What is Affinity Rewards’ role in processing transactions?
Affinity Rewards is a payment processor. We enable your business to authorize and transmit transactions by virtually all types of credit and debit cards, as well as gift cards.
What types of credit cards can I accept?
Affinity Rewards allows you to accept MasterCard®, Visa®, American Express®, Discover®, Diners Club®/Carte Blanche® and JCB® cards.
What are debit cards?
Debit cards are another payment method. When goods or services are purchased with a debit card, the funds are removed from the customer’s checking account. In addition to standard ATM cards, many banks also issue Visa® Check Cards and/or MasterCard® Check Cards — all of which can be used at the point of sale or online.
What is the difference between PIN debit and signature debit?
The difference between these two debit choices is whether a PIN (personal identification number) is used at the point of sale. When a PIN is used, the payment is immediately withdrawn from the cardholder’s available funds. When a signature debit transaction occurs, funds are not withdrawn until the transaction processes — usually 2-4 days after the sale.
What are major types of debit transactions?
Debit card transactions can be accomplished through PIN debit (requires the consumer to enter a PIN), signature debit (no PIN required), online bill payment and online debit. Debit card transactions are the fastest growing point-of-sale payment method today. The acceptance of this payment method continues to remain popular because customers and merchants both appreciate the convenience and ease of using debit cards to purchase merchandise and services.
What are commercial cards?
Commercial cards – corporate, business, purchasing – are issued to businesses as an alternative way of financing expenses such as supplies, business travel and entertainment, and other purchases that may have otherwise required a purchase. These cards, sometimes referred to as purchase cards, also provide businesses with specific reporting advantages. By using a commercial card, cardholders get itemized records of all their purchases, which simplifies reimbursement procedures and helps track expenses.
What are interchange fees?
Interchange fees are transaction-related costs that Affinity Rewards pays to the issuer of the card. These fees are established by MasterCard® and Visa® and are based upon how a transaction takes place and in what type of industry.
What is a chargeback?
A chargeback is the reversal of a sale transaction that arises from a processing technicality, a customer dispute or fraudulent activity. All chargebacks are caused by violations of the rules and regulations established by a payment brand, such as Visa® or MasterCard®.
Chargebacks are something every merchant wants to avoid, as they can result in lost revenue.
What are some common reasons that chargebacks happen?
Cardholder is a victim of fraud — his/her credit card was stolen or used without the cardholder’s consent.
Cardholder not recognize the charge or payee on his/her credit card statement.
Cardholder did not receive a product or service.
How do I obtain a retail or online merchant account?
Complete our Online request form and a sales representative will contact you shortly. If you prefer to talk with one of our friendly experts, you can call us at (866) 898-9143. Our representatives are trained to recommend the best payment processing solution for your business needs.
How long does it take to set up a merchant account?
There are many factors that come into play when setting a timeline of completion of a merchant account including accuracy of the information provided, completeness of the application, as well as any additional paperwork needed. Once approved through underwriting, we usually can have the account established within one business day. At that point, we will schedule any required training for your new merchant account.
What are the costs for processing and other services?
Because each customer has unique needs, our processing services are customized for each merchant. Pricing is based on many factors such as card types accepted, method of payment and industry type. To receive a personalized pricing quote from one of our sales representatives, please see our Online request form.
Is there a contract?
No, every merchant is month-to-month. We also offer terminal payment plans that do require a 3, 6 or 12 month contract.
Do I have to buy a new terminal?
No, we offer the option to reprogram your current terminal with good PCI standards.
When should I inform my current payment processor that I will be closing my account?
You should wait until your account is approved and set up with Affinity Rewards.