Credit Cards
A plastic card, with a magnetic strip or an embedded microchip, connected to a credit account and used to buy goods or services. They can be issued by banks and non banks and are associated with such brand names as American Express, Discover Financial Services, MasterCard, JCB International Co. Ltd. and Visa.
Debit Cards
A card much like a credit card, but which takes money directly from the bank account, rather than borrowing money at a rate of interest, and uses a PIN instead of a signature. Can also be used as “swiped” debit, without the use of a PIN, but in all cases the funds must be available in the card holders bank account to obtain a payment authorization.
Recurring Payments
Regularly scheduled payment of a consumer debt, which is payable monthly or biweekly, or at a pre-agreed upon interval.
Electronic Check Acceptance
Converting paper checks into an electronic transaction. You will not only receive check funds faster but eliminate the amount of bounced checks received. Funds are deposited into the check recipient’s bank account. Online authorizations and electronic capture for settlement are done through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network.
Gift Cards
Preloaded debit card that allows the cardholder to use it for the purchase of goods or services and can only be used at select retailers. Some gift cards may also be re-loadable, which provides the cardholder with the ability to add funds to the card and continue using it. Gift cards help to ensure customer retention, loyalty, and a return visit to the merchant.
