Are chargebacks really the biggest threat to a merchant account? Not anymore. In under 10 minutes, Frank breaks down everything business owners need to know about Visa’s new Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP)—a major policy shift that’s already impacting how merchants are evaluated. With thresholds tightening and acquiring banks under pressure, over 250,000 merchant accounts are expected to be shut down by the end of 2025. If your business processes credit card payments, this episode is a critical listen.

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.

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

It’s one of the most frustrating things in business: your customer has money, their card works, and they’re ready to buy—but the payment gets declined. In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank peels back the curtain on why good payments fail, and how you can stop losing money on sales that should’ve gone through. These declines aren’t always about fraud or insufficient funds. Frank breaks down what’s really in those split-second decisions and how you can fight back with better tools, smarter routing, and the right partners in your corner.

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. 

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

Ever feel like your merchant account application disappeared into a black hole? On today’s episode of The Payment Guy, Frank pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on behind the scenes during underwriting. What are banks actually looking for, and how can you position your business to get approved faster with less friction?

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.

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

Do you ever feel like you need a dictionary to read your merchant account statement? Are hidden fees, confusing charges, or shady contract terms making you second-guess your payment processor? In this episode, Frank breaks down the most essential payment processing terms every business owner should understand. From interchange fees to PCI compliance, Frank gives you the insider knowledge to make smarter decisions, avoid unnecessary fees, and protect your business from common pitfalls. It’s time to stop leaving money on the table and finally understand what you're paying for.

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.

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

Did you know that some businesses are considered "high risk" by payment processors, making them more likely to face sudden account shutdowns and frozen funds? In this episode of The Payment Guy, Frank shares why certain industries are labeled high-risk, the pitfalls of popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, and the steps you can take to secure a reliable payment solution for your business. If you've ever worried about losing access to your funds overnight, this episode is a must-listen!

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.  

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

Imagine waking up to find your business unable to process payments, your merchant account frozen, your funds held indefinitely. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d think. In today’s episode of The Payment Guy, Frank breaks down the key reasons why merchant accounts get flagged, frozen, or even terminated, and more importantly, how to prevent it from happening to your business.

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!

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

Did you know that failing to achieve PCI compliance can not only lead to costly fines but also erode customer trust? In this episode, we break down PCI compliance in simple, empowering terms. Discover what PCI compliance is, why it matters, and how you can protect your business from unnecessary fees, data breaches, and reputational damage.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 00:46 - Understanding PCI compliance and its critical role in safeguarding your business.
• 02:15 - The true cost of non-compliance and how monthly fees, hefty fines, and data breaches can impact your bottom line.
• 04:00 - A step-by-step guide to evaluating your security measures and meeting PCI standards.
• 06:00 - Implementing secure payment processors, encryption, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication.
• 08:30 - Leveraging PCI compliance vendors to simplify the process and overcome hurdles.
• 10:00 - Protecting your business reputation, enhancing customer trust, and ensuring smooth payment processing.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Tune into the podcast and take charge of your payment security.

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

Did you know that merchant reserves can significantly impact your cash flow and payment processing experience? In this episode, we dive into the world of reserves—what they are, the different types, and why banks may require them for your merchant account. We also share effective strategies to improve your reserve terms, even if you're operating in a high-risk industry. Join us as we demystify the purpose of reserves and empower you to navigate these essential financial tools.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 01:33 - Overview of merchant reserves: types, purposes, and how they're determined.
• 01:49 - What are reserves? An explanation of how banks manage risks like chargebacks and fraud.
• 03:50 - Types of reserves: Rolling reserves, static reserves, and upfront reserves explained.
• 06:59 - Factors influencing the type of reserve: industry, processing history, and bank risk tolerance.
• 15:05 - Debunking myths about reserves: understanding that they are not punitive measures.
• 18:58 - Understanding that reserves are typically not permanent and can improve over time with trust and good management.

If you found this episode insightful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Let’s empower more merchants to navigate the complexities of merchant reserves effectively.

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

Did you know that navigating the world of merchant fees can be complex, with various charges impacting your bottom line? In this episode, we break down the key fees associated with payment processing, including the merchant discount rate, chargeback fees, and refund fees. We also discuss essential contract terms like service fees and early termination penalties. Join us as we clarify these costs and empower you to make informed decisions for your business.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 00:35 - Overview of key fees in payment processing: merchant discount rate, chargeback fees, refund fees, and essential contract terms. 
• 01:25 - The three different ways merchants can encounter discount fees on credit card processing statements. 
• 05:44 - Overview of the three pricing models in payment processing. 
• 11:10 - Discussion on refund fees, return fees, and reversal fees: understanding the differences and implications. 
• 18:53 - Retrieval fees: what they are and when they occur in the processing lifecycle. 
• 24:39 - Utilizing AI tools to review legal documentation and avoid surprises in bank agreements.

If you found this episode insightful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Let’s empower more merchants to navigate the complexities of payment processing effectively.

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

Did you know that Stripe, Square, and PayPal are popular payment solutions, but they might not be the best fit for every business? In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of these household names in the finance world. Join us as we discuss whether these platforms are the ideal solution for your business, exploring their benefits and potential pitfalls. You'll learn about the nature of payment facilitators, the risks involved, and why it's essential to consider diverse payment solutions.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 1:10 - Overview of Stripe, Square, and PayPal as popular payment facilitators and what makes them well-known in the finance world. 
• 2:29 - The advantages of using payment facilitators: quick onboarding and convenience for merchants.  
• 2:57 - The risks involved: account freezes or terminations with little to no warning due to flagged risks.
• 3:55 - 7:20 - The risks of payment facilitators: lack of deep underwriting leading to future problems, aggregated transactions creating shared risk, and warning signs your account may be in trouble. 
• 7:37 - The importance of diversifying your payment solutions to avoid disruptions and not relying on a single processor.  
• 8:35 - How working with a payment consultant can help find tailored, stable solutions for your business. 

If you found this episode insightful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Let’s empower more merchants to navigate the payments landscape effectively.

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