Payment gateways are powerful, but not always informative—at least not directly. Whenever a transaction fails or even succeeds, the gateway displays a response code. When the transaction is successful, we don’t really care about the gateway response. But when it
When it comes to accepting credit card payments, there are many factors that can contribute to a declined transaction. One of the most common reasons for transaction declines is an “Issuer Declined MCC” message. The Merchant Category Code (MCC) is
The dreaded Shopify email no store owner wants to see: “Your store has been deactivated.” Trust me, I’ve helped hundreds of merchants through this exact crisis, and I know the panic that sets in when your livelihood suddenly vanishes. Your
I’ve seen the same story unfold too many times. You’ve launched your online store, sales are flowing in, and suddenly – bam! Your payment processor freezes your account. Your funds are locked up for 180 days, and your business grinds
The monthly credit card processing statement hits your inbox, and there it is again – a jumble of percentages, fees, and terms that might as well be written in ancient hieroglyphics. If you’re like most business owners, you’re probably wondering
