Payments & Merchant Account Insights

Stay ahead in the world of merchant account services and payment processing with expert insights, industry trends, and best practices. Explore how businesses can optimise their payments for growth, security, and efficiency.

Merchant Fees Explained – What You’re Really Paying For

If your business accepts credit or debit cards, you've undoubtedly come across a confusing array of fees. But what are they really used for? Are they also the same for everyone? We at CardCorp recognise that merchant fees can be confusing. We've created this simple guide to help you understand what to expect and how to lower card payment fees. Let's take a closer look at the fees you might face and how to handle them.

22 May 2025

9 min

How Digital Currency and NFT Transactions Are Evolving in 2025

Digital currency and crypto payments have come a long way – they’re no longer outlandish concepts; they have advanced significantly. Through cross-border stablecoin transfers or loyalty programs based on NFTs, more individuals and businesses in the UK and EU are using digital currencies and accepting cryptocurrency payments in their day-to-day operations.

13 May 2025

12 min

Why Partner with an ISO for Your Merchant Account

If you oversee a business that accepts credit or debit cards, you've probably heard of an independent sales organisation (ISO). But what does it actually mean, and why should you collaborate with one? Whether you're starting a business or working in a high-risk industry, collaborating with an ISO can be essential. From accelerated approval to personalised support, the benefits are hard to ignore. In this post, we'll go over what an ISO does, how it can help you find the best merchant account, and why this partnership might be the best payment setup decision you've ever made.

7 May 2025

7 min

How High-Risk Merchants Can Safely Accept Card Payments

It can be difficult to run a business in a high-risk industry, particularly when managing online card payments. Banks and payment processors keep a close eye on sectors like gambling, adult entertainment, forex trading, and cryptocurrency. These companies frequently face higher application rejection rates, higher processing costs, and more stringent compliance standards. The good news is that high risk does not necessarily equate to high stress.

30 April 2025

6 min

Everything You Should Know About High-Risk Merchant Accounts

If a payment processor has ever denied your business, deemed it "too risky," or demanded more documentation to open an account, you're not alone. Many businesses operate in industries that traditional banks view as high risk. The good news? You can keep receiving payments and make more money. The right type of merchant account is all you need. That can be aided by a high-risk merchant account. In this thorough guide, we'll go over what a high-risk merchant account is, why you might need one, how it works, and what to do next. The most common high-risk Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) and how to be approved with confidence will also be covered.

22 April 2025

7 min

Everything You Need to Know About Payment Gateways

As your business grows online, choosing the right payment gateway becomes crucial. It's not just about taking payments anymore. It's about doing it safely, effectively, and in a way that promotes your business's growth. A reliable payment gateway ensures seamless payments. It builds trust and opens up new possibilities. But first, what is a payment gateway, and why is it so crucial in today's digital world?

15 April 2025

10 min

Top Payment Trends in 2025 – What Every Business Needs to Know

Our payment methods are changing quickly. For this reason, companies that take online payments must stay ahead of these changes. Customer expectations are changing in 2025 to include convenience, speed, and trust. Our speciality at CardCorp is assisting companies in opening merchant accounts so they can swiftly, safely, and internationally accept online card payments. As an experienced independent sales organisation (ISO), we also work with a variety of payment partners to offer customised solutions that meet different business needs.

10 April 2025

10 min

Stripe Alternatives and Merchant Account Options: A Guide for High-Risk Businesses

If your business has been flagged, frozen, or rejected by Stripe, you’re not alone. Many high-risk merchants, including those in the adult, gaming, forex, and cryptocurrency sectors, start with Stripe only to encounter sudden closures, money being withheld, or vague explanations. Because of this, a lot of companies begin searching for a Stripe alternative that truly understands their requirements and hazards. Stripe is not made for high-risk industries, even though it is one of the most popular payment processors. Your entire business may come to a complete halt if your payments are abruptly stopped. The good news? You’ve got options. In this guide, we'll explore the top Stripe substitutes for high-risk companies, including those that offer reliable merchant accounts, understand your industry, and won’t suddenly disconnect you.

8 April 2025

7 min

Account Funding Transactions: What They Are & How Businesses Use Them in Digital Payments

You've undoubtedly heard of account funding transactions, or AFTs for short, if your company accepts online payments. Account funding transactions, which allow companies to transfer funds safely and effectively across digital platforms, have swiftly become crucial in many industries. However, what is an AFT exactly, and why is it becoming so significant, particularly in rapidly evolving industries like gambling, forex, and cryptocurrency? We'll explain account funding transactions in this guide, along with how they operate and why they're rapidly taking the lead as the most popular method of money transfers online. We will also discuss some significant changes that occurred in 2025 and what your company must do to remain competitive.

2 April 2025

8 min

What Is Payment Reconciliation & How Does It Work?

For any business that handles money, which is, let's face it, every business, payment reconciliation is an essential procedure. To ensure that all the numbers add up, incoming payments must be matched with the appropriate invoices. When done correctly, it helps your company maintain financial accuracy, stay on top of cash flow, and steer clear of annoying mistakes. With the help of CardCorp, automated payment reconciliation software can save you hours of manual labour and stress. We explain what payment reconciliation is, how it works, and why it's so important in this helpful guide.

31 March 2025

8 min

Does Your Payment Processor Measure Up? 5 Red Flags to Watch

Although payments are the foundation of your company, many merchants encounter needless obstacles, such as long applications, sluggish approvals, hidden costs, large reserves, and postponed payouts. It's time to reevaluate whether your setup is actually working for you if you're having trouble with your payment service provider.

25 March 2025

10 min

What Is Payment Orchestration? Your Essential Guide to Efficient Payment Processing

Running a growing business? Then you know the struggle of managing multiple payment gateways, processors, and service providers. It’s like juggling flaming torches, except that if you drop one, the transaction fails and the customer loses faith in you. It only gets worse when payment processing is done by hand or when antiquated systems are used. Consider payment orchestration as your incredibly productive, automated sidekick. It streamlines the payment process, routes payments effectively, and enables you to centrally manage multiple payment gateways.

24 March 2025

6 min