We are responding to a complaint filed by the above merchant. In reviewing the merchant's processing history as well as their account, we have concluded to the following-
1. BankCard USA opened a merchant account for this merchant to allow them to accept credit cards from their customers. There are 3 different types of rates depending on what type of credit card they're running. There's the qualified, mid-qualified and the non-qualified rates. The qualified rates is for any swiped, face to face transaction for a bank-issued credit card. The mid-qualified rate is for credit cards that accumilate any points, rewards and/or mileage. The non-qualified rate is for any business, international or government-issued credit card. So depending on what kind of credit card it is, will determine their discount rate. They were charged a higher discount rate because of the type of credit card that they used.
2. On the risk issue with Heather Campbell-• Due to the possible risk and/or fraud involved with their business type, BankCard USA Merchant Services, Inc. has the right to hold the merchant's funds up to a period of 180 days or less (please have the merchant refer to a copy of your Merchant Account Agreement). Keyed businesses are considered high risk businesses because of the high ticket, (which can later evolve to higher dollar amounts of chargebacks, retrievals..etc), keyed transactions, home based business (retail, face to face, swiped businesses have less risks because the credit card is always present and swiped through the credit card terminal).
3. Additionally, BankCard USA Merchant Services, Inc. is liable for any charges, returns, chargebacks that the merchant processes, under the rules and regulations of Visa/Master Card. Thus, the reason for capturing funds to protect BankCard USA Merchant Services, Inc.
Please call or email us with any additional questions or concerns.
Thank you,
BankCard USA
