Underwriting and Rolling Reserves

Before a processor takes you on, an underwriter decides how much risk you bring. After you are approved, reserves and monitoring keep that risk in check.

These pages cover both sides: getting approved and staying open.

How Banks Review Payment Processors

Banks and card networks treat third-party payment processors as a risk category. Here is what regulators flag and what a bank must do about it.
What Transaction Laundering Means

Transaction laundering is a hidden business running sales through a merchant's payment credentials. Here is how Visa defines it and how to stay out of it.
What an Account Termination Means

A terminated merchant account changes what happens next. Here is what termination means, what the Terminated Merchant File and MATCH Pro are, and what to do before you apply again.
What Underwriting Checks

Underwriting is the acquirer's chance to learn who you are before it signs you. Here is what it looks at and why it asks so much.
What a Rolling Reserve Means for You

A rolling reserve holds back part of each day's card sales and pays it back later. Here is how the hold works and who holds the money.
What Underwriting Checks

Underwriting is the review an acquirer runs before it approves your merchant account. Visa's standards show what it checks and why it asks.
Merchant Account Underwriting, Explained

Visa's standards say what an acquirer must check before it approves you. Here is what to have ready, and what a conditional approval means.
Chargeback Thresholds That End Accounts

Visa and Mastercard run programs that watch chargebacks. Here is what each says about the limits and what can follow.
Why Merchant Accounts Get Frozen

A hold on your funds is a risk tool your acquirer's rules allow. Here is what it is, why it happens, and where your specifics live.
Why Banks Watch Payment Processors

FinCEN told banks what to look for in the accounts of payment processors. Those warning signs shape how your processor treats you.