As a merchant, your chargeback rate can impact your processing fees, terms, and account availability. Your ideal rate can vary based on your industry benchmark. Some industries, like travel and SaaS, have higher chargeback rates than others.  By understanding major drivers and variations in chargeback rates by industry, you can take the next step toward […]

Because of its connection to the financial industry, merchant category code (MCC) 6211 involves extra regulatory burdens and compliance rules. On top of these challenges, businesses that are classified under MCC 6211 also face more underwriting requirements and transaction limits.  As a result, it’s important for merchants to work with a payment processor that understands […]

When you are considered a high-risk merchant, you have to deal with the constant threat of account terminations, holds, and card declines. Because of this, many high-risk merchants turn to Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing as a backup payment method. Instead of relying on cards, ACH uses a customer’s bank account to complete the payment. […]

When you operate in a high-risk industry, locating a payment gateway can be daunting. Because certain industries are more likely to experience fraud and chargebacks, payment gateways are less likely to approve these businesses. Even when a gateway is willing to work with high-risk businesses, they’ll often charge significantly higher fees or require rolling reserves. […]

According to recent measures, there are more than 34 million businesses in just the United States. As these companies grow in complexity, their payment strategies have to adapt. The right payment analytics software is essential for understanding trends, getting detailed insights, and optimizing payment systems. Basically, a payment analytics platform can convert raw data into […]

Payment processors and card networks rely on merchant category codes (MCCs) to understand risk profiles. Because  MCC 6051 (quasi-cash merchants) is considered a higher risk, merchants will face more challenges in getting their accounts approved. You’ll also need to negotiate with processors because there are often higher fees and more limits involved with this type […]

When you process payments remotely, there is an added level of risk involved. This is especially true for companies that operate in high-risk industries, such as CBD, gambling, nutraceuticals, and subscription-based companies.  To navigate these added risks, your company needs a high-risk virtual terminal. These terminals come with added features that give you better control […]

The United States hotel market size is estimated at $263.21 billion. Most of these companies will be assigned merchant category code (MCC) 7011. Because hospitality transactions involve cancellations, advance bookings, incremental adjustments, and no-show charges, they require specific types of payment processing services. The MCC 7011 (hotels) classification has a direct impact on interchange rates, […]

The United States is the fifth-largest producer of tobacco in the world. In a typical year, the country produces around 359 million pounds of tobacco. While some of that tobacco is sold abroad, a great deal of it ends up being sold to American consumers.  If you are considered a cigar store or tobacco shop, […]

Merchant category code (MCC) 5812 is given to restaurants and eating places by the merchant’s payment processor or acquirer. From fraud monitoring to credit card rewards, this code plays a major role in your company’s payment processing setup. It can affect your approval rates, processing fees, and dispute patterns.  To learn more about how MCC […]