For a merchant to accept MasterCard® and Visa® online and offline, there are basic rules that you must follow to remain compliant. By following these rules, you will create a better business image, reputation, increase customer satisfaction, and ensure that you do not run into any non-compliance and liability issues. Operating a non-compliant website may put your business in jeopardy of not being able to accept credit cards both online and offline.
Internet & MOTO (Mail Order/Telephone Order) Merchant Guidelines for Processing Credit Card Payments:
As part of most standard underwriting requirements for Internet merchants, and based on the requirements set forth in the Visa and MasterCard regulations, Credit and Risk departments are required to perform a thorough audit of a merchant’s website and marketing material.
This information should be shared with your web designer when setting up your company website. Meeting the following requirements will ensure compliance with all Visa and MasterCard regulations and make the approval process move faster, and reduce the likely hood of your application being placed on hold or denied.
- General Websites
Must be completely operational and address:- Company’s Legal Name or DBA Name & Address on the Website. (Must Match the Merchant Application)
- Clear Posting of Customer Service Telephone Number and/or Email Address.
- Goods or Service Offered. (Included Description)
- Company Name Must Be Identified When a Customer Calls & when Sent to Voice Mail.
- eCommerce, Internet & MOTO Websites
When accepting payments over the Phone, Mail or through the Internet, follow the compliance regulations that require e-commerce and internet websites to meet the 11 points listed below.
Website Compliance Items per Visa/MasterCard
REQUIRED (11 Items)
- Company’s Legal Name or DBA Name & Address on the Website. (Must Match the Merchant Application)
- Clear Posting of Customer Service Telephone Number and/or Email Address.
- Refund & Return Policy. (i.e “Terms & Conditions” of the sale & their options before purchasing the
product/service) - Delivery Methods and Timing.
- Privacy Policy (What information is collected & tracked, & to whom it is shared, or a statement that information is not shared.)
- Goods or Service Offered (Included Description & List Prices or say Call In For Pricing)
- Secure Check Out Page (i.e. a secured SSL) – eCommerce Merchants Only
- Clear Posting of the “Billed As” Descriptor – eCommerce Merchants Only
- Proof of Domain Ownership Must Match Company on Merchant Application.
- Company Name Must Be Identified When a Customer Calls & when Sent to Voice Mail.
- Customer Subscription Plans can’t Exceed 12 Months. (Preferably 3 months or less)
RECOMMENDED (4 Items)
- Display Office Hours or Customer Service Hours.
- Opportunity for the Customer to Review all Information Before Submitting an Order. (“click to accept” or a last chance to cancel or modify the order)
- Display Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Logos.
- Provide Currency of the Transaction. (e.g. US dollars)
