This section will help merchants with general information on how to distinguish between the different types of cards their customer may present for payment, how they can be used – for example, over the internet or in a shop – and some general guidance on processing a transaction.
An acquiring bank will discuss with a merchant which card types they may want to accept for their business. In addition, an acquiring bank will provide details on how a merchant can recognise these card types, for card present transactions, and their security features e.g. holograms or card markings that appear when viewed under an ultraviolet light.
There may be instances where a merchant cannot process a transaction due to, for example, a terminal failure. An acquiring bank will provide instructions on what to do for each card type if this should happen when processing a card present transaction; including how to use paper vouchers.
