Spencer Frost

Credit card transaction lifecycle illustration

Credit Cards June 15, 2026 36 min read

Understanding the Credit Card Transaction Lifecycle

A card payment can feel almost instant. A customer taps a contactless card, inserts an EMV chip card, swipes, or enters card details online, and within seconds the checkout screen shows an...

Payment processor and merchant account comparison illustration

Payment Processing June 15, 2026 31 min read

Payment Processor vs Merchant Account: Key Differences

Accepting card payments can feel confusing when every provider uses similar terms in different ways. A business owner may hear about payment processors, merchant accounts, payment gateways, acquiring banks, payment facilitators, settlement,...

Small business merchant account payment processing illustration

Merchant Services June 15, 2026 43 min read

Merchant Accounts Explained for Beginners: A Practical Guide

When business owners first start accepting card payments, the terminology can feel confusing. You may hear words like merchant account, payment processor, payment gateway, acquiring bank, settlement, funding, PCI compliance, interchange, and...

Credit Card Processing August 12, 2025 10 min read

How PSD3 and Global Payment Regulations Could Affect U.S. Merchants

As payment regulations globally change, U.S. merchants are required to adapt to new updates such as PSD3 and other global standards. The new regulations are designed to increase security, better protect customers,...