iCloud Keychain to Now Store Credit Card Data [2023 Update]

Apple’s recent software update includes a new product called the iCloud Keychain. With the feature, consumers can save sensitive information in a secure online file. Specifically, Keychain will save passwords and credit card information for all of their Apple devices. The program also helps Internet users create safer passwords. Given the new functionality allowing users […]

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Discover On Us Update [2023 Update]

Merchant Services, HMS News

Discover is updating the Discover “On Us” plan yet again, in an attempt to entice more merchants to accept Discover cards. Originally, the Add Discover on Discover promotion from 2011, the plan was based on the incentive that merchants begin accepting Discover cards for the first time and as a reward for this bold new

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What Does The Future Hold For Interchange?

Merchant Services

Now that card payments are a major force in the economy, a system had to be set up to move this “virtual” currency from customer to business. This system is the basis of interchange. The evolution of how customers pay businesses has changed dramatically over the past half-century or so. Cash was king during the

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Next-Day Funding Now Available

HMS News, Industry News, Merchant Services, Small Business

The Official Merchant Services Blog would like to announce that Host Merchant Services has now added next-day funding to their already impressive line of services. Merchant services customers appreciate getting their deposits the next business day, as this is critical for funding payroll and inventory purchases for the week. Merchants can now expect funding for MasterCard,

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iPhones, NFC and Rewards Cards [2023 Update]

Industry News, E-commerce

Today the Official Merchant Services Blog brings NFC technology back into the spotlight, with a look at a pilot program U.S. Bancorp is running in two test cities. The company, one of the nation’s more tech-oriented big banks, is joining the ranks of companies testing near-field communication (NFC) technology by pairing a rewards credit card with

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Interchange Settlement Update: Challengers Awaiting Final Approval

HMS News

Today the Official Merchant Services Blog brings you another update on the ongoing Interchange lawsuit settlement. We began talking about the possibility of ‘The Big Cash Comeback’ back when the settlement was first announced in July, and later we discussed the opposition to the settlement. Last week a federal appellate court denied a retailer’s appeal to review part of the controversial settlement

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‘Tis The Season, For Facebook Gifts [2023 Update]

Industry News, E-commerce

This holiday season, the Official Merchant Services Blog brings you the latest on Facebook’s newest venture, Facebook Gifts. On Tuesday, the company announced that any U.S. member can now send Facebook friends tangible gifts, which includes wine, digital gift cards and even charitable donations. Facebook Gifts The Facebook Gifts program, previously available only to some users of the

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Holiday E-Commerce Trends [2023 Update]

E-commerce, Merchant Services, Small Business

Today the Official Merchant Services Blogbrings you some predictions for this holiday season. In particular, there are six key trends to watch. Over the last 12 months the E-commerce sector has rallied against challenging economic conditions and driven innovation in business and shopping models. A flurry of technical innovations, most notably the emergence and rapid adoption of

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Merchants Appeal Key Part Of Interchange Settlement

Industry News, Small Business

Today the Official Merchant Services Blog brings you the most recent developments in the ongoing credit card interchange settlement lawsuit. Merchants opposing the pending credit card interchange case filed an appeal last week challenging the court’s preliminary approval of a key part of the settlement. The appeal, filed by four merchants and seven merchant trade groups, asks the Second

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Interchange Settlement Given Preliminary OK

Industry News

On Friday, the Judge presiding over the controversial Interchange Settlement case in Brooklyn, N.Y. gave preliminary approval to the settlement of credit card interchange litigation announced July 13. The Official Merchant Services Blog recently explained why the controversial Interchange settlement was being considered for preliminary approval, despite the backlash from merchants and large corporations. We also began talking about

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Interchange Settlement Nears Preliminary Approval [2023 Update]

Industry News, Merchant Services, Small Business

Today the Official Merchant Services Blog explains why the controversial Interchange settlement is being considered for preliminary approval, despite the backlash from merchants and large corporations. We began talking about the possibility of ‘The Big Cash Comeback’ when the settlement was first announced, and later we discussed the opposition to the settlement. Last week Judge John Gleeson said the

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Industry Terms: Large Ticket Programs

Industry News, Knowledge Base

This is the latest installment in The Official Merchant Services Blog’s Knowledge Base effort. We want to make the payment processing industry’s terms and buzzwords clear. We want to remove any and all confusion merchants might have about how the industry works. Host Merchant Services promises: we deliver personal service and clarity. So we’re going to take some time to

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HMS Small Ticket Program

HMS News, Industry News, Small Business

Today’s edition of the Official Merchant Services Blog will discuss the best way for merchants to save money on fees when accepting credit or debit cards for smaller transactions. Host Merchant Services is committed to bringing its clients the lowest fees in the industry. Our Small Ticket Program is a feature that helps us do

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Industry Terms: Downgrade Fee [2023 Update]

Industry News, E-commerce

Industry Terms: Downgrade Fee [2023 Update] Read More »

HMS Versus Square: Part 3

E-commerce, HMS News, Merchant Services, Small Business

Today’s Official Merchant Services Blog post will wrap up our on-going series comparing Host Merchant Services and Square. In part 1 of our series, we reviewed how the two companies differ in how they set up merchant accounts. In part 2, the different pricing schemes offered were analyzed, as well as the time differences between

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HMS Versus Square: Part 2

E-commerce, HMS News, Merchant Services, Small Business

Today the Official Merchant Services Blog will begin the second segment in our three-part HMS versus Square matchup. Yesterday we briefly reviewed aspects of both companies, as well as delved into the differences between the merchant accounts they set up. If you missed Part 1 of this series, check it out here. In part 2,

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HMS Versus Square: Part 1

E-commerce, HMS News, Merchant Services, Small Business

This week, the Official Merchant Services Blog will delve into a three-part comparison of the services offered by Host Merchant Services and Square. We will begin by giving a basic overview of both and then compare how the two companies set up a merchant account. We will then move on to a comprehensive look at

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Industry Terms: Visa International Service Assessment (ISA)

Knowledge Base

Industry Terms: Visa International Service Assessment (ISA) Read More »

interchange fee