Common Terminology and Acronym's


100% Reserve

Definition: A situation where the merchant's bank withholds 100% of the daily processing volume, meaning the merchant does not receive immediate deposits.


ABA (American Bankers Association)

Definition: The trade association for American bankers, which also has the authority to assign identification numbers to banking institutions.


ABA Routing Number

Definition: A unique nine-digit number assigned to banking institutions, used to identify the bank in ACH transactions. It's typically found at the bottom of personal and business checks.


ACH (Automated Clearing House)

Definition: A network of financial institutions that processes electronic payments and money transfers.


Acquirer, Acquiring Bank

Definition: A financial institution that processes credit and debit card transactions for merchants. It's a member of card networks like Visa and/or MasterCard and distributes transactions to the issuing banks.


ADC (Account Data Compromise)

Definition: A situation where sensitive account information has been accessed or exposed, potentially leading to fraud.


Altered Card

Definition: A card on which the original information has been fraudulently altered.


American Express

Definition: A financial services company specializing in the issuance of Travel and Entertainment (T&E) cards and operates its own transaction processing network.


AMEX (American Express)

Definition: A common abbreviation for American Express.


AO (Additional Officer)

Definition: An additional officer associated with a business account or transaction.


API (Advanced Programming Interface)

Definition: A set of protocols and tools for building software applications, allowing different systems to interact.


App (Application)

Definition: Software designed for specific tasks or functions, often on mobile devices.


Approval Response

Definition: An affirmative response from a card issuer following a transaction authorization request.


Arbitration

Definition: A dispute resolution process used by acquirers to settle chargeback disputes with card issuers on behalf of merchants.


ARU (Automated Response Unit)

Definition: A system that provides automated responses in various telephone-based customer service scenarios.


ASP (Application Service Provider)

Definition: A company that hosts software applications on its own servers and provides access to these applications over the internet or private networks.


Association

Definition: Refers to major card associations like MasterCard International, Visa U.S.A., or Visa International, which regulate bankcard activities.


ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

Definition: A machine allowing cardholders to perform financial transactions like cash withdrawals, deposits, and account inquiries.


ATM/Debit Card

Definition: A card used for automated teller machine transactions and, in some cases, point-of-sale purchases.


Authorization

Definition: The process of verifying and approving a transaction by the card issuer or a card network on behalf of the issuer.


Authorization Approval Code

Definition: A numerical code given by the issuer as proof that a sale transaction is authorized.


Authorization Only (Auth Only)

Definition: A transaction type where an estimated amount is authorized against a card's credit limit, commonly used in industries like hospitality and car rental.


Authorization Request

Definition: A merchant's request to a card issuer to approve a cardholder's transaction, either electronically or via telephone.


Auto Representment

Definition: The automated process of responding to a chargeback on behalf of a merchant without requiring their direct involvement.


Automated Clearing House (ACH)

Definition: A network facilitating electronic payments and automated money transfers between financial institutions.


Average Ticket

Definition: The average amount of a merchant's credit card transaction.


AVS (Address Verification Service)

Definition: A service provided by Visa/MasterCard to verify the cardholder's billing address, used mainly in non-face-to-face transactions to reduce fraud.


B2B (Business to Business)

Definition: Transactions or interactions occurring between two businesses.


Back-End Network

Definition: The network responsible for finalizing credit card transactions, routing payments to merchants, and generating financial statements.


Balance Sheet

Definition: A financial statement showing a company's assets, liabilities, and net worth at a specific point in time.


Bankcard

Definition: A credit or debit card issued by a banking institution, typically branded with Visa or MasterCard.


Batch

Definition: A collection of credit card transactions processed together, usually accumulated during a business day.


Batch Deposit

Definition: The process of electronically submitting a batch of transactions to a payment processor for settlement.


Batch Processing

Definition: Processing credit card transactions at a later time rather than instantly, typically used for mail/telephone order transactions.


Baud Rate

Definition: The rate at which data is transmitted through a telephone line by a modem, usually measured in bits per second.


BBB (Better Business Bureau)

Definition: An organization that focuses on marketplace trust, including business accreditation, dispute resolution, and consumer education.

 

BF (Business Financials)

Definition: Financial documentation related to a business, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.


BIN (Bank Identification Number)

Definition: A unique series of numbers assigned by Visa/MasterCard to a member institution, identifying it in transaction processing.


Bisynchronous Communication

Definition: A continuous communication method without start and stop bytes between information bytes.


BL (Bank Letter)

Definition: A letter from a bank confirming a client's account details and creditworthiness.


BRAM (Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation)

Definition: A program or process to assess and mitigate risks in business operations, particularly in financial transactions.


Browser

Definition: Software used to access and display web pages on the internet.


BS (Bank Statements)

Definition: Official statements from a bank detailing transactions, balances, and other financial activities in an account.


Business Card

Definition: A credit card issued to businesses, typically with fewer employees, where each employee is responsible for their purchases.


Call Center

Definition: A facility that handles authorization requests and other customer interactions for credit card processing.


Capture

Definition: The process of receiving and storing transaction data at the processor's host computer for later processing and payment.


Card Present

Definition: A transaction type where the physical card is present and swiped through a card reader.


Card Reader

Definition: A device that reads the information stored on the magnetic stripe of a payment card.


Cardholder

Definition: The individual to whom a payment card is issued or an additional person authorized to use the card.


Cardholder Account Number

Definition: A unique sequence of numbers assigned to a cardholder's account, identifying the issuer and payment card type.


Cardholder-Initiated Chargeback

Definition: A chargeback initiated by a cardholder who disputes a charge on their statement.


Card-Not-Present

Definition: A transaction type where the card is not physically present at the point of sale, such as online transactions.


Cash Advance

Definition: A transaction where a cardholder obtains cash from a financial institution or ATM using their credit card.


CB (Chargeback)

Definition: A dispute initiated by the card issuer or cardholder, returned to the acquirer for resolution.


CBG (Chargeback Guardian)

Definition: A system or service that helps manage and prevent chargebacks for merchants.


CBMR (Chargeback Maintenance Request)

Definition: A request to maintain or update chargeback records and processes.


CBR (Credit Bureau Report)

Definition: A report from a credit bureau that provides detailed information on an individual's or business's credit history.


CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data)

Definition: A method of transmitting data over cellular networks, used in wireless credit card processing.


CFI (Consumer Fraud Insight)

Definition: Insights or analysis related to consumer fraud patterns and prevention strategies.


Chargeback Fee

Definition: The amount charged by the acquirer for processing a chargeback.


Chargeback Reason Code

Definition: A numerical code identifying the specific reason for a chargeback, with unique codes for MasterCard and Visa.


Check Card

Definition: A bank card that can be used with a PIN at an ATM or without a PIN at the point of sale.


Check Digit Verification (MOD-10 Check)

Definition: A verification method using the check digit (last position) of a card number to validate its authenticity.


Check Guarantee

Definition: A service that guarantees payment on checks to merchants up to a specified amount.


Check Reader

Definition: A device that reads the numbers encoded at the bottom of checks.


Check Verification

Definition: A service that offers some protection against bad checks by verifying the writer's history.


CID (Card Identification Number/Card Identifier)

Definition: A security feature on credit cards, such as a three or four-digit code, used for verification.


Ciphertext

Definition: Encrypted text of a message that can only be decrypted by someone with the correct key.


Close

Definition: The process of sending a merchant's completed transactions to the host for processing, also known as "Settlement."


CMM (Chargeback Monitored Merchant)

Definition: A designation for merchants who are monitored for excessive chargebacks by MasterCard.


Code 10 Authorization

Definition: A special authorization request made when a merchant suspects a card is stolen or counterfeit.


Commercial Cards

Definition: Credit cards issued to businesses and corporations, encompassing a range of card types like Corporate Cards, Purchasing Cards, and Business Cards.


Compliance

Definition: Adherence to the regulatory bylaws set forth by Visa and MasterCard.


Corporate Card

Definition: A credit card issued to employees of a large corporation, with the corporation assuming all liability for the card's usage.


Counterfeit Card

Definition: A fraudulent card that has been printed, embossed, or encoded to appear genuine but is not authorized by Visa or MasterCard.


CPS (Custom Payment Service)

Definition: A payment service tailored to meet specific needs of merchants or businesses.


Credit

Definition: A refund or price adjustment given for a previous purchase.


Credit Card

Definition: A plastic card with a credit limit used for purchasing goods and services or obtaining cash advances, with the cardholder being billed by the issuer for credit extended.


Credit Slip

Definition: A document indicating a refund or price adjustment will be credited to a cardholder's account.


Cryptography

Definition: The process of encrypting information into an unreadable format for security, which can later be decrypted.


CSP (Commerce Service Provider)

Definition: An organization that hosts commerce-related software applications on its servers.


CVC (Card Verification Code)

Definition: MasterCard's term for the three-digit code next to the card number in the signature panel, used in authorization processes.


CVC2 (Card Validation Code)

Definition: A MasterCard term referring to the card validation code.


CVV (Card Verification Value)

Definition: Visa's term for the three-digit code next to the card number in the signature panel, used in authorization processes.


CVV2 (Card Verification Value)

Definition: Another term used by Visa for the card verification value.


DBA (Doing Business As)

Definition: The operating name a business uses, different from its legal name.


DC/IP (Dual Communication/Internet Protocol)

Definition: A technology that supports dual modes of communication, including internet protocols.


DDA (Demand Deposit Account)

Definition: A type of bank account from which funds can be withdrawn at any time, like a checking account.


Debit Card

Definition: A bank card used for purchases and cash withdrawals, debiting funds directly from the cardholder's checking account.


Debit Switch

Definition: A system that transmits debit card data between banks and card issuers, part of the Debit Network.


Decline

Definition: A response from the card issuer denying a transaction.


Dep (Deposit)

Definition: The act of placing funds into an account.


Dial-Up Terminal

Definition: An authorization terminal that uses a telephone line for communication with the authorization center.


DID (Device Identification)

Definition: A unique identification used for devices in internet protocol (IP) transactions.


Digital Certificate

Definition: An encrypted electronic document used to verify a message sender's identity.


DIP Switches (Dual In-Line Package Switches)

Definition: Switches used to set configurations for electronic devices like payment card terminals.


Direct Response

Definition: A term for merchants who primarily process transactions where the card is not physically present.


Disc (Discover)

Definition: Refers to Discover Card, a major credit card brand.


Discount Rate

Definition: The fee charged by the card acquirer to the merchant for processing payment card transactions.


Display

Definition: The part of a payment device that shows transaction details and prompts.


DL (Driver's License)

Definition: A document issued by a government authority granting permission to drive.


DR (Direct Response)

Definition: A type of transaction processing for non-face-to-face interactions.


DSS (Data Security Standard)

Definition: A set of standards for protecting and securing sensitive data.


Duality

Definition: The state of a financial institution being a member of both MasterCard and Visa networks.


DUKPT (Derived Unique Key Per Transaction)

Definition: An encryption method used for securing PIN data.


EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)

Definition: A system for electronic distribution of government benefits.


ECA/ECP (Electronic Check Acceptance/Electronic Check Processing)

Definition: The process of converting paper checks into electronic checks at the point of sale.


ECM (Excessive Chargeback Merchant)

Definition: A designation for merchants with a high level of chargebacks, as identified by MasterCard.


E-Commerce

Definition: Electronic commerce, or the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet.


ECP (Excessive Chargeback Program)

Definition: A MasterCard program targeting merchants with excessive chargebacks.


ECR (Electronic Cash Register)

Definition: A cash register that can also process credit card transactions.


EDC (Electronic Draft Capture)

Definition: The use of a point-of-sale device to authorize and settle credit card transactions.


EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)

Definition: A system that electronically moves funds from one account to another.


EIRF (Electronic Interchange Reimbursement Fee)

Definition: A fee associated with certain types of electronic transactions.


Encryption

Definition: The method of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access.


Entitlement

Definition: Permission or license to accept specific types of payment cards or vehicles.


EPN (Electronic Processing Network)

Definition: A gateway for processing electronic transactions.


EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)

Definition: A type of memory chip used in electronic devices, including payment terminals.


ETF (Early Termination Fee)

Definition: A fee charged for ending a contract or agreement prematurely.


Exceeded Timeliness

Definition: A situation where a transaction is deposited too late to qualify for optimal interchange rates.


Expiration Date

Definition: The date after which a bankcard is no longer valid.


Factoring

Definition: The practice of processing transactions for another merchant, which is prohibited by card associations.


FDMS (First Data Merchant Services)

Definition: A company that provides debit card processing services.


FDR (First Data Resources)

Definition: A company involved in processing financial transactions.


Financial Institution

Definition: An organization that deals with financial transactions, such as banks and credit unions.


Fleet Card

Definition: A payment card mainly used for fueling, maintenance, and repairs of corporate vehicles.


Folio

Definition: A number assigned by a lodging merchant for tracking guest charges.


Force

Definition: The process of key-entering a voice-authorized transaction for electronic settlement.


FPO (Flexible Payment Options)

Definition: A product that allows merchants to create flexible payment plans.


Frame Relay

Definition: A high-speed data transmission technology.


Fraud Investigation

Definition: The process of identifying and investigating suspicious activities in merchant or cardholder transactions.


Front-End Network

Definition: The network responsible for authorizing and capturing transactions before forwarding them for settlement.


FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Definition: A protocol used for transferring files over a network.


GAA (Global Access Advantage)

Definition: A service or feature that provides global access or advantages in financial transactions.


Gateway

Definition: A system managing the electronic connection between consumers and financial institutions for data transmission.


Gift Card

Definition: A reusable, stored-value card used as an alternative to paper gift certificates.


GMAP (Global Merchant Audit Program)

Definition: A MasterCard program for auditing merchant activities.


Good Faith

Definition: An effort by a card association member to resolve a dispute with another member before escalating to formal proceedings.


Hard Decline

Definition: A declined authorization attempt due to reasons such as a lost or stolen card. In such cases, a Code 10 call is recommended.


HCS (Host Capture System)

Definition: A system where transactions are captured at the host level, enabling settlement without additional merchant actions.


Hologram

Definition: A three-dimensional image used as an anti-counterfeiting measure on payment cards.


Health Savings Account (HSA)

Definition: A health card that can be used for medical purposes, requiring registration with the SIG-IS for acceptance.


ID/AV (Identification/Address Verification)

Definition: The process of verifying a cardholder's identity and address.


Idle Prompt

Definition: The default display on a payment card terminal when it is ready for the next transaction.


Imprinter

Definition: A device used to imprint embossed card information onto a sales draft.


Interchange

Definition: The process of exchanging transaction data between acquirers and issuers.


Interchange Fees

Definition: Fees paid by acquirers to issuers to cover the costs associated with handling transactions.


ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

Definition: A digital telephone service that supports various types of communications.


ISO (Independent Sales Organization)

Definition: An organization that sells merchant services on behalf of banks and processors.


ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Definition: A company that provides internet access to customers.


JCB (Japanese Credit Bureau)

Definition: A major credit card company based in Japan, widely accepted around the world.


Leased Line

Definition: A dedicated telecommunication line providing a point-to-point or multipoint connection.


Level I Data

Definition: Basic transaction data typically captured in a credit card transaction, including total purchase amount, date, merchant category code, and supplier/retailer name.


Level II Data

Definition: Enhanced transaction data for corporate and government purchases, including Level I data plus sales tax amount, customer's accounting code, merchant's tax ID number, and business status.


Level III Data

Definition: Detailed transaction data required for corporate and government purchasing cards, including Level I and II data plus quantities, product codes, descriptions, and more detailed cost data.


Line of Credit

Definition: The maximum amount of credit a lender will extend to a borrower over a specified period.


Lockbox

Definition: A service used by businesses to expedite the collection and processing of check payments.


Magnetic Stripe

Definition: A stripe on the back of a payment card that contains encoded cardholder account information.


Magnetic Stripe Reader

Definition: A device at point-of-sale terminals that reads information encoded in the magnetic stripe of a payment card.


MasterCard International Incorporated

Definition: A global bankcard association that licenses members to issue MasterCard cards and accept merchant transactions.


MATCH (Member Alert to Control High Risk)

Definition: Also known as TMF, a system used to screen potential merchants against a database of businesses with known issues.


MBWE (MasterCard Business World Elite Card)

Definition: A high-tier business credit card offered by MasterCard with additional benefits and features.


MC (MasterCard)

Definition: A multinational financial services corporation known for its range of credit card products.


MCBS (MasterCard Business)

Definition: Refers to MasterCard's suite of business credit card products.


MCBW (MasterCard World Business Card)

Definition: A premium credit card product targeted at business customers, offered by MasterCard.


MCC (Merchant Category Code)

Definition: A four-digit code used to classify a business by the type of goods or services it provides.


MCMP (MasterCard Chargeback Monitoring Program)

Definition: A program designed to monitor and reduce chargebacks in the MasterCard network.


Media

Definition: The documentation of monetary transactions, like sales drafts, credit slips, and computer printouts.


Media Retrieval Requests

Definition: Requests made to obtain transaction documentation, either from cardholders or in defense of chargebacks.


Member

Definition: A financial institution that is a member of Visa and/or MasterCard and licensed to issue cards or accept merchant transactions.


Merchant

Definition: A business or individual that sells goods or services and accepts card payments.


Merchant Agreement

Definition: A contract between a merchant and an acquirer detailing their rights, responsibilities, and warranties.


Merchant Bank

Definition: See Acquirer.


Merchant Discount

Definition: A fee charged by the acquiring bank to a merchant for handling credit card transactions.


MICR Number (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition)

Definition: Numbers encoded at the bottom of checks used for automated processing.


MID (Merchant Identification)

Definition: An identification number assigned to a merchant by the acquirer.


MM (Monthly Minimum)

Definition: The minimum amount a merchant is required to generate in transaction fees each month.


MOP (Method Of Payment)

Definition: The various payment methods a merchant accepts, like credit cards, electronic checks, etc.


MOTO (Mail Order/Telephone Order)

Definition: Transactions conducted via mail or telephone, typically involving card-not-present scenarios.


MPA (Merchant Processing Agreement)

Definition: A contract between a merchant and a payment processor outlining the terms of payment processing services.


MQ (Mid-Qualified Discount Rate)

Definition: A pricing tier for processing credit card transactions, often for specific types of cards or transaction circumstances.


CBCAL (Commercial Bank of California)

Definition: Refers to a specific banking institution, included in the context of payment processing partnerships or networks.


Network

Definition: The entire system of communication infrastructure used to transfer electronic information for payment processing.


NMI (Network Merchants Inc)

Definition: A gateway provider offering payment processing solutions.


Non Face-to-Face Transaction

Definition: Transactions where the card is not physically presented, such as online or phone sales.


No-Show

Definition: A fee charged to a cardholder by a lodging merchant for not arriving or canceling a reservation.


NQ (Non-Qualified Discount Rate)

Definition: The highest pricing tier for processing credit card transactions, often applied to transactions that do not meet certain criteria.


OFAC (Office of Foreign Asset Control)

Definition: A U.S. Treasury Department agency responsible for enforcing economic and trade sanctions.


Offline Debit

Definition: A debit transaction where a Visa/MasterCard check card is processed through the credit card system.


Offline Transaction

Definition: A transaction authorized via voice and later entered into a POS terminal.


OK Number

Definition: A validation number confirming a successful batch deposit from a host computer.


Online Transaction

Definition: A transaction authorized electronically, usually in real-time, from a front-end network.


pBRAM (Potential BRAM Violation)

Definition: Indicates a potential violation of the Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation program.


PBX Access Code

Definition: A code dialed to access an outside telephone line from a private branch exchange system.


PCI (Payment Card Industry)

Definition: The payment card industry as a whole, encompassing all entities involved in payment card processing.


PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards)

Definition: A set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.


PG (Personal Guarantee/Guarantor)

Definition: An individual's legal promise to repay credit issued to a business for which they are a guarantor.


Pick Up Card

Definition: A response from a card issuer requesting the merchant to retain the card, often due to suspected fraud.


PIN (Personal Identification Number)

Definition: A unique code used to verify the identity of the cardholder during a transaction.


POB (Proof of Business)

Definition: Documentation or evidence confirming the existence and legitimacy of a business.


POS (Point Of Sale)

Definition: The location or system where a payment card transaction occurs.


POS Terminal

Definition: A device used at the point of sale to process card transactions.


Posting

Definition: The process of recording financial transactions in accounting records.


PPS (Prior Processing Statements)

Definition: Previous statements that show a merchant's card transaction history.

Prenote

Definition: A non-monetary transaction in electronic check processing used for account verification.


Private Label Card

Definition: A credit or debit card issued by a retailer for use only at specific stores or locations.


Processing Fees

Definition: Charges associated with the processing of credit card transactions.


Processor

Definition: A company that handles the processing of credit card transactions for merchants.


Protocol

Definition: A set of rules governing data communication.


Purchasing Card

Definition: A type of credit card used by businesses to streamline purchasing processes.


Qual (Qualified Discount Rate)

Definition: The rate charged for standard credit card transactions under typical conditions.


RAM (Random Access Memory)

Definition: A type of computer memory used for short-term data storage.


Reason Code

Definition: A code identifying the reason for a chargeback or other transaction dispute.


Re-authorization (Re-auth, Add Auth)

Definition: A request for additional authorization on an existing transaction, often in hospitality settings.


Recurring Transaction

Definition: Regular transactions charged to a cardholder's account for ongoing goods or services.


Referral

Definition: A response from a card issuer indicating that the merchant should contact the authorization center.


Refund

Definition: A transaction in which the merchant returns all or part of the original transaction amount to the cardholder.


Representment

Definition: The process by which a merchant or acquirer challenges a chargeback.


Card-Present Transaction

Definition: A face-to-face transaction where the cardholder presents a card to the merchant.


Retrieval Request

Definition: A request by a card issuer for a copy of the original sales transaction document.


Retro-TMF (Terminated Merchant File)

Definition: A TMF listing received after a merchant has already been approved.


Reversal

Definition: The process by which a successfully contested chargeback is overturned, and funds are returned to the merchant.


RIS (Risk Identification Service)

Definition: A service provided by Visa to identify and manage transactional risks.


RM (Received Message)

Definition: A message or notification received, typically in the context of transaction processing.


ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Definition: A type of non-volatile memory used in computers and electronic devices.


RS232

Definition: The standard port on Point Of Sale (POS) equipment used to support a traditional phone line for data communication.


Sales Transaction Fee

Definition: The fee charged by a financial institution to a merchant for each sales transaction processed.


SAQ (Self Assessment Questionnaire)

Definition: A questionnaire specifically designed for PCI compliance, helping businesses assess their payment card security practices.


SAR (Suspicious Activity Report)

Definition: A report filed by financial institutions to report suspicious or potentially fraudulent activity.


SDK (Software Development Kit)

Definition: A collection of software tools and libraries that developers use to create applications for specific software, frameworks, hardware platforms, or operating systems.


Settlement

Definition: The process where a merchant sends batches of transactions to the acquirer, which are then exchanged with issuers for financial data processing.

SIC (Standard Industrial Code)

Definition: A universal four-digit code that classifies a merchant's industry type, similar to a Merchant Category Code (MCC).


Smart Card

Definition: A payment card equipped with a microprocessor (chip) that stores data, used for a variety of purposes including credit transactions, stored-value, and security access.


Soft Decline

Definition: A declined authorization attempt that may not indicate a problem with the card itself (e.g., issuer unavailable, over limit), allowing for possible resubmission of the transaction.


Split Dial

Definition: The capability of a payment terminal to dial different phone numbers for obtaining authorization or settlement for different types of card transactions.


SSN (Social Security Number)

Definition: A unique number assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track earnings and benefits.


Stored Value Card

Definition: A card issued by merchants to represent a specific monetary value for purchases, often used as a gift card or loyalty card.


Submission

Definition: A file sent by a merchant containing one or more transactions for processing.


Summary Adjustment

Definition: A correction made to a deposit by the acquirer, typically when an error is found in the submitted deposit amount.


Synchronous Communication

Definition: A method of electronic communication in which data is transmitted continuously without start and stop bytes.


T&E Merchant (Travel and Entertainment)

Definition: Businesses primarily providing travel-related services, such as airlines, car rentals, and lodging establishments.


TCS (Terminal Capture System)

Definition: A system in which transactions are stored in the terminal until the batch is settled to the host, often used for tip adjustment in restaurants.


TDES (Triple Data Encryption Standard)

Definition: An advanced encryption standard used for securing electronic transactions, particularly in debit card processing.


Telemarketing

Definition: The practice of selling products or services over the phone, often involving payment by credit card.


TID (Terminal Identification)

Definition: A unique number identifying a merchant's terminal to the front-end network for transaction processing.


TIN (Tax Identification Number)

Definition: A number used to identify a person or entity for tax purposes.


TMF (Terminated Merchant File)

Definition: A file listing merchants whose credit card processing privileges have been terminated.


Track One

Definition: Information stored on the magnetic stripe of a credit card, including the cardholder's name, account number, and expiration date.


Track Two

Definition: Information stored on the magnetic stripe of a credit card, typically including the account number and expiration date.


Transaction

Definition: Any action between a cardholder and a merchant that results in activity on an account, such as purchases or cash advances.


Transaction Date

Definition: The actual date on which a transaction takes place.


Transaction Fee

Definition: A fee charged to the merchant for processing each transaction.


TRO (Temporary Restraining Order)

Definition: A court order issued to temporarily prohibit specific actions until a hearing can be held.


UR (Under Review)

Definition: A status indicating that a transaction or account is being reviewed for accuracy or compliance.


URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

Definition: The address of a resource on the Internet, commonly known as a web address.


UW (Underwriting)

Definition: The process of evaluating and assuming the risk of a financial transaction or agreement.


Valid Date

Definition: The date embossed on a payment card indicating when it can first be used.


VAR (Value Added Reseller)

Definition: A company that adds features or services to an existing product and resells it as an integrated product or complete solution.


VC (Voided Check)

Definition: A check that has been canceled or invalidated.


VDBT (Visa Debit)

Definition: A debit card brand offered by Visa.


Visa USA

Definition: A member-owned bankcard association that licenses members to issue Visa cards and accept merchant drafts.


VM (Voice Mail)

Definition: An electronic system that stores voice messages for later retrieval.


Voice Authorization

Definition: A process where transactions are authorized by a voice operator over the phone.


WEX (Wright Express)

Definition: A company specializing in payment solutions, particularly for fleet and corporate spending.


Zero Floor Limit

Definition: A policy requiring that all transactions, regardless of size, must receive authorization.