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?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what AFTs are, how they work, and why they’re quickly becoming the preferred way to move money in the digital world. We’ll also break down some important changes that took effect in 2025 and what your business needs to do to stay ahead.
So, let’s get started.
What Is an Account Funding Transaction?
An account funding transaction (AFT) is a type of digital payment that allows someone to move money from their card – usually a debit or credit card – into another account. This could be a digital wallet, a business platform, or a trading account.
It’s not a purchase, and it’s not a payout. It’s simply a transfer. You can think of it as topping up your phone, adding money to an e-wallet, or depositing into a trading account – but using your card.
These transactions are supported by all major card schemes and are widely used by payment gateways and payment service providers, especially in industries where fast and secure money movement is essential.
How AFTs Work Behind the Scenes
Here’s what happens during an AFT:
- A customer enters their card details on your site or app.
- The payment gateway securely handles the data.
- The transaction is sent to the card network and then to the customer’s bank.
- Once approved, the funds are moved from the cardholder’s account to the target account – typically a wallet or merchant account.
In most cases, this entire process usually takes just a few seconds. For businesses in fast-paced sectors like crypto, forex, and gambling, that speed is a huge advantage.
Why Use AFTs Over Purchase Transactions?
Many businesses have historically used standard purchase transactions to accept funds from cards – especially in crypto and forex. However, there’s a big difference between purchases and AFTs.
- Purchases are for goods or services.
- AFTs are for moving money.
Using the correct transaction type is now more than a best practice – it’s a compliance requirement. AFTs are safer, clearer, and reduce the risk of disputes and chargebacks. They also help you maintain strong relationships with banks and regulators. If you’re exploring other ways to streamline payments, check out our guide on payment orchestration.
Visa and Mastercard AFT Mandates: What’s Changed in 2025
As of January 2025, Visa now requires all card-based crypto and forex transactions to be processed as account funding transactions. That means standard purchase transactions are no longer permitted in these sectors.
Mastercard will follow with the same rule in August 2025.
This is a significant industry shift. These changes are designed to improve transparency and reduce fraud in higher-risk payment flows.
What This Means for You
If your business accepts card payments in crypto or forex, and you haven’t yet made the switch to AFTs, then it’s time to act. You’ll need to:
- Confirm that your payment service provider supports AFTs.
- Ensure your payment gateway collects and sends the required additional information (such as recipient details).
- Test your setup and workflows to ensure smooth processing and compliance.
Your Merchant Category Code also impacts how card schemes view your transactions and risk level. Also, adopting AFTs early doesn’t just help you stay compliant – it can also improve approval rates and give your users a smoother payment experience.
Who Needs to Pay Attention?
AFTs are relevant across multiple industries, but they’re especially important for:
- Crypto exchanges and wallets
- Forex platforms
- Online gambling and betting sites
- Digital wallet services
- High-risk fintech platforms
Even so, if you’re not in one of these industries, AFTs can be a smart solution if your business involves funding accounts, top-ups, or customer balances.
Real-World Examples of AFTs in Action
Crypto Platforms
A user wants to buy Bitcoin. They go to their crypto wallet, enter their card details, and make a deposit. An AFT moves the funds from their card into the wallet – quickly and securely.
Forex Trading
A trader spots a market opportunity. To act fast, they use a card to top up their account. AFTs allow them to fund their balance instantly, so they can enter the market without delay.
Gambling Sites
A player wants to enter a poker tournament. Using an AFT, they fund their gaming account in seconds – no slowdowns, no friction, just a smooth experience.
AFTs vs Other Transaction Types
Let’s compare AFTs to some other common transaction types:
Type | Use Case | Direction | Best For |
Purchase | Buying goods or services | Card → Merchant | E-commerce, subscriptions |
AFT | Moving funds | Card → Account | Crypto, forex, wallets |
OCT (Original Credit Transaction) | Payouts/refunds | Merchant → Card | Withdrawals, refunds |
Ultimately, using the right transaction type is critical. It helps you meet compliance rules, avoid chargebacks, and improve trust with providers.
How to Get Started with AFTs
Here’s what you’ll need to implement AFTs in your business:
- A payment service provider that supports AFTs and understands your sector.
- A payment gateway that can handle the secure routing of AFTs.
- An acquiring solution or wallet system for receiving the funds.
- Regulatory readiness – including support for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) and extra data fields required under the Visa and Mastercard rules.
You’ll also need a reliable solution for managing incoming payments. Whether it’s a dedicated merchant account or an integrated wallet, your provider should guide you through setup and ensure everything is compliant ahead of the Mastercard deadline in August 2025.
Risks and How to Manage Them
Like all payment types, AFTs come with risks. Here’s how to manage them:
1. Fraud
AFTs involve money movement, not purchases, so they can be a target for fraudsters. Use strong verification, tokenisation, and fraud scoring tools.
2. Disputes & Chargebacks
While chargebacks are less common with AFTs, disputes can still happen. Reduce the risk by making your terms clear, and using secure verification methods. Dive deeper: Chargebacks: What They Are & How to Prevent Chargeback Fraud.
3. Compliance
Visa’s rules are already in place. Mastercard’s are just around the corner. If your system isn’t compliant, you may face rejected transactions or even provider penalties.
How CardCorp Can Help
At CardCorp, as an experienced Independent Sales Organization (ISO), we specialise in supporting businesses in complex, high-risk, and fast-growth sectors. We help you take full advantage of account funding transactions while staying compliant and efficient.
A growing number of VASPs rely on CardCorp’s expertise to source and open MIDs for fiat card payment acceptance. This is especially valuable as more crypto platforms are now required to use AFTs in line with new card scheme rules.
Our partner network of more than a dozen crypto-friendly EU acquirers gives you a free look at high-risk merchant account opportunities you may not otherwise be aware of – with no commitment. Whether you’re launching, scaling, or expanding into new markets, we help you find the right acquirer for your needs.
With us, you get:
- AFT-ready processing for crypto, forex, and gambling transactions
- High-risk merchant funding solutions
- Full compliance with Visa’s and Mastercard’s AFT mandates
- Built-in fraud prevention and secure data handling
- Support from real experts who understand your space
In addition to merchant accounts, our gateway infrastructure is built to connect any system to every necessary payment provider. We ensure every connection you need is available, reliable, and optimised – helping you access broader coverage, smoother onboarding, and better payment performance.
Final Thoughts
Account funding transactions are the new normal in digital payments – especially for industries like crypto, forex, and gambling. If you want to stay ahead of card scheme rules, reduce customer friction, and move money more efficiently, AFTs are the way forward.
Visa’s rules are already in place. Mastercard’s deadline is fast approaching. If you haven’t made the switch, now is the time.
Need a hand? Talk to CardCorp today.
We’re a practical way to extend the reach of your in-house payments team – without extra effort or cost. If we can help, let us know. We’re ready when you are.