Our Operation
Card One is a full-service independent banking operation providing credit card processing and related electronic payment services to merchants throughout the United States, and cardholders Internationally that buy from our merchant customers. Founded in 1998, Card One International is one of the fastest growing credit card merchant account acquirers in the nation. Card One, has quickly become a leader in the merchant bankcard business by providing cutting-edge and cost-effective solutions to merchants and sales partners, and focusing on technology-driven new products to help businesses prosper and grow. Our internal operation is comprised of:
Sales
Responsible for recruiting, registering, training, and servicing authorized resellers (AKA Channel Partners) that promote our products to merchant endusers. Card One International Channel Partners exist in many forms including, but not limited to, Independent Sales Contractors, Internet Providers, Agent Banks, Associations, Franchiser’s, and MLM (Multi-level Marketing) Providers. In addition, Sales is responsible for new product development.
New Accounts
Responsible for underwriting and setting up incoming merchant accounts. This includes documentation review, credit evaluation, financial analysis, trade and reference validation, building Merchant Identification (MIDS) files on the network system, building Terminal Identification (TIDS) numbers on point of sale systems, and sending out welcome packages.
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IBS (Internet Business System)
Responsible for setting up the initial Web Site, Shopping Cart, Transaction Payment Gateway, and World Wide Web Hosting for each new merchant signing up for the IBS offering. In addition, IBS Services is responsible for supporting all merchants registered on the Maintenance Service Package.
Customer Service – 24/7/365
Responsible for handling all card processing issues including, but not limited to, POS terminal support, deposits, transactions, billing statements, checking account changes, ownership changes, changes in business status, pricing, rules and regulations, and fulfillment of point of sale supplies (e.g., paper rolls, ink cartridges, etc.).
Technical Support – 9AM to 5PM
Responsible for handling related issues regarding our software (POS) systems and IBS products.
Chargebacks & Retrievals
Responsible for processing retrieval requests presented from cardholder banks. This includes sending correspondence to our merchant customers, requesting document copies of transactions in question, and forwarding them back to cardholders bank. Also provide training and support to merchants on tips to avoid chargebacks.
Risk Management
Responsible for monitoring cardholder fraud and merchant compliance ensuring rules and regulations are met.
Our Industry
Bankcard Associations
The term “bankcards” refer to credit card issuing and credit card acceptance (AKA Acquiring) as governed by Visa and MasterCard through the banking network system. These two entities provide memberships to financial institutions, who in turn, offer these services to consumers desiring an open-ended credit limit to purchase goods and/or services, and merchants wanting to accept credit cards presented by cardholders.
Hence, for a credit card transaction to occur a consumer must present the Visa or MasterCard brand and a business must accept it as a form of payment. It is important to note that consumers or merchants don’t go to Visa or MasterCard to obtain either of these services. Rather, they contact a member bank.
Where does Card One fit into the mix? Both Visa and MasterCard authorize financial institutions to empower Independent Sales Organizations (a term used by Visa) or Merchant Service Providers (a term used by MasterCard), like Card One International, to act as intermediaries on behalf of member banks, but under specific guidelines. Card One is a full-service banking operations that provides merchant sales, underwriting, customer service, technical support, chargebacks & retrievals, and risk management, but under the bank umbrella.
Our Prime Directives
T & E Providers such as American Express, Discover Card, and Diners Club, operate similarly to Bankcard Associations, except that they function independent from the banking network system. Hence, all issuing and acquiring is donein-house. However, T & E’s have created streamlined programs, for banks and independent card processors like Card One International, and make available their brands subsequent to the Visa and MasterCard sign-up. Specific facts merchants should know:
- Card One International has no control over T & E service levels or pricing
- Their approval process normally takes about 10-days
- Discount rates are traditionally higher than bankcards
- Each brand provides separate monthly statements
- Each offers a help desk specific to their brand
Network Processors
Bank issuers rely on network processors (Mainframe System Providers) to warehouse cardholder data and guarantee that funds are available at the Point of Sale. Also, they facilitate electronic funds transfer from issuing bank (cardholder account) to the merchant bank account.
Bank Acquirers too rely on processing networks to route cardholder transactions needing approval, and they initiate the clearing and settlement of funds.
The entire process works similarly to check processing. The numbering system on the bottom of a check has a routing number (bank ID) and an account number (accountholder ID). The numbering system on the Visa Card or MasterCard indicates the cardholder’s bank and account number. Subsequently, each merchant set up to accept credit cards receives a Bank Identification Number (BIN) and Merchant Identification Number (MID) to identify the acquirer and merchant. These two numbering schemes are programmed into a merchant’s Point-of-Sale terminal.
POS Equipment and Supply
Many POS hardware terminals exist on the market today. Also, there are a myriad of POS supplies needed by merchants (e.g., printer rolls, sales drafts, ink cartridges, etc.). The fulfillment of POS equipment and supplies are handled by providers specific to the industry.
POS Equipment Leasing
Merchants needing POS hardware terminals can opt to lease the equipment. Terms and conditions vary among each provider. Leasing POS equipment is mostly beneficial to those merchants wanting to pay the initial cost over time. It is important to note that Card One International is independent from these providers and cannot control costs or service levels.