New Credit Card Processing
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I have the misfortune to work in the field and deal with all manner of credit card issues and outright problems. It is 100% true: hurdles for perfectly legitimate transactions depend on the type of card, and the processing firm that is used by the customer's (as well as the one used by the dealer's) side. There are algorhythms to prevent fraud, and with the company I deal with (if anyone is particularly interested, I'll disclose names in PMs), transactions in the US and certain online purchases -i.e. with Apple or Itunes- never fail to trigger a blockage. It's really annoying both for the customer and someone on the sorting end like myself, dealing with very unhappy people and totally unnecessary problems.
My recommendation: if you keep experiencing problems, change the card, use a different provider. Not only will it make life easier, but it will also be the only way for those imbecile companies to do something about their security measures.
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For some reason this arbitrary placing of a restriction on how you use your own money is far more prevalent in the US than any other country I deal with.
It's because we are in Terror Alert Orange and the government needs to make sure we aren't buying heavy weight denim to place inside of our improvised explosive devices.
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This begs the question, Matt, what on earth will occur should it change to "Alert Red" once again….I shudder at the mere thought! :o
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501/IH - Thanks for the clarification, that is very useful…Is there anything that I can do my end to make it better for the customer? This seriously is my biggest headache. Legit customer, with money, good credit rating and a desire to purchase, having hurdles placed in their way - I hate it.....
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Giles, no, nothing apart from observing how it works, and enquiring in cases of "issues" about the exact reasons and backgrounds. Chances are then, from my experience, that at first you will be given some soothing standard replies, but if you keep nagging them and once get lucky with the person you speak to, someone will disclose at least some of the real conditions and put you wiser.
If this new provider is good, you will have few, if any problems.
If the opposite is the case, in the end only the change to a different one will probably be a real solution. -
But I am convinced that the majority of problems I am having with US cards is that the customers credit card company is imposing the ban. Typically when it happens, I will contact the customer and tell them to get the ban lifted. Once they do this, then they can make the purchase. It's nothing to do my credit card processor (is it?).
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But I am convinced that the majority of problems I am having with US cards is that the customers credit card company is imposing the ban. Typically when it happens, I will contact the customer and tell them to get the ban lifted. Once they do this, then they can make the purchase. It's nothing to do my credit card processor (is it?).
I am pretty sure as 501/IH stated that it has to do with the algorithms that the CC companies implement. Also, depending on the CC users tendencies, travel outside the US, credit limit, etc I think that the ban can vary. But what the hell do I know.
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Strongly agree with jacoavlu. I often wish more customers that I serve in my job were behaving like this (though obviously I can't tell them that…), it's the only language corporations understand.
Giles and Lando: it is so, the probs usually arise on the customer processing end. In shop purchases, it is also often the cashiers who f*** up, they are simply too ignorant or lazy to bother with a proper verification (i.e. calling THEIR service provider and checking the customers ID) and then the card often gets blocked.
But this obviously does not apply to an online shop.
So I strongly second what has been said here before: complain if your card does not work when it should, give them a chance to sort it, but if they repeatedly fail, take your business elsewhere.
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Shoque is coding a piece of intervention code. When we get a suspected "We're denying transaction this because we don't like you buying outside of your home country, you unpatriotic bastard" error message from a purchasers credit card company, we will put the following up on the screen:
"We are sorry that your credit card transaction failed, unfortunately this is completely beyond our control. The most likely cause, if you are outside the UK, is that your card is not approved for international payments and you will need to contact your credit card provider to get this changed."
It is not a perfect solution, but better than we had…..
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Will you accept American Express now or no?
Looking like we will have "proper" Amex processing shortly…..
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Only through the PayPal route atm:
http://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2961.msg150779#msg150779
I could get it up and running for GBP today, but I need it for all 3 currencies and that is more complicated.
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Anyone still having problems with international payments? I tried to use a Lloyds Visa Debit card during the sale and it got rejected (twice). I don't know if it might have had something to do with trying to order from Australia with a UK card? I figure I will have to contact the bank but thought I'd ask here first.
