Blog Archives
Smartphone Credit Card Processing Questions-Can Customers use their Debit Card?
Mobile Credit Card Processing
We had a great question come through our office today, “Can I process my customer’s debit card on my smartphone?”
My first thought is to say, “yes, of course you can process debit cards,” But… this answer needs a second part. Debit cards that are ran as credit cards can be processed on smartphones (swiped or keyed in as a credit card transaction).
PIN-based debit transactions are not compatible with mobile credit card apps (Customers can’t enter in their PIN number).
For more information on mobile credit card processing. Visit www.paymentmax.com.
Kindle Fire Top 10 Business Apps
We have had a lot of interest in the Kindle Fire here at the PaymentMax office. It seems that more and more of our clients have invested in the Kindle for more than just reading books. They are using their Kindle Fire to conduct business on-the-go. From interior designers to gourmet cupcake trucks, the Kindle Fire has many apps perfect for business owners.
Here are my favorite-
1. AprivaPay Credit Card Processing – A PaymentMax merchant account equipped with AprivaPay allows Kindle Fire users to accept all major credit and debit cards anywhere.
2. Maildroid – This app is useful for people who have multiple email accounts. Maildroid allows you to combine all email accounts into one place, make folders, and save email address with one touch. This mail app also autosaves messages while you type them-no more lost work!
3. Box.net -Have access to your files no matter where you are. Box.net allows cloud storage of your files from the Fire. Once stored inside the cloud, files can be accessed from your desktop, web, Fire, or any other device you are using.
4. Quick Office – This app is the solution for your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Quick Office can access files in cloud, and syncs with Box.net. Google Docs and drop box can also be synchronized.
5. ImoChat – Conduct group business chats with the all-in-one “chat app” that supports Facebook, Google Talk, and Windows Live Messenger. ImoChat also lets you share multimedia.
6. Wi-Fi Analyzer – This free app eliminates wasted time on finding the channel with the best signal. When more signal is needed, the Wi-Fi Analyzer will find the channel with the least interference. The app alos shows signal strengths over time for all nearby access points.
7. AK Notepad – This simple note taking app is perfect for putting your thoughts on the screeen. AK Notepad allows you to set reminders an dshare documents through email.
8. Wi-Fi File Explorer – No USD needed! Transfer files wirelessly from your Fire to your computer. Wi-Fi File Explorer app is only a buck.
9. AndroXplorer – This free app for the Kindle is equal to Windows Explorer. It also boosts an easy to use file management system.
10. Analytix Pro – Administrators of websites can easily monitor Google Analytics on their sites.
For more information on accepting credit cards with your Kindle Fire. Visit www.paymentmax.com
Accept Credit Cards with Your Kindle Fire
Processing Credit Cards with Kindle Fire
The Kindle Fire has gained popularity among mobile merchants because of it’s attractive price tag. They can run their businesses (completely mobile) for about 1/2 the cost of Apple’s iPad. The Kindle Fire processes all major credit and debit cards with a few finger strokes.
Kindle Fire’s 7 inch screen comes equipped with IPS (in-plane switching) technology for an extra-wide viewing angle. IPS allows easy sharing of Kindle’s screen with others. Customer’s especially like to see their credit card transaction taking place in front of them. Their card never loses their sight.
Processing credit cards on the Kindle Fire is web-based. Clients have reported that the Kindle responds to requests ultra-fast because of it’s split-browser. The browser is split between Amazon Silk and Amazon Web Services Cloud (AWS) reducing loading and transit times.
Watch the Video:
It is easy to start accepting credit cards on the Kindle Fire. For more information visit www.paymentmax.com
Using ROAMpay X on iPod with no WiFi
Over the weekend, I received 5 questions regarding the ROAMpay X mobile credit card app. Mobile merchants wanted to know if they could still process credit cards on their iPod with no WiFi access.
The answer is absolutely! ROAMpay X will allow users to process credit cards offline. Once there is a WiFi connection log on to your account and select online mode. The offline transaction will automatically be processed.
For more information on smartphone credit card processing, merchant accounts, or PaymentMax visit www.paymentmax.com.
ROAMpay X
Google Wallet Pricing, Equipment and Security Questions
The newly released Nexus S 4G (available through Sprint) is the first phone to be compatible with Google Wallet, a mobile payment application that allows users to make purchases with their NFC (near field communication) embedded phones.
Now that the Nexus S 4G is readily available, we have received tons of questions about Google Wallet, pricing, equipment, and security. Here are a few of the most popular questions and answers.
1. How much does Google Wallet cost? Google wallet is free. Merchants accepting payment via Google Wallet will not incur any extra fees. Google Wallet payments are considered card present transactions.
2. What equipment do I need? A contactless terminal. Terminals that are ISO 144403 and 18092 standard and carry the universal contactless symbol are compatible.
3. Is Google Wallet secure? Yes. Google Wallet utilizes a chip called the secure element for security. The secure element is isolated from the phone’s operating system and hardware. Only authorized programs like Google Wallet can access the secure element to initiate payment. Google Wallet is also PIN based. Payment initiation can not begin until the Google Wallet PIN number is entered.
For more information on Google Wallet, or to get started visit www.paymentmax.com
iPad Credit Card Processing with ROAMpay
iPad Credit Card Processing
Mobile merchants can turn their iPad into an instant credit card terminal with a PaymentMax merchant account, ROAMpay app, and ROAMpay Swipe (optional). Both the mobile credit card processing app and swiper peripheral are compatible with the WiFi and WiFi/3G versions.
The iPad has quickly become a favorite among our mobile clients. The larger screen allows their customers to see the transaction taking place as it happens, and their credit/debit card never leaves their sight.
Getting started accepting all major credit cards with the iPad is quick and easy. For more information visit www.paymentmax.com
Minimum Transaction Amounts for Credit Card Transactions
U.S. merchants are now allowed to have a minimum transaction amount for credit card transactions. This allowance does not apply to debit cards.
Here are the rules.
- The credit card must access a credit account.
- The minimum transaction amount must not be over $10.00 (to date).
- The merchant must not differentiate between card brands or brand associations.
Droid 3 Credit Card Processing in Near Future
Droid 3 Credit Card Processing
According to MSN’s article, ”A leaked screenshot confirms Motorola Droid 3 arrival this month”, the highly anticipated Droid 3 will be available in stores on July 14th. Great news for our mobile merchants who have been patiently waiting to start accepting all major credit and debit cards with the fast Droid 3.
Here are the anticipated Droid 3 specs.
- Equipped with the Android 2.3 gingerbread operation system.
- Front facing camera for video calling
- 8 megapixel camera on the back
- 1 GHz dual core Texas Instruments Processor
- 4 inch display
- 16 GB on-board memory
- WiFi Spot for up to 5 devices
Debit Card Interchange Cut by Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve voted Wednesday to cap the fees paid by retailers for all debit card transactions. The debit card interchange cap is part of Section 1075 (Durbin Amendment) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act mandated last year.
The new debit processing fees will be capped at 21 to 24 cents per transaction beginning October 1st. Down from 44 cents per transaction. The range in fees is due to the fee schedule having three components.
1. The maximum debit interchange fee is 21 cents.
2. The bank can add 1 cent more if they have adopted a fraud prevention program.
3. To recover a portion of fraud losses, banks can add a variable 5 basis points of the value of the transaction.
With the average debit card transaction being $38, the variable fee would equate to 2 cents. Placing the upper debit cap at 24 cents per transaction.
However, banks and retailers are not completely happy with the Feds decision. Banks stand to lose 45% of the $20.5 billion retailers paid to accept debit card transactions. Revenue that is used to provide consumers with free and low-cost banking services. Merchants are fuming that the new cap is much higher than the tentatively proposed 12 cent cap.
For more information on merchant accounts, or to have a rate quote visit www.paymentmax.com
Accept and Provide Payments with the Nexus S 4G
Nexus S 4G Credit Card Processing
Nexus S 4G users so far…are the only smartphone users who can accept credit cards and provide payments using Google Wallet. Double-duty from the latest and greatest Gingerbread Android smartphone. Here is a closer look at the benefits of the Nexus S 4G in the mobile payments world.
Accept all Major Credit and Debit Cards Mobile merchants using the Nexus S 4G can easily accept all major credit and debit cards from any location with a PaymentMax merchant account and AprivaPay. Say goodbye to lost sales because of a cash less customer, or the risk involved in accepting checks in a mobile environment. Smartphone credit card processing increases sales by increasing impulse buying, and appealing to those customers who do not carry cash.
AprivaPay also offers an optional mobile credit card reader/swiper peripheral for those merchants desiring low swiped rates, fewer inputting errors, and a reduced risk of a chargeback.
Google Wallet Payments Nexus S 4G users can make payments for goods and services using Google Wallet. Simply put, Google wallet is a virtual wallet. The downloaded app allows users to store virtual versions of their plastic payment cards. Payment is made by a tap of their phone against a NFC (near field communication) embedded terminal. Viola’ payment is made. Nexus S 4G is the only smartphone compatible with Google Wallet to date.
To get started accepting credit cards on the Nexus S 4G or other smartphone visit www.paymentmax.com
