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 card payments, you've likely come across a confusing mix of fees. But what are they really for? And are they the same for everyone? We at CardCorp are aware that merchant fees can be confusing. We've put together this simple guide to help you understand what to expect and how to lower card payment fees.

22 May 2025

9 min

How Digital Currency and NFT Transactions Are Evolving in 2025

Digital currencies and NFTs have come a long way – they’re no longer fringe ideas. In the EU and UK, more people and businesses are using them in everyday life, whether it’s sending stablecoins across borders or running loyalty schemes built on NFTs.

13 May 2025

11 min

Why Partner with an ISO for Your Merchant Account

If you run a business that accepts card payments, chances are you’ve come across the term independent sales organization (ISO). But what does it actually mean – and why should you team up with one?

7 May 2025

7 min

How High-Risk Merchants Can Safely Accept Card Payments

Running a business that falls into a high-risk category can feel challenging, especially when handling online card payments. Industries such as gambling, adult entertainment, forex trading, and cryptocurrency often face strict scrutiny from banks and payment processors. In many cases, these businesses experience higher rates of declined applications, increased processing fees, and tougher compliance requirements. But here’s the good news – high-risk doesn't have to mean high stress.

30 April 2025

6 min

High-Risk Merchant Accounts Explained – Everything You Need to Know

If your business has ever been declined by a payment processor, labelled as "too risky," or asked for extra documents just 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 still accept payments and grow your revenue. You just need the right type of merchant account. That’s where a high-risk merchant account comes in.

22 April 2025

7 min

Everything You Need to Know About Payment Gateways

As your business grows online, picking the right payment gateway becomes crucial. It’s no longer just about accepting payments. It’s about doing it efficiently, securely, and in a way that helps your business grow. A reliable payment gateway makes payments smooth. It builds trust and opens new opportunities. But what is a payment gateway, and why does it matter so much in today’s digital world?

15 April 2025

10 min

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

The way we pay is evolving rapidly. That’s why staying ahead of these changes is crucial for businesses that accept online payments. In 2025, customer expectations are shifting toward speed, convenience, and trust. At CardCorp, we specialise in helping businesses open merchant accounts to accept online card payments quickly, securely, and globally. As an experienced independent sales organisation (ISO), we also collaborate with a wide range of payment partners to provide tailored solutions that meet diverse 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 crypto, adult, gaming, and forex – start with Stripe only to face sudden shutdowns, withheld funds, or vague explanations.

8 April 2025

7 min

What Are Account Funding Transactions (AFT)? A Simple Guide for Businesses in Digital Payments

If your business handles online payments, you’ve probably heard the term account funding transaction – or AFT for short. But what exactly is it, and why is it becoming such a big deal, especially in fast-moving industries like crypto, forex, and gambling?

2 April 2025

7 min

What Is Payment Reconciliation & How Does It Work?

Payment reconciliation is a critical process for any business that deals with money – which, let’s be honest, is every business. It's about matching incoming payments with the correct invoices to make sure all the numbers add up. When done properly, it helps your business stay on top of cash flow, avoid frustrating errors, and maintain financial accuracy.

31 March 2025

8 min

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

Payments are the backbone of your business, yet many merchants face unnecessary hurdles – from lengthy applications and slow approvals to hidden fees, high reserves, and delayed payouts. If you're struggling with your payment service provider, it’s time to reassess whether your setup is truly working for you.

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 when you drop one, it’s a failed transaction and a customer’s trust is lost.

24 March 2025

6 min