The card security code (CSC) cannot protect against phishing scams. This scam is where the cardholder is tricked into entering the CSC among other card details via a fraudulent website interface. This type of fraud has grown and has the reduced the effectiveness of the CSC as an anti-fraud device. The growth of this type of scam has seen growth since building legitimate looking web sites has become easier and quicker to deploy.

Another scam is where an individual has hacked a merchant database and has obtained the card account information and then uses this information to provide proof of authenticity when asking the victims for this missing information for online transaction frauds.

Since the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) do not allow to store the CSC be stored by the merchant for any length of time a merchant who needs to bill a card regularly would not be able to provide the code on each transaction following the initial transaction. In order to accommodate this payment gateways, have added “periodic billing” feature is a part of the initial payment authorization process information data.

Since It is not mandatory for a merchant to require the security code for making a transaction some card issuers will generally charge a merchants higher card processing rates where the CSC not validated and when any fraudulent transactions without CSC validation investigations are more likely to be resolved in favor of the cardholder at the cost of the merchant.

If you’re a merchant, you know the importance of accepting credit cards from your customers and how it has become a near necessity in today’s marketplace. Unfortunately, you probably also know all too well the heavy cost that comes along with it.

You may have tried changing processors only to find that you’re still paying just as much, if not more than what you were initially quoted. You may be thinking that no matter which company you go with, it’s going to be the same.

You start to face the reality that unless you’re a huge corporation, your relationship to your payment processor and the rates they’ve offered are directly related to the size of your business and the volume of your monthly credit card transactions. Most merchants feel that there are not many choices. Either they accept the costs associated with taking credit or they become a cash-only merchant and limit their customers.

Sekure Card Services offers a far better solution where merchants can have their cake and eat it too! While you’re not going to grow four hundred times your size overnight, Sekure Card makes it possible for you to access much lower rates by becoming one of the 400 plus merchants we work with every month. This volume allows us to get you the lowest rates possible with very little effort on your part.

If you were to negotiate with a processor you would be negotiating your volume, now every processor wants a new merchant but your volume always dictates the rates they will offer you. Not only will you have to do all the legwork but you will also have to do the entire necessary due diligence that comes along with selecting a new processor.

However, working with Sekure Card Services has other perks than just the lowest rates. Free Equipment, early termination fees reimbursement and an unparalleled support and integration team are just few things that come with our service.

Our service is free without any obligation whatsoever. Simply fax us your most recent processing statement and one of our many professional will call you within 24 hours with an easy to understand “side by side” cost analyses of your rates.

In the credit card industry the interchange fee defines a fee that a merchant’s bank pays a customer’s bank in a credit card or debit card transaction.  The interchange fee is charged to the acquiring bank (merchant’s bank) and paid to the card’s issuing bank(Customer’s bank) in order to cover the money transfer costs. The acquiring bank then credits the merchant account the amount of the transaction less any interchange fee and an additional fees referred to as a discount rate that is a rate charged by the payment provider to cover transaction costs and POS terminals and any networking communication costs . The interchange fee a merchant must pay on credit and debit card transactions. This fee is intended to cover transaction costs that are made up mostly of the interchange rate that can vary in relation to the transactions security risks, which are based on many factors including:

• Card type: Debit cards have the lowest risk and therefore have the lowest interchange fees, on the other hand a high-limit signature validated rewards cards have the highest.
• Payment method: Online Purchases where the card is not presented have high fees, while PIN validated transactions have the lowest fees.
• Merchant Type: Small businesses, gas stations, restaurants pay the highest fees because most fraud cases have involved these kinds of business and their handling cards leave opportunity to copy card information, while big box retailers are rarly involved in any frauds so combined with the volume they process and the lower risk they represent they are able to negotiate lower prices.

Every transaction involving a credit or debit card will have and interchange fee that is applied to cover the cost estimated from the risks of fraud, the data transactional costs, and other overhead that must be absorbed by the transaction or merchant. The merchant must pay the interchange fee along with other transaction fees but due to the lack negotiating power on the merchant side, it’s now a major source of profit at every bank.

As everyone knows; commitments are a necessary part of any business’s long-term success.

Your business would not be where it is today without the commitments you’ve made, such as money and countless dedicated hours put into building your business. To move forward and be profitable, these commitments must be made. It develops trust and strengthens the bond between you as a business and all the other people and companies at play. No one wants a short-term relationship that leads to uncertainty and doubt.

Sekure Card Services is willing to commit to you for the length of your merchant agreement. Our cost free-brokered quote from national providers allows us to show you what the buying power that hundreds of merchant’s combined volume can offer. With fixed rates for the length of your agreement, dedicated account managers as well as in house technical and customer support we are committed to developing a lasting relationship with your business. Regardless of your industry, size or specific needs we promise to do our utmost to make you a priority and strengthen that bond.

In the courting ritual that is shopping for merchant service providers, there are a lot of fast talkers on the dance floor. The most common but unstable pick up line is the promise of a month-to-month contract. Our best advice is to politely decline any offer built on this premise. Just like everyone else, you want something that works for you in the long term. Today is fleeting and tomorrow is inevitable.

Month to month contracts mean zero security for your company. Thousands of merchant complaints and reviews prove these arrangements never work to a business’ advantage. Fluctuating rates, hidden fees and the nightmare of terminal leasing and rental costs often go hand in hand with this type of account. Then there is the dreaded promise of meet or beat policies. What better way to start a relationship than to admit they may be overcharging you? Then when you call their bluff, the rates inevitably increase after a few short months.

Any sales rep can offer you the sun and the moon to get you to sign. As much as the freedom of not having a contract may be a relief, rest assured the storm is just brewing.

What kind of company wouldn’t want build a lasting relationship with you as a client? As we all know, most sales reps don’t make a salary or hourly wage. Lucrative signing bonuses, kickbacks when your new account is approved and yet another payoff when you’re plugged in is their ultimate goal. After that, they make a percentage of your monthly costs. This is true whether it’s the rep down the block or an agent for a leading national bank.

Then the rep simply moves on to the next merchant, saying whatever is necessary to get them on board. With only a handful of new accounts each month, they’ve made a substantial profit directly off of your trust. In the end they want you to feel at ease because they know it won’t last.

At Sekure Card Services, customer referrals accounts for 30% of our business and this directly related to building long term relationships with our merchants. Because we sign hundreds of new accounts every month, our focus is based on retention, the cost of retaining a client is far less than acquiring a new one, a simple lesson that few agents seem to learn. Our goal is to be a solid foundation for your business and help you expand by lowering your basic costs. Because of our size and relationships with major banks and processors, you’ll get rates you can count on and the support you need. Whether it’s an immediate concern, technical questions or even basic question about your billing we’re there to guide you through the process.

Just like any reputable player in the processing industry, we will also cover the standard termination fees with your current provider. We see it as an investment in you as a merchant. We want to earn your trust as well as your business. Thousands of satisfied companies each year would agree.

If you’ve made a commitment to a provider who simply can’t live up to your cost expectations, Sekure Card Services would love to have you as one of our clients now and in years to come. You strive to treat your customers with the respect they deserve. You should expect nothing else but the same from your merchant service provider.

www.sekurecardservices.com

1-866-437-3189 ext.225

One of the biggest problem facing merchants accepting credit cards is fluctuating rates. Merchants often enter into agreements with credit card processing companies at established rates, only to find these rates “creeping up” anywhere from one to four times a year. These increases are rarely “red flagged” on the statements which, as a rule, are quite complicated and difficult for the average merchant to understand or review. As well, increases will come in different forms such as, an increase in basis points, transaction fees or monthly fees. As such, these increases look nominal but, in fact, they can have substantial impact on the merchant’s bottom line.

SekureCard Services, a merchant services broker servicing merchants throughout the United States, connects credit card processors with merchants looking to save money on their processing rates. SekureCard typically deals with a few hundred merchants per month, and often guarantees rates for 36 months, therefore addressing the above concerns and complaints merchants have with regular rate hikes. Establishing guaranteed, competitive processing rates can save merchants substantial, bottom line dollars.

Merchants accessing processors through SekureCard Services are offered additional services by the brokerage. An accounts manager is assigned to each merchant. The account manager completes the application process with the merchant, making sure that all required documents are submitted correctly. However his / her responsibilities do not stop there. The accounts manager becomes the “go to” person for all issues relating to credit card processing. Up-grades, adjustments, repairs, billing inquiries etc. can all be addressed by the accounts manager. Removing this tedious responsibility from the merchant frees up valuable time and ensures that all processing related issues will be handled quickly and effectively.

Merchants who are referred to credit card processors by brokerages such as SekureCard Services inevitably access competitive rates rarely available to agents with specific geographic territories and representing only one processor.  These commissioned based agents are encouraged to maximize their earnings by applying elevated rates. They also frequently lease and, or sell terminals at exorbitant rates. Merchant’s should never be obliged to pay for terminals in any way, and leasing is considered to be a scam. It is the responsibility of the processor to supply state of the art equipment to their merchants, without exception.

The safest, most efficient and cost effective way to access credit card processing is through a merchant service broker such as SekureCard Services.

SekureCard Services has an excellent support staff available to assist you. Accepting credit and debit is a necessity in today’s business environment and a very important aspect of your business. Electronic payments already make up the majority of consumer spending and are increasing at a rapid rate. We understand the importance of having nothing but the best in customer support and service for any need or question you may have, big or small. Our integration team is available for all your POS and terminal needs, whether its reprogramming equipment, assisting in updates or transaction inquiries.

We are dedicated to supporting you in every step of way. We believe strongly in after sales support and customer referrals accounts for 30% of our business. Sekure Card is quickly becoming a trusted name in credit card processing and has been advocating for merchants since inception.

We are always honored when a Merchant allows us to analyze their statement, whether it leads to a new customer or simply empowering a merchant with valuable information. SekureCard reviews thousand of credit cards statements every month. We attract a wide variety of potential customers ranging from savvy business owners looking to cut costs, to some merchants that actual feel like they have been taken advantage of or even been victim of a scam.

Whatever your reason may be, Sekure Cards staff of over 150 professionals is ready to help. If you would like a free analysis of your statement without any cost or obligation then call us today or visit us online.

www.sekurecardservices.com

1-866-437-3189 ext.225

TERMINAL LEASING

Unfortunately there are numerous ways a merchant can fall victim of a scam when shopping for payment processing services. One of the most common, as well as financially damaging, is leasing a credit card terminal.

Far too often some smooth talking salesperson convinces a merchant their current equipment “isn’t compliant” or “needs to be upgraded”. Surprise, surprise… they have the perfect solution! They offer a state-of-the-art terminal that is always much more expensive than you’d expect. Surely you wouldn’t want to pay thousands of dollars upfront for such a sophisticated new machine. The rep then cuts you a great deal with reasonable monthly payments for the next four years and the machine is yours.

What isn’t brought up is that the leasing agreement can’t be cancelled and the true value of the terminal is usually no more than a few hundred dollars. It isn’t uncommon to pay well over ten times the value of the terminal over the length of a lease. Many of these agreements aren’t even lease to own, and  in some cases the equipment may be refurbished or less current than the previous terminal.

Most reputable companies will provide you a free terminal as a loaner or simply sell it to you at cost. Often the equipment you have is perfectly fine and can be reprogrammed in a few minutes over the phone. SekureCard Services  has a full integration team for ease of switch or reprogramming your equipment.

Sekure Card Services has had only one complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) which was successfully resolved, thus giving us an “A” rating CLICK HERE to see SekureCards BBB rating.

If you wish to have a review done of your processing statement and fees you can contact us at,  1-866-437-3189 ext.225 or visit us online at, www.sekurecardservices.com

Because of ties between certain key processors and point of sales system providers, switching your merchant services provider can sometimes be an investment. Licensing fees, service contracts and a variety of other costs are an unfortunate but necessary hurdle for some businesses. However, switching providers can often reduce your expenditures and the savings over just a few months can often cover the cost of your POS switch.

The obvious question is, what’s the best way to do it?

On a local level, this process is often extremely difficult. Conflicting information from various sales reps can make the process long and confusing. The vested interest of  small time sales reps (signing bonuses, monthly residuals, etc..) make it hard to know who to even believe and some merchants have specific complaints about being scammed by false statements of being unable to switch. The last thing any business owner wants is down time or compatibility issues added to their already overflowing dance card.

In some ways, the idea of switching almost becomes more overwhelming than actually making the change. That is exactly what these various companies want. The more you feel restricted, the safer their pay checks become. They want you to feel quick and easy solutions simply doesn’t exist. They do.

In these situations you need someone who stands to gain less financially off of your account than a sales rep. Someone who simply presents the facts and leaves you to make the best choice for your business.

SekureCard Services has already integrated thousands of POS systems and continues to work with hundreds of Merchants every month. Sekure Card has access to low rates, budgets and tech support a local rep just can’t offer. By working with hundreds of merchants every month and millions of dollars in volume, Sekure card services can get you a wholesale-style rate on payment processing you simply wouldn’t get as a single business.

Aside from heavily discounted rates, SekureCard Services can also pay all or most of your POS re-licensing fees or switch fees depending on the total cost to switch. This is usual decided on a case by case basis.

Unfortunately there are some systems (Quickbooks POS, Flex Track, TeleFlora) that simply won’t integrate with anyone but a single processor. At this point another question becomes a key factor:

Should I run my payments without integrating it with my point of sales system?

As much as it goes against popular opinion, the answer is often yes.

Many businesses (including retail environments) have a relatively small number of transactions in a day. By processing through a separate terminal and manually entering the transactions into your POS, you can have your cake and eat it too! The added work involved is remarkably small and the long term savings can be a major help to any operation.

Every situation should be assessed individually, and based on each merchants needs and requirements. SekureCard has many specific software plug-ins like Charge Anywhere. This program creates a new drop down window in Quickbooks Enterprise, Pro and other packages. This allows you to stay integrated in a way that seamlessly blends with your day-to-day operations.

Always remember that you have options. SekureCard Services is your best defense against the potentially high cost of switching your POS system and getting a low cost rates. Have Sekure Card review your statement today by calling, 1-866-437-3189 or visit us at www.sekurecardservics.com

One of the greatest misconceptions in payment processing is the benefit of a local rep. In many ways it is a quaint and old-fashioned notion. It almost hearkens back to the days of going to your local butcher, the neighborhood bakery or getting milk delivered to your door. You have the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing someone from your community has your business’ best interest in mind. They periodically drop in to say hello, or maybe they are an acquaintance or were recommended by your local bank. They are relatable because they service your area.

Unfortunately, this antiquated approach is absolutely one of the most costly ways of handling your business’ payment processing needs. Local reps often don’t make any reliable form of pay. They exist solely off commission and signing bonuses. In this feast or famine situation, most reps will understandably say anything they need to for you to sign on the dotted line (regardless of how legitimate their claims are).

They also often work for third or fourth party resellers for much larger processing companies, keeping you further and further away from the actual processor while keeping as many thumbs in the pie as possible. With all of these factors at play there’s almost no way to get a truly competitive rate on a local level with a local agent.

Typically a local rep will approach a business offering great savings. However, because they will have to survive off of a percentage of your processing fees in years to come your volume 100% dictates your pricing. Usually you end up with a very low introductory offer or “teaser quote”. The quote is intended to lure you in to signing. Many local reps will also claim to do you a favor by leaving the agreement as a commitment free month-to-month agreement. This also means there is no real guarantee that the pricing will last while keeping you comfortable.

These very simple sales tactics then set the stage for what will eventually lead to hundreds of online complaints and negative reviews. What you may not be aware of is that your new rep has received a rather lucrative signing bonus, another kickback when your new account is approved, and yet another when you are “plugged in” and processing. This allows them to coast for a few months while you, confident in your new deal, gradually stop paying close attention to your monthly billing.

Because you now represent monthly residuals to this rep they will gradually increase your fees to boost the account’s profitability. Previously undisclosed corporate fees, non-compliance charges and customer rewards programs typically start popping up on both your statement… and the withdrawals from your checking account each month.

My best advice to any merchant is to approach your payment processing just like your larger, nationally franchised competition. THINK BIG. Instead of bouncing back and forth between numerous smaller local companies, essentially all working in the exact same way I’ve described above, THINK BIG.

The Wal-Mart’s of the world get great rates because all of their locations, and their volume, move as one. Working with industry specific buying groups, and large established processing brokers like SekureCard Services are the easiest ways to access this type of pricing.

Sekure Card Services has a very simple model. We work with volume, instead of working with a few merchants a month as a local rep might; we work with a few hundred merchants each month, and thousands every year. You can have your statement reviewed for free, without any cost or obligation.

SekureCard will also pay your current company’s early termination fees, supply free equipment or terminal reprogramming and various other things that others charge for or won’t even do. SekureCard is one of the few companies to actually pay money against POS switch fees instead of relying on projected savings. We also have a dedicated customer support and technical integration team to provide a much higher level of assistance than a single rep, despite that rep being a few minutes away from your business. SekureCard only has one complaint with the BBB that was resolved, giving us an A rating. CLICK HERE for SekureCards BBB rating.

If you’re looking to reduce expenditures in what is a rocky financial time for all of us, I would highly suggest broadening your horizons. To maximize your profits, you will definitely have to look further than your back yard when it comes to payment processing.

Please see below for more information regarding SekureCard Services, or visit us online at, www.sekurecardservices.com

Corporate Sales:

Phone: (866) 437-3189 ext.225

Email: info@sekurecardservices.com

Statement Analysis:

Fax or email your most recent statement to:

Fax Numbers: 1-888-990-9929
 or 1-888-990-9932

Email: analyze@sekurecardservices.com

Interchange fees or rates are determined and set by the issuing bank. The issuing bank is the bank that distributes or offers the branded credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) to the consumer. The interchange rate, which is the bulk of the fees Merchants pay for accepting credit cards, will vary depending on several factors. These include but are not limited to risk level, transaction amount, and how the card is accepted (swiped or keyed). In short, the riskier the transaction, the higher the rate will be.

This predetermined interchange rate is the basic cost that all processing companies work with, mark up accordingly and then charge to the merchant. Processors will either bill their Merchants on a tiered setup or an Interchange plus setup. Tiered billing consists of categorizing the merchant’s credit card transactions into 3 or more categories. The basic categories are, qualified, mid-qualified and non- qualified. From there, processing companies will mark up the interchange rate an average of 30 to 80 basis points and also mark up the transaction fees. Other fees, such as monthly statement fees and batch fees, are also quite standard. Interchange plus billing is a little different. The processor will pass on the actual interchange rate established by the issuing bank and then charge a separate fee or rate. This allows the merchant to have some transparency in what the real costs are and this usually results in a more cost effective solution for the Merchant. Beware of the flat rate scam, this is a deceitful practice often used by local agents or sales reps where a flat rate is offered without the mention of interchange being added. As an example, you may be offered a flat rate of 1.20%, when in actuality this is in addition to the interchange cost.

SekureCard Services offers both, tiered and Interchange plus. SekureCard usually prefers to offer an “apples to apples” comparison and will work with whichever setup the potential client is currently on. SekureCard always offers very close to cost rates so whether you’re on a tiered or interchange plus, you can rest assured that we will find you the best deal out there. In keeping with our philosophy of transparency, we will openly share that SekureCard Services has had only one complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) which was successfully resolved, thus giving us an “A” rating.

If you would like a free analysis of your statement without any cost or obligation then call us today or visit us online.

www.sekurecardservices.com

1-866-437-3189 ext.225