Эквайринг
Acquiring
Acquiring is a service provided by a bank or payment organization that processes card payments for a merchant and transfers the money to them minus the fee.
What is Эквайринг (Acquiring)?
Acquiring is the processing of bank card transactions on behalf of a merchant. The acquiring bank (acquirer) opens a settlement account for the merchant, connects it to the Visa and Mastercard payment systems, and receives from them the funds that the customer paid by card.
## How the payment chain works
A transaction goes through three stages: authorization (the customer's issuing bank approves or declines the charge), clearing (the banks exchange payment data), and settlement (the amount is credited to the merchant minus the fee). The acquirer receives the funds through the payment system and pays them out to the merchant on the schedule specified in the contract.
## Who is involved
Besides the merchant and the acquirer, the payment involves the customer's issuing bank, the payment system, and often a PSP or payment gateway that passes card data to the bank. Acquiring is also accessed through a payment facilitator, which registers merchants under its own umbrella.
## What affects terms in gambling and betting
Online casinos and bookmakers are classified as high-risk: they have a higher share of chargebacks and disputed transactions, so acquirers often decline them or require a reserve (rolling reserve). The cost includes the acquirer's fee, the interchange fee, and payment system fees. Specific rates depend on the contract and are not standardized.
## Common mistakes
Onboarding without checking the merchant category code (MCC) and descriptor leads to payment declines if the bank sees a mismatch with the business activity. Ignoring the chargeback threshold leads to account blocking or contract termination. Accepting payments through an unregistered intermediary creates a risk of frozen funds.
FAQ
How does acquiring differ from a PSP?
Acquiring is the banking function of accepting payments and settling funds. A PSP is a payment service provider that often operates on top of acquiring and gives the merchant integration and payment management tools.
Why is it hard for gambling businesses to get acquiring?
The vertical is considered high-risk due to frequent disputes, regulatory restrictions, and licensing requirements. Banks build higher risk premiums and reserves into the onboarding terms.
Who is an acquirer?
An acquirer is a bank or organization that accepts card payments on behalf of a merchant and pays the merchant the funds minus the fee.