Payment Processor
Definition
A company aimed at handling transactions from various channels such as credit cards and debit cards for merchant acquiring banks.
Deep Dive
A Payment Processor is the crucial intermediary in financial transactions, facilitating the secure exchange of funds between a customer, their bank (the issuing bank), and a merchant's bank (the acquiring bank). When a customer initiates a payment—whether via credit card, debit card, or other digital methods—the processor swiftly handles the authorization, clearing, and settlement of these funds. This involves verifying card details, checking for sufficient funds, and ensuring the transaction adheres to security standards like PCI DSS, all typically in a matter of seconds.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1Stripe
- 2PayPal
- 3Square