verified by Visa(TM) (VPAS) - This is a program offered by Visa to increase security and reduce fraud on Internet initiated purchases. The merchant’s web site interfaces with Visa to obtain the specified fields at the time of purchase. These values are then submitted with the authorization request to verify that this is an authentic cardholder purchase.
Virus - A program which replicates itself on computer systems by incorporating itself into other programs which are shared among computer systems.
Visa - An association of banks that governs the issuing and acquiring of Visa credit card transactions.
Voice Authorization - When a merchant calls to obtain a verbal credit card authorization rather than using a terminal or credit card software to obtain the authorization. The merchant must, in addition to the voice authorization, submit the credit card information via terminal or software to close out the transaction and transfer the funds to the merchant's bank account. This is performed by manually entering the transaction information into the terminal or software.
Voice Response Unit (VRU) - Technology employed at various call centers that handle simple customer requests (e.g., account balance inquiries) that do not require personal assistance. Ordinarily, customers are provided with instructions and they respond by pushing keys on a touch-tone telephone keypad.
Valid Date - The date embossed by the card issuer on the credit card. An establishment cannot accept a card for payment of goods or services prior to this date.
Vendor - Typically, a provider of software and/or hardware to a merchant.
Verified by Visa(TM) (VPAS) - This is a program offered by Visa to increase security and reduce fraud on Internet initiated purchases. The merchant’s web site interfaces with Visa to obtain the specified fields at the time of purchase. These values are then submitted with the authorization request to verify that this is an authentic cardholder purchase.
Virus - A program which replicates itself on computer systems by incorporating itself into other programs which are shared among computer systems.
Visa - An association of banks that governs the issuing and acquiring of Visa credit card transactions.
Voice Authorization - When a merchant calls to obtain a verbal credit card authorization rather than using a terminal or credit card software to obtain the authorization. The merchant must, in addition to the voice authorization, submit the credit card information via terminal or software to close out the transaction and transfer the funds to the merchant's bank account. This is performed by manually entering the transaction information into the terminal or software.
Voice Response Unit (VRU) - Technology employed at various call centers that handle simple customer requests (e.g., account balance inquiries) that do not require personal assistance. Ordinarily, customers are provided with instructions and they respond by pushing keys on a touch-tone telephone keypad.
Web Page Software - The application software used to create a Web page.
Webmaster - A person who builds or maintains Web sites.
Wide Area Network (WAN) - A set of interconnected computers, usually constructed with serial lines, which covers a large geographic area.
World Wide Web (WWW or W3) - A data network that contains sites linked by a common protocol of hyperlinked/hypertext documents that can be accessed via the Internet. Users may create, edit or browse hypertext documents. The clients and servers are freely available.
Worm - A computer program which replicates itself and is self-propagating. Worms, as opposed to viruses, are meant to spawn in network environments.
Webmaster - A person who builds or maintains Web sites.
Wide Area Network (WAN) - A set of interconnected computers, usually constructed with serial lines, which covers a large geographic area.
World Wide Web (WWW or W3) - A data network that contains sites linked by a common protocol of hyperlinked/hypertext documents that can be accessed via the Internet. Users may create, edit or browse hypertext documents. The clients and servers are freely available.
Worm - A computer program which replicates itself and is self-propagating. Worms, as opposed to viruses, are meant to spawn in network environments.
X.25 - A data communications interface specification developed to describe how data passes into and out of public data communications networks. The CCITT and ISO approved protocol suite defines protocol layers 1 through 3.
Zip Format - A compressed file format mostly used on PC's
