Understanding the Role of an Acquiring Bank in Payment Processing

Electronic payment systems enable swift and secure transactions between buyers and sellers and are made possible by acquiring banks that ensure that these transactions are processed seamlessly. Acquiring banks bridge the gap between merchants and customers. The global merchant acquiring market is valued at USD 20 Billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow at 7.68% over the next 5 years. In this article, we will delve into the fundamental role of merchant acquirers in payment processing and explore how acquiring banks works and how they improve your business’ transaction flow.

What is an Acquiring Bank?

An acquiring bank, also known as an acquirer or merchant bank, is a financial institution that partners with merchants to facilitate the acceptance of electronic payments, primarily credit and debit card transactions. When a customer makes a purchase using a card, the bank acquirer is responsible for processing the transaction, transferring funds from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s account.

The acquiring bank acts as an intermediary between the merchant and the cardholder’s issuing bank. It plays a crucial role in the payment process by verifying the transaction, managing the risk associated with card payments, and settling funds between the parties involved.

Here’s a simplified overview of how the process typically works and the role acquiring banks play:

• Customer makes a purchase using a card at a merchant’s establishment or website.
• The merchant’s point-of-sale (POS) system or payment gateway sends the transaction details to the acquiring bank.
• The acquiring bank securely transmits the information to the card network (such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express).
• The card network routes the transaction to the issuing bank for authorization.
• The issuing bank approves or declines the transaction based on available funds and other factors.
• The authorization response is transmitted back through the card network to the acquiring bank.
• The acquiring bank relays the response to the merchant, indicating whether the transaction is approved or declined.
• If approved, the acquiring bank initiates the settlement process to transfer funds from the cardholder’s bank to the merchant’s account.
• The acquiring bank deducts its fees for processing the transaction and deposits the remaining funds into the merchant’s designated bank account.

Acquiring banks typically charge fees to merchants for their services, including transaction fees, interchange fees (paid to card networks and issuing banks), and other related charges. They also play a vital role in ensuring compliance with industry regulations, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements, to maintain the security and integrity of card transactions.

Why Use an Acquiring Bank?

Acquiring banks allow merchants to safely and securely process card payments and enhance  their overall payment processing operations. Here are some key advantages that acquiring banks offer to merchants:

• Card Payment Acceptance: Acquiring banks enable merchants to accept various forms of electronic payments, including credit and debit card transactions. By partnering with an acquiring bank, merchants can expand their customer base and cater to the preferences of cardholders who prefer the convenience and security of card payments. This broadens the potential customer pool and increases sales opportunities.
• Transaction Processing and Authorization: Acquiring banks handle the technical aspects of transaction processing. They provide the necessary infrastructure, such as payment gateways or point-of-sale systems, to securely transmit transaction data between the merchant and the payment networks. Acquiring banks verify and authorize transactions by liaising with the cardholder’s issuing bank, ensuring a smooth and efficient payment experience for both the merchant and the customer.
• Risk Management and Fraud Prevention: Acquiring banks employ sophisticated fraud detection and risk management tools to protect merchants from fraudulent transactions. They have extensive experience in identifying potential risks and implementing security measures to mitigate them. By leveraging their expertise, acquiring banks can help merchants reduce the risk of financial losses due to fraudulent activities, enhancing the overall security of their payment processes.
• Settlement and Funds Management: Acquiring banks handle the settlement of funds from card transactions. They ensure that the funds collected from customer payments are efficiently transferred to the merchant’s designated bank account. Acquiring banks simplify the reconciliation process by consolidating transactions and providing clear and detailed reports. This streamlines the merchant’s financial operations and improves cash flow management.
• Industry Compliance: Payment card industry standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), impose specific requirements on merchants to protect cardholder data and maintain secure payment environments. Acquiring banks assist merchants in complying with these regulations by providing guidance and ensuring that the necessary security measures are in place. Compliance with industry standards helps merchants build trust with customers and reduces the risk of penalties or reputational damage.
• Customer Support: Acquiring banks offer customer support services to merchants, assisting with technical issues, transaction disputes, and general inquiries related to payment processing. Having access to dedicated support teams can be invaluable for merchants, as it allows them to address payment-related concerns promptly and maintain a positive customer experience.

Partnering with an acquiring bank empowers merchants to accept a wide range of electronic payment options, provides secure transaction processing, minimizes the risk of fraud, facilitates efficient fund settlement, ensures compliance with industry standards, and offers valuable customer support. These benefits collectively contribute to smoother payment operations, increased revenue opportunities, and enhanced customer satisfaction for merchants.

Acquiring Bank vs. Issuing Bank

The main difference between acquirer and issuer lies in their roles and the parties they serve in the context of electronic payment transactions.

An acquiring bank, also known as an acquirer or merchant bank, is a financial institution that partners with merchants to facilitate the acceptance of electronic payments. Its primary role is to enable merchants to receive payments from customers who use credit or debit cards for their purchases. The acquiring bank handles the transaction processing, verification, and settlement processes. It acts as an intermediary between the merchant and the customer’s issuing bank, ensuring a smooth flow of funds from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account. The acquiring bank charges fees for its services, typically deducted from the funds transferred to the merchant.

An issuing bank, also referred to as an issuer, is a financial institution that provides payment cards, such as credit cards or debit cards, to customers. When a customer uses their payment card to make a purchase, the issuing bank is responsible for approving or declining the transaction based on factors like available funds, credit limit, and security measures. The issuing bank holds the customer’s account, manages their funds, and bears the responsibility of issuing the payment card. It is also responsible for customer service related to the payment card, including billing inquiries, card replacements, and dispute resolution.

How to Choose the Right Acquiring Bank for Your Business Needs

Choosing the right acquiring bank is a crucial decision for your business, as it impacts your payment processing operations, costs, and overall customer experience. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting comparing merchant acquiring banks:

• Reputation and Stability: Look for an acquiring bank with a strong reputation and a track record of stability in the industry. Research their history, financial stability, and customer reviews to gauge their reliability and trustworthiness. A reputable acquiring bank is more likely to provide quality services and maintain a secure payment infrastructure.
• Payment Options and Support: Evaluate the payment options supported by the acquiring bank. Ensure they can process the types of payments your business requires, such as credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, or international transactions. Additionally, consider the support provided for emerging payment technologies and alternative payment methods to future-proof your business.
• Pricing and Fee Structure: Understand the fee structure of the acquiring bank, including transaction fees, interchange fees, and any additional charges. Compare pricing models, negotiate rates, and consider the overall cost-effectiveness of the services provided. Look for transparency in fee disclosures and ensure that the acquiring bank offers competitive rates for your transaction volume and business type.
• Integration and Technology: Assess the acquiring bank’s integration options and compatibility with your existing systems or platforms. Determine if they offer robust APIs, plugins, or compatible payment gateways that can seamlessly integrate with your e-commerce platform or point-of-sale (POS) system. The acquiring bank should provide reliable and user-friendly technology solutions that meet your business requirements.
• Security and Fraud Prevention: Payment security is of utmost importance to protect your business and customers’ sensitive information. Ensure that the acquiring bank adheres to industry security standards, such as PCI DSS compliance. Inquire about their fraud prevention measures, data encryption protocols, and their ability to handle chargebacks and disputes effectively.
• Customer Support and Merchant Acquiring Service Levels: Consider the level of customer support provided by the acquiring bank. Responsive and knowledgeable support is crucial in resolving any payment-related issues promptly. Evaluate their available support channels, such as phone, email, or live chat.
• Industry Expertise and Specialized Features: Depending on your business type or industry, it may be beneficial to choose an acquiring bank with expertise in your specific field. Some acquiring banks offer specialized features or services tailored to certain industries, such as retail, e-commerce, hospitality, or healthcare. Assess if the acquiring bank has experience in your industry.
• Contract Terms and Flexibility: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the acquiring bank’s contract. Understand the length of the contract, termination policies, and any potential penalties or hidden fees. 

By thoroughly assessing these factors and conducting due diligence, you can choose the acquiring bank that best fits your business needs, supports your growth goals, and provides cost-effective solutions.

Navigating the Complexities of Fees and Charges

Acquiring banks charge various fees to merchants for their payment processing services. Here are some common acquiring bank fees and strategies to optimize them:

Transaction Fees: Transaction fees are charges applied to each transaction processed through the acquiring bank. These fees are typically a percentage of the transaction amount or a flat fee per transaction. To optimize transaction fees, merchants can:

• Negotiate Rates: Merchants should engage in negotiations with acquiring banks to secure competitive transaction rates. Factors such as transaction volume, average ticket size, and industry type can influence the negotiation process.
• Compare Multiple Acquiring Banks: Merchants should obtain quotes from multiple acquiring banks and compare the transaction fees offered. This allows them to select the acquiring bank that provides the most favorable rates for their specific business needs.

Interchange Fees: Interchange fees are fees paid to the cardholder’s issuing bank and the card network for each transaction. These fees are set by the card networks and are non-negotiable. However, merchants can optimize interchange fees by:

• Understanding Interchange Rates: Merchants should familiarize themselves with the various interchange rates set by the card networks. Different transaction types, card types, and industries have specific interchange rates. By understanding these rates, merchants can optimize their payment acceptance strategies to minimize the impact of higher interchange fees.
• Implementing Best Practices: Following best practices, such as obtaining full transaction details, including address verification, and capturing additional data elements, can help merchants qualify for lower interchange rates. 

Additional Fees: Acquiring banks may charge additional fees for various services and circumstances. Some common additional fees include chargeback fees, retrieval request fees, statement fees, and setup fees. Fortunately, you can find banks with no monthly fees. To optimize these fees, merchants can:

• Understand Fee Structures: Merchants should thoroughly review the fee schedules provided by acquiring banks to understand the purpose and conditions of additional fees. This enables them to anticipate potential costs and identify opportunities for negotiation or fee reduction.
• Monitor and Manage Chargebacks: Chargebacks can result in fees and additional costs for merchants. By effectively managing customer disputes, ensuring clear communication, and providing exceptional customer service, merchants can reduce chargebacks.

Technology and Integration Costs: Acquiring banks may charge fees for the setup, maintenance, or integration of payment processing technology. Merchants can optimize these costs by:

• Exploring Integration Options: Merchants should explore different payment integration options, such as APIs or pre-built plugins, to streamline the integration process and minimize associated fees.
• Evaluating Long-Term Costs: Merchants should consider the long-term cost implications of payment processing technologies and assess the scalability and flexibility they offer. Choosing technology solutions that align with business growth plans can minimize the need for frequent system changes and associated costs. Also research business banks with no fees.

Overall, optimizing acquiring bank fees involves careful negotiation, leveraging industry knowledge, implementing best practices, and effectively managing payment-related processes. By taking a proactive approach, merchants can optimize their costs and maximize the value derived from their relationship with acquiring banks.

Optimizing Payment Processing Efficiency 

Optimizing payment processing efficiency is essential for businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and provide a seamless customer experience. Implement these strategies when working with acquiring banks to optimize payment processing efficiency:

• Work With Multiple Acquirers – Different acquirers have their own relationships with card networks, banks, and processors. By working with multiple acquirers, merchants can increase their chances of successful payment processing. Relying on a single acquirer exposes merchants to potential risks. If that acquirer experiences operational problems or financial instability, it can significantly impact the merchant’s ability to process payments. Working with multiple acquirers, merchants spread the risk across different providers. Competition among acquirers can lead to more favorable pricing and terms as merchants can negotiate competitive processing rates and fees. When expanding into new markets merchants may encounter specific payment processing challenges. Local acquirers often possess in-depth knowledge of local payment systems, regulatory requirements, and consumer behavior. 
• Implement Smart Routing – Smart routing is a strategy employed by payment processors or payment gateway platforms to optimize payment processing by dynamically selecting the most appropriate acquiring bank for each transaction. Smart routing helps merchants improve transaction success rates by selecting acquiring banks with high approval rates for specific transaction types. It takes into account the geographic location of the transaction and selects acquiring banks with a stronger presence or better connectivity in that region, ensuring faster cross-border transactions. Smart routing allows merchants to work with multiple acquiring banks simultaneously which provides flexibility in routing transactions, enabling merchants to choose the most suitable acquiring bank based on cost, speed and reliability.

The Benefits of Working with an Acquiring Bank for Secure and Reliable Payments

Working with an acquiring bank offers several benefits for merchants in terms of secure and reliable payments. Here are some key advantages:

• Payment Security: Acquiring banks prioritize payment security, implementing robust systems and technologies to safeguard sensitive cardholder data. They adhere to industry standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), to ensure secure payment processing. 
• Fraud Detection and Prevention: Acquiring banks employ advanced fraud detection tools and algorithms to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions. They continuously monitor transactions for suspicious patterns or anomalies and have access to comprehensive data to assess the legitimacy of payments. 
• Transaction Authorization and Processing: Acquiring banks handle the complex process of transaction authorization and processing. They connect with the cardholder’s issuing bank to verify the availability of funds, authenticate the cardholder, and obtain authorization for the transaction. 
• Wide Range of Payment Options: Acquiring banks support various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and alternative payment methods. By partnering with an acquiring bank, merchants can expand their payment acceptance capabilities, catering to the diverse preferences of customers. Offering multiple payment options can enhance customer satisfaction, increase conversion rates, and improve sales opportunities.
• Reliable Transaction Settlement: Acquiring banks facilitate the settlement of funds from customer transactions. They ensure that the funds are securely transferred from the cardholder’s account to the merchant’s designated bank account within a specified timeframe. By relying on the acquiring bank for reliable settlement processes, merchants can manage their cash flow effectively, enabling them to meet financial obligations and streamline their operations.
• Streamlined Reporting and Reconciliation: Acquiring banks provide merchants with detailed reports and statements that consolidate transaction data. The acquiring bank’s reporting and reconciliation tools simplify the process of balancing accounts, tracking payments, and identifying discrepancies, saving time and effort for merchants.
• Dedicated Customer Support: Acquiring banks offer customer support services to merchants, assisting with technical issues, transaction disputes, and general inquiries related to payment processing. 

FAQ about Acquiring Banks