The card schemes have designed their card types with different features and these can only be accepted via specific processing channels. This section shows the restrictions on how the different cards can be used.
Card Types by Processing Channel
This section describes the specific way a card can be accepted. For example, a domestic MasterCard Maestro card cannot be processed as a paper voucher and a Visa credit card cannot be used to make a purchase with cashback.
|
Card Type |
Electronic Processing |
||||||
JCB |
Credit |
 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Maestro (domestic) |
Debit |
|
|
|
|
4 |
3 |
|
Maestro (Int’l) |
Credit |
|
|
|
|
4 |
3 |
|
MasterCard |
Credit |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
SOLO |
Debit |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 + 4 |
2 |
|
Visa Credit |
Credit |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Visa Debit |
Debit |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Visa Electron |
Debit |
2 |
2 |
1+2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
|
Visa Purchasing |
Charge |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
American Express |
Charge |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Diners Club |
Charge |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
- Can only be processed via a terminal
- 100% authorisation required
- Can only be accepted over the internet if the merchant has installed MasterCard SecureCode. A merchant should speak to their acquiring bank regarding any specific requirements they may have.
- Back up voucher processing - When a merchant is unable to process a card present transaction
electronically because of a technical fault with their terminal, they
should process this on a paper voucher. A merchant's acquirer can advise more details on when back up voucher processing should
be used.
- MAESTRO (Domestic) refers to a UK issued MAESTRO card.
- MAESTRO (International) refers to a non-UK issued MAESTRO card.
It should be noted that although the table above explains the general rules with regard to card processing, these might differ slightly between acquiring banks; therefore, it is important for a merchant to make sure they are aware of the specific rules set their acquiring bank.
Note: These processing options are as at November 2007
