Electronic Data Capture Merchants
Electronic Data Capture (EDC) merchants use a terminal or other electronic device (e.g., cash register or PC) to authorize and settle their transactions. Using EDC is preferable to using paper drafts since an electronic record of your credit and debit card transactions is maintained throughout the business day. The terminal can be used to validate your totals before settling with Global Payments at the end of the day. If you currently do not use Electronic Data Capture, contact us for information on how you can improve your business with newer, more effective technology. Completing an Electronic Transaction It is very important to complete a transaction accurately and fully. The quality of the transaction is critical to your business’s financial success and your customer’s satisfaction. There are six steps to complete an electronic transaction:
- Make sure the card is valid
- Swipe the card
- Compare account numbers
- Request authorization
- Print the sales draft
- Obtain and compare signatures
Determining Card Validity
Follow these steps to make sure the card is valid:
Visa Cards
Embossed account number begins with 4. All digits must be clear, even, and the same size/shape. A three-dimensional dove hologram appears to move on the label as you rotate or tilt the card. The last raised card numbers appear on top of the hologram. Four-digit number must be printed directly below the embossed account number. This printed number should match exactly with the first four digits of the account number.
The flying “V” is an embossed security character beside the “Good Through” date. If the V is not italicized or it is missing, the card is counterfeit.
The signature panel should be white with the word “Visa” repeated in a diagonal pattern in blue and gold print. The words “Authorized Signature” and “Not Valid Unless Signed” must appear above, below, or beside the signature panel.
CVV2, the three-digit card authentication value printed on the signature panel after the full or truncated account number helps mail order, telephone, and Internet order merchants validate that the customer has a Visa card and that the card account is legitimate.
MasterCard Cards
All MasterCard account numbers begin with a 5. The embossing should be clear and uniform in size and spacing. The MasterCard logo may appear on the front or the back of the card along with a hologram. Whether on the front or back of the card, a hologram with interlocking globes showing the continents should appear three-dimensional and move when the card is tilted. The word “MasterCard” will appear in the background of the hologram. The letters “MC” are micro-engraved around the two rings. A four-digit number may be pre-printed on the card. It must match the first four digits of the embossed account number. MasterCard cards have a stylized “MC” embossed on the line next to the valid dates.
The word “MasterCard” is printed in multi-colors at a 45-degree angle on a tamper-evident signature panel on the back of the card.
All or a portion of the 16-digit account number is indent printed in reverse italics on the signature panel and is followed by a 3-digit card authentication code (CVC2).
The card is not physically altered in any way. The transaction falls between the effective date and the card's expiration date. If the current date is not within the specified range, do not accept the card. Follow the terminal authorization
procedures as described in your Global Payments’ Quick Reference Guide.
American Express Cards
Please email American Express Fraud Prevention if you have questions on fraud prevention and safeguarding cardholder data by sending email to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. In addition, an American Express Card Acceptance Procedures Guide is available online at:
http://home5.americanexpress.com/merchant/resources/welcomekit/welcomekit.asp.
Discover Cards
Please refer to your Discover Business Services Merchant Operating Regulations.
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