However, processors may or may not charge it, and may or may not list it as the "data usage fee." What are assessment fees? Assessment fees are a component of credit card processing costs. Unlike interchange fees (which go to the banks that issue credit cards to consumers) assessments are charged by and paid to the card brands themselves. Visa,...

Let’s take a look at when you'll be charged, how much, and how to locate the fee. What is the Digital Enablement Fee? Mastercard’s Digital Enablement Fee is an assessment charge that Mastercard implemented in January 2015. The fee applies to all “card-not-present” transactions (typically ecommerce sales) including credit and signature debit car...

Available from American Express, SafeKey provides an addition layer of protection for online transactions made with an American Express card. What is American Express SafeKey? SafeKey is American Express’ version of a 3D Secure authentication tool to help both cardholders and businesses protect against unauthorized online Amex transactions. ...

While they provide tremendous convenience, it’s also vital to properly secure IoT products, especially if they have access to our financial details. Let’s take a look at the IoT, explain what it is, how it’s integrating payments, and the impact that will have on consumers, manufacturers, and payment providers. What is the Internet of Things? Th...

That’s why Visa’s new entry into the contactless transit payments marketplace is so exciting. We’ve all seen the queues at turnstiles and ticket windows. Systems like Oyster on the London Underground, Suica in Japan, and Calypso in Europe have revolutionized how people get around. These contactless micro payment cards simply debit a small amount...

First Data (now owned by Fiserv) and its sales channel Ignite Payments first began this practice back in 2017. It’s called the Commercial Card Interchange Service, and the goal is to help you reduce interchange fees on certain transactions made with a commercial credit card. In exchange for helping you save money on commercial transactions, Fise...

It’s a huge opportunity to beat sales forecasts, but fraud can quickly eat into the revenues generated. Data breaches are on the rise, and, while you see the increased holiday traffic as a way to be nice to customers, hackers see it as an opportunity to be naughty. Protecting customer information and securing financial transactions have always b...

Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter, is also the founder of Square Cash and serves as CEO of both companies. It was on Twitter that these customers announced the existence of the new feature, bringing it to public attention. Bitcoin prices soared after the Square Cash project came to light. What does it have to do with Square? Let's take a look at ...