Most travel merchants are operating with a financial time bomb they don’t even know is ticking. In this episode of the Payments Guy, Frank breaks down why the travel industry is one of the highest-risk categories in payments, how banks evaluate future-delivery risk, and the practical moves that keep your cash flow safe. If your business depends on collecting money now for future delivery, this is the roadmap for keeping the money flowing and your merchant account stable.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 01:47 - Why travel merchants face more scrutiny 
• 05:32 - The make-or-break details underwriters need to see before they’ll trust you with a merchant account
• 08:24 - The payment structures that keep you funded instead of frozen
• 09:32 - Understanding reserves, and how to negotiate them
• 11:30 - Preventing disputes before they happen
• 14:44 - The steps to take immediately if your account gets frozen or terminated

When you understand how banks think, you can build stable, long-term processing that protects your cash flow and your business. If you’re a travel merchant who wants stable payment processing, stronger approval odds, or protection against funding freezes, visit paydiverse.com or email [email protected] to get in touch with an expert today. 

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

Most CBD brands don’t lose sales because of bad marketing, they lose them because their payment processor shuts them down without warning. In this episode, Frank exposes the hidden traps that quietly cripple CBD merchants, and reveals the exact steps that keep your business protected. If you’re selling CBD online, this is the playbook that separates brands that scale from brands that get stopped in their tracks.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 01:19 - Why platforms like Stripe, PayPal, and Square seem CBD-friendly at first and the exact moment their risk teams pull the plug, freezing your revenue overnight
• 03:00 - The number one document every CBD product page must have to avoid termination
• 04:34  - Risky phrases that put merchants on the radar for long-term account instability
• 06:19 - What underwriters really look for before they approve you 
• 08:22 - The non-negotiable paperwork stack every CBD merchant needs
• 10:27 - The hidden traps that collapse your ability to process payments

If you’re a CBD merchant who wants stable payment processing, backup accounts, or help fixing a shutdown, Frank and the Paydiverse team are ready to support you. Visit paydiverse.com or reach out at [email protected] to protect your business and keep your payments running smoothly.

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank breaks down one of the most intimidating challenges merchants face: being placed on the MATCH list. You might be wondering: is this a business death sentence? If you’ve ever had your merchant account shut down or been told you’re “high-risk,” this conversation is essential. 

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 01:30 - What MATCH stands for and who controls it
• 02:53 - The most common triggers that lead to MATCH list placement
• 08:23 - What it means to be on the MATCH list and the recovery steps to take immediately
• 10:43 - Why the right documentation can dismantle assumptions of fraud, rebuild credibility, and get your ability to process payments back online
• 12:31 - Why being on the list isn’t the end of the world

With the right strategy, many merchants can rebuild processing stability and secure future payment approvals. Visit paydiverse.com or reach out directly at [email protected] for guidance on protecting and restoring your ability to process payments.

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

PayPal is an easy-to-use payment processor, but that convenience comes with a cost. In this episode, Frank covers PayPal account terminations and real payment alternatives for high-risk merchants. As thousands of online businesses lose access to PayPal every month, Frank explains exactly how PayPal’s approval system works, why so many merchants get flagged, and the concrete steps you can take to protect your business from sudden shutdowns and frozen funds.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• Why PayPal terminates accounts and how its payment facilitator model exposes merchants to sudden risk
• Common industries labeled as “high risk”and the termination triggers that lead to frozen funds
• What to do and what not to do immediately after termination
• The account switch that will protect your cash flow
• The underwriting process explained: how it protects your business and speeds up approvals when done right
• Proven strategies to keep your account safe and the one golden rule every merchant must follow 

If your PayPal account has been shut down or you’re in a high-risk industry, don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit paydiverse.com to get matched with a trusted high-risk merchant provider today.

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

In this episode, Frank covers Visa’s new VAMP fraud rules and what they mean for high-risk merchants. He explains how chargebacks and TC40 fraud reports now combine into a single fraud ratio—and why exceeding 0.9% could get your account shut down. With acquiring banks under stricter pressure, over 250,000 merchants are expected to be terminated by year-end. Frank shares what merchants must do to stay compliant, plus how tools like PayDiverse’s VAMP Monitoring can help.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 01:20 – What the VAMP program is and why it replaces two previous Visa monitoring systems.
• 02:17 – The role of TC40 fraud reports and why they now matter just as much as chargebacks.
• 06:33 – How to calculate your fraud ratio and what the new thresholds mean for businesses.
• 07:22 – The types of merchants most at risk. 
• 08:50 - The steps merchants should take to prepare for the new VAMP guidelines and how PayDiverse’s VAMP Monitoring Tool helps merchants stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Don’t wait until Visa flags or fines your account. Start monitoring your fraud metrics now. To learn more about VAMP compliance or to get visibility into TC40 reports, visit the PayDiverse website or connect with Frank Cena for personalized support.

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

In this episode, Frank covers why high-risk merchants experience unnecessary payment declines—and what you can do to fix it. He breaks down the invisible tech behind transaction approvals, from 3D Secure and BIN reputation to smart routing and network tokens. If you're losing sales to unexplained declines, this episode shows how to recover revenue and improve approval rates fast.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 01:43 – The real reasons legitimate payments are getting blocked and what banks view as “suspicious”
• 04:17 – The surprising downside of 3D Secure at checkout
• 05:29 – What’s a BIN, and why does its reputation affect your bottom line?
• 10:41 – How to use smart routing and networks tokens to improve your approval rate overnight and protect recurring revenue
• 14:10 – Why Stripe, Square, and PayPal aren’t built for high-risk businesses, and what you should use instead if your business is considered to be high-risk

Don’t let invisible tech hurdles stop your next sale. With the right moves and consultant, you can dodge declines, recover lost revenue, and build better processing flows. Want expert help diagnosing and fixing your transaction issues? Head to paydiverse.com and send the team a message. It’s time to get your payments back on track. 

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

In this episode, Frank covers how high-risk merchants can speed up merchant account approvals by understanding exactly what underwriters are looking for. He breaks down the key documentation you’ll need, common mistakes that delay approvals, and how to present your business as low-risk from day one. 

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 01:07 - Why underwriters assess risk in the first place. 
• 02:08 - An overview of the must-haves for legitimacy and what mistakes get applications rejected.
• 6:09 - What to prepare for your merchant account application, including the financial proof underwriters expect. 
• 10:40 - Pro tips to speed up approval.

Need a hand getting your merchant account approved? Head over to paydiverse.com or drop us a line at [email protected]. We’ve done this for years and we know how to make it easy. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Payment Guy for more insights on making smarter payment decisions that fuel your business growth.

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

In this episode, Frank covers the essential payment processing terms high-risk merchants need to understand to avoid hidden fees, bad pricing models, and costly mistakes. From interchange rates to chargebacks, PCI compliance to flat-rate pricing, Frank simplifies the jargon so you can make smarter decisions, reduce your costs, and protect your business.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 01:30 – What a merchant account and payment gateway actually are, and why understanding the difference matters for smooth payment processing.
• 04:00 – How fees like interchange, discount rates, and reserves work, and how to avoid getting overcharged.
• 07:17– What chargebacks really mean, how to calculate your chargeback ratio, and why banks take it so seriously.
• 11:45– How PCI compliance and fraud monitoring protect your business—and the preventable fees they help you avoid.
• 13:57 – The truth about flat rate, interchange-plus, and tiered pricing—and how to choose the right model for your business.

Understanding your payment processing terms isn't just good business, it's essential. If you need help decoding your fees, ensuring PCI compliance, or negotiating better terms, Frank and his team are here to help. If you learnt something from this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—this will help more business owners stop overpaying and start thriving.

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

In this episode, Frank covers why Stripe, Square, and PayPal aren’t built for high-risk merchants—and what to do instead. He breaks down how to know if your business is considered high-risk, why popular platforms shut down accounts, and how to get matched with a processor that actually understands your industry. If you've ever lost access to your funds or want to avoid it, this one’s for you.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:

• 00:50 – What makes a business "high-risk" and why banks and payment processors flag certain industries. 
• 06:49 – How to find a payment processor that understands and supports your business and why working with a payment consultant can help save you time and money. 
• 08:11 – Common mistakes merchants make that lead to payment processing issues and what you need to know about working with high-risk processors.
• 16:38 – Proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted payment processing and financial stability.

Running a high-risk business doesn't mean you have to struggle with payment processing issues. With the right knowledge and partners, you can build a strong foundation for your business and keep your revenue flowing smoothly. If this episode gave you valuable insights, please leave a rating and review and consider sharing it with a fellow business owner who could benefit.  

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

In this episode, Frank covers how high-risk merchants can avoid account freezes, terminations, and funding holds. He explains what triggers risk teams—like chargebacks, sudden volume spikes, or unapproved business changes—and shares how to stay in good standing with your processor through proactive communication, proper documentation, and smart redundancy with multiple merchant accounts.
In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 01:30 – Why do banks and ISOs have risk teams, and what role do they play in merchant processing?
• 06:11– Common red flags that can get your account frozen: chargebacks, disputes, transaction spikes, and changes in your business model.
• 09:36 – What happens when your funds are held, and how to respond effectively.
• 10:48 – The importance of monitoring chargebacks.
• 11:32 - Why you should always have more than one payment processor to protect your business.

Navigating merchant payments doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding how risk teams operate and proactively managing your transactions, you can avoid unnecessary disruptions to your business. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a fellow business owner!

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to [email protected] and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena