Congratulations! You were just approved for your merchant account and have received your login instructions for NaviGate…now what? Well, a good first step is to turn on your AVS (Address Verification Service) and CVV (Card Code) security settings. AVS settings will verify the house number and the zip code entered by the customer against the billing address of the credit card. The CVV is just the three or four digit code located on the back of the card. These fraud prevention measures are important because they help lower the risk of fraudulent transactions and can help lower your rates. Once…
Read MoreHow to Turn On Your AVS & CVV Settings for Authorize.net
Congratulations! You were just approved for your merchant account and have received your login and activated your Authorize.net account …now what? Well, a good first step is to turn on your AVS (Address Verification Service) and CVV (Card Code) security settings. AVS settings will verify the house number and the zip code entered by the customer against the billing address of the credit card. The CVV is just the three or four digit code located on the back of the card. These fraud prevention measures are important because they help lower the risk of fraudulent transactions and can help lower…
Read MoreCrack Open This Geode – and Find Your Credit Cards are Stored Inside!
If you’re an iPhone user, you’ve no doubt explored a zillion cases and additions to your beloved device. From custom-carved wooden backs to hot pink protectors, the iPhone is one of the more augmented and personalized devices around. While I love a good wooden iPhone backing, the case I read about today is potentially far more influential (and worth even more money!). iCache Geode is an elegant solution to the problem of mobile payments – instead of trying to get merchants, vendors, credit card companies and device makers all into the same ecosystem, this fancy case works flawlessly within the…
Read MoreOnline Payments Go Offline
A few years back, it seemed inconceivable that the trust of cold hard cash, or the VISA/MasterCard/AMEX stamp of approval, could be replicated by an online equivalent. If you couldn’t touch it or feel it, it was hard to imagine our everyday methods of payment being usurped. Fast forward a few years (and a few hundred million smart phone user) to 2012, and the landscape is surprisingly different! Not only are people paying for their cup of coffee at Starbucks with an app, but just the other day I pulled into my local Cumberland Farm gas station / minimart and…
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About PCI Compliance
In order to accept credit cards online, you’ll have to get your head around the 800 pound gorilla known as PCI-DSS. Everyone has to adhere to these standards from multi-million dollar companies to mom & pop shops. This comprehensive guide to PCI compliance will help you tick all the boxes. A Bit Of History Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) compliance is a set of security requirements designed to ensure that all companies that process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. PCI was originally created by Visa and MasterCard. In 2006, they joined with American…
Read MorePaypal vs. Merchant Plus – Which One Is For Me?
Often we see businesses who have been using Paypal or new companies looking for their best payment options. Many times we’re asked – why should I choose a MerchantPlus Merchant Account vs. Paypal? The Upside of PayPal Paypal is a good start-up solution – they can get you up and running quickly and have a proven brand name that your customers will trust. They don’t have any monthly fees, so if you go days, weeks, or months without making a sale, it won’t charge you anything. For a small business just starting out online, that is a very comfortable feeling!…
Read MoreSecurity Tips for Your WordPress Website
When it comes to building trust with your customers online, nothing is more comforting than those cool green letters in the top left of your browser bar: While security is a critical component of accepting credit cards online, it’s not always easy to perform at a high level – especially if you are active on your website adding new features, pages, and tools to attract and enrich your audience. A Few Tricks for WordPress Users The most popular CMS on the internet happens to be WordPress, and with good reason! It’s easy to install, quick to learn, and through…
Read MoreThe Difference in Merchant Account Rates — Why Not all Credit Card Processing Accounts Are the Same
As a merchant, you have to constantly monitor the money that comes out of your pocket. Finding any way possible to save money is beneficial for any business. When it comes to payment processing, you’ll often pay any combination of setup fees, application fees, monthly fees, monthly minimums, PCI compliance fees, transaction fees and annual fees. Merchant credit card processors will offer you a discount rate (i.e. the percentage taken out of each sale that you process) on credit card transactions. However, not all discount rates are the same. A discount rate is a small percentage of each transaction that…
Read MoreClover
Clover is the easiest way to settle up with your friends and family for meals and entertainment, living expenses, group presents, etc. With Clover, you’ll always have the right change. When you are ordering food with someone and cannot seem to find the change in your wallet to settle the split, Clover is a great solution. Its a very simple app that can completely change the payment game. Create an account and very simply add money to your account from your credit card or your bank or PayPal account and easily withdraw money via your bank or PayPal accounts, Amazon gift…
Read MoreFreelancer Panel
A new invoicing software from Xyche Web Solutions, Freelancer Panel is a fantastic program for freelancers and businesses of all sizes. Overall, Freelancer Panel can: Maximize your time by knowing what you have to do and when. Keep track of payments from all of your clients. Effectively communicate with your clients. Completely manage your website. Features of Freelancer Panel: Send Online Invoice to your Clients Online Freelance Client Management Software Fully Featured Project Management Software for Business & Freelancers Full Helpdesk with Knowledgebase Selling your Products through a Shopping Cart Bill For your Time, and Track Your Time! “Freelancer Panel has…
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