The terms merchants hear most often, explained before the sales call.
Discuss your business ↗
Ask which company performs each role for your actual account. A familiar logo or terminal does not identify the underwriter or the bank moving the funds.
An acquirer or acquiring program contracts for card acceptance; processors provide transaction technology; a sponsor bank supplies regulated banking participation where required. The exact relationships are set in provider agreements.
A merchant ID identifies an account within a provider setup. A terminal profile identifies device configuration. A gateway sends authorized payment messages. A POS manages the sale and may connect to the payment system.
ACH refers to bank-account transfers. A return is a bank payment sent back under applicable rules. A reserve holds funds under contract terms. Settlement is the provider-controlled movement of proceeds according to the merchant agreement.
No. The customer-facing experience may look similar, but the payment rails and applicable rules differ.
No. The approved provider and its banking partners handle processing and merchant settlement.
