To your payment processor, a product launch, a viral ad, and a seasonal rush all look the same — a volume spike that could be fraud. Here is a 5-step framework for setting up your merchant account so your next launch does not get your...
Credit card decline code 57 means the transaction isn't permitted on the cardholder's card — usually because of MCC restrictions, card type limitations, or geographic blocks. Learn what causes it, when to retry, and how merchants can reduce code 57 declines to recover lost revenue....
The MEDVi FDA warning letter is a wake-up call for every business using AI. Regulatory actions like this make payment processors nervous across the board — tightening risk thresholds for all merchants leveraging AI, not just the ones in trouble. Here's what you need to...
Your merchant statement holds every fee your processor charges — but only if you know where to look. This guide breaks down each section of your statement, shows you how to calculate your effective rate, and flags the red flags that signal you're overpaying....
Account updaters from Visa (VAU) and Mastercard (MAU) automatically update expired card details so your recurring charges don't get declined. Most subscription businesses haven't activated them — and it's costing them 3–5% in lost revenue every month....
Agentic commerce is moving fast — Stripe's new Machine Payments Protocol, Google's Universal Commerce Protocol, and Visa's Trusted Agent Protocol are all live. We break down the protocol race, the stablecoin angle, and a practical readiness checklist for e-commerce merchants....
Stripe's 2025 annual letter is packed with big numbers and bold predictions. We broke down the parts that actually matter for merchants: where the revenue wins are, what's changing with global payments and stablecoins, and what to do about it....
Visa's VAMP program is already enforcing penalties on merchants with high fraud and dispute ratios — and thresholds drop again in April 2026. This guide covers the updated VAMP ratio calculation, current thresholds, and the practical steps you can take now to stay compliant and...
Not every merchant belongs on Shopify Payments. Here's how to connect your own third-party payment gateway to Shopify — and what to do after to make sure it stays running....
