MERCHANT AGREEMENT
In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in
this Merchant Agreement (“Agreement”), and the agreement of Merchant to
participate in the card processing services program established by Bank,
the parties agree as follows:
- Parties. The parties to this Agreement are ESQUIRE BANK a
federally chartered bank whose address is 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite
100, Jericho, NY 11753, or COMMERCIAL BANK OF CALIFORNIA, whose address
is 19752 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92612, or CHESAPEAKE
BANK, whose address is 97 N Main Street, Kilmarnock, VA 22482 (“Bank”),
SignaPay LTD, a registered ISO, whose address is 6440 N. Beltline Road,
Suite 125, Irving, TX 75063 (“ISO”), and the Merchant set forth on the
Merchant Application form to which this Agreement is attached
(“Merchant”).
- Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement and the Schedules
referred to herein, the following definitions apply unless the context
otherwise requires:
“Address Verification” means a service that allows Merchant to verify
the home address of Cardholders with the relevant Issuer.
“Applicable Law” means: (i) all applicable federal, state and local
laws, rules and regulations; and (ii) the Rules
“Association(s)” means VISA U.S.A., Inc. (“Visa”), MasterCard
International Incorporated (“MasterCard”), American Express Travel
Related Services (“American Express”), Discover Financial Services LLC
(“Discover”).
“Authorization” means an affirmative response, by or on behalf of an
Issuer to a request to effect a Transaction, that a Transaction is
within the relevant Cardholder’s available credit limit and that the
Cardholder has not reported the Card lost or stolen. All Transactions
requiring Authorization by the Associations must be authorized.
“Authorization Center” means the facility or facilities designated
from time to time by Bank or ISO to which Merchant shall submit all
requests for Authorization.
“Business Day” means any day other than: (i) a Saturday or Sunday; or
(ii) a day on which banking institutions in New York, California or
Virginia are authorized by law or executive order to be closed (and on
which Bank is in fact closed).
“Card(s)” means either a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or
Discover credit card, debit card (or other similar card that requires a
PIN for identification purposes), or prepaid, stored value or gift
cards. “Cardholder” means a person authorized to use a Card.
“Chargeback” means a Transaction that Bank returns to Merchant
pursuant to this Agreement. “Forced Sale” means a sales Transaction
processed without an approved electronic Authorization number being
obtained for the full amount of the sales Transaction at the time the
Transaction is processed.
“Full Recourse Transactions” means mail orders, telephone orders,
e-commerce (Internet) orders, Pre-Authorized Recurring Order
Transactions, and other “card not present” sales. “Issuer” means a
member of an Association that enters into a contractual relationship
with a Cardholder for the issuance of one or more Cards.
“Merchant Statement” means an itemized monthly statement of all
charges and credits to the Operating Account (as that term is defined in
Section 5 of this Agreement).
“Monthly Chargeback Violation,” for any given calendar month, means
that more than five Chargebacks have been processed in that month and
that the Transaction Chargeback Ratio for that month is equal to or
greater than 1%.
“Mid-Qualified Transactions” means any Transaction categorized as
such by the processor designated by Bank to settle Transactions with the
Associations
“Non-Qualified Transactions” means: (i) any Transaction submitted for
processing more than 48 hours past the time the Authorization occurred;
(ii) any Transaction missing required data; and (iii) any Transaction
categorized as such by the processor designated by Bank to settle
Transactions with the Associations.
“Normal Transaction” means a Transaction in which the Card is swiped
through or dipped in a terminal, register or other device, capturing the
Card information encoded on the Card’s magnetic strip.
“Pre-Authorized Recurring Order Transaction” means a Transaction that
has been preauthorized by the Cardholder and for which the goods or
services are to be delivered or performed in the future by Merchant
without having to obtain approval from the Cardholder each time.
“Qualified Transactions” means any Transaction categorized as such by
the processor designated by Bank to settle Transactions with the
Associations.
“Rules” means all rules, regulations, by-laws, standards and
procedures adopted and/or amended from time to time by the Associations
(including, without limitation, the Payment Card Industry Data Security
Standard), Bank and each relevant Issuer.
“Services” means the transaction processing services described on the
attached Schedule A, as the same may be amended from time to time by
Bank, in its sole discretion. “Transaction” means the acceptance of a
Card or information embossed on the Card for payment for goods sold
and/or leased or services provided to Cardholders by Merchant and
receipt of payment from Bank, whether the Transaction is approved,
declined, or processed as a Forced Sale. The term “Transaction” also
includes credits, errors, returns and adjustments. “Transaction
Chargeback Ratio,” for any given calendar month, means the number of
Chargebacks processed in that month divided by the total number of
Transactions processed in that month.
- Services Provided to Merchant. During the term of this Agreement,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement: (i) ISO shall
provide technical documentation as needed, and technical support and
customer support (including, without limitation, Authorization,
settlement and Chargeback processing and reporting), twenty-four hours
each day, seven days each week, in order to allow Merchant to accept and
process Transactions; and (ii) Bank shall provide the Services to
Merchant.
- Term. This Agreement shall become effective by Bank upon the
issuance of a merchant number. Merchant signs the Merchant Application
form to which this Agreement is attached (or in connection with which
this Agreement is provided) and, unless sooner terminated, shall remain
in effect for a term of five (5) years. This Agreement shall renew
automatically for successive terms of three (3) years each, unless any
party provides written notice of termination to the other parties at
least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. All existing
obligations, warranties, indemnities and agreements with respect to
Transactions entered into before such termination shall remain in full
force and effect, and, regardless of any such termination, Merchant
shall remain liable for all obligations to Cardholders and Bank that are
incurred while this Agreement is in effect.
- Merchant Operating Account. Prior to accepting any Cards,
Merchant shall establish a demand deposit account at Bank, or at a
financial institution approved by Bank (the “Operating Account”),
through which fees, charges and credits due to Merchant in accordance
with this Agreement may be processed. Merchant authorizes Bank to debit
all amounts Merchant owes Bank hereunder or any other agreement entered
into between Merchant and Bank from the Operating Account, whether
maintained at Bank or another financial institution, at times deemed
appropriate by Bank, through the ACH Banking Network or by a manual
debit of the Operating Account. Merchant waives any and all claims for
loss or damage arising out of any such charges or debits to the
Operating Account.
- Reserve Account. Upon, or at any time after, execution of this
Agreement, Bank may establish a reserve account at Bank (the “Reserve
Account”) in such amount as Bank from time to time may determine in its
sole discretion. Bank may fund the Reserve Account by deducting amounts
from payments due to Merchant, by effecting a charge against Merchant’s
Operating Account or against any of Merchant’s accounts at Bank, or by
demanding payment from Merchant (which payment Merchant shall make
within ten (10) days after receipt of any such demand). The Reserve
Account will be maintained for a minimum of nine months after the date
on which this Agreement terminates or until such time as Bank determines
that the release of the funds to Merchant is prudent, in the best
interest of Bank, and commercially reasonable, and that Merchant’s
account with Bank under this Agreement and any other agreement entered
into between Merchant and Bank is fully resolved. Merchant and ISO
acknowledge and agree that only Bank, and not ISO, may authorize or
effect any release of funds from the Reserve Account. Bank may withdraw
funds from the Reserve Account at any time to offset any indebtedness of
Merchant to Bank that may arise out of or relate to the obligations of
Merchant under this agreement (including, but not limited to,
Chargebacks and fees) or to offset any other indebtedness of Merchant to
Bank under any other agreement entered into between Merchant and Bank.
Upon expiration of this nine-month period, any balance remaining in the
Reserve Account will be paid to Merchant. Bank will inform Merchant in
writing of any charges debited to the Reserve Account during this
nine-month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bank, in its sole
discretion, may release funds from the Reserve Account prior to the
expiration of such nine-month period based on its assessment of the
risks associated with effecting such release.
- Fees. Merchant shall pay to Bank all fees specified on Schedule
A, as amended by Bank from time to time. For each Transaction, Bank will
charge Merchant as follows:
- An amount (“Merchant Discount Fees”) equal to a specified
percentage of the total cash price of each sale and cash withdrawal
Transaction (“Merchant Discount Rate”)
- A specified amount per Transaction (“Transaction Fee”);
and
- A specified amount per Authorization (“Authorization
Fee”).
The Merchant Discount Rate, Authorization Fees and Transaction Fees
are set forth on Schedule A. Different Merchant Discount Rates may apply
to Qualified, Mid-Qualified and Non-Qualified Transactions, as shown on
Schedule A. Merchant agrees that Bank will, and authorizes Bank to,
deduct Merchant Discount Fees from the Operating Account or Reserve
Account on a daily basis unless a monthly basis is specified on Schedule
A. Merchant also agrees to pay to Bank the amount of any fees, charges
or penalties assessed against Bank by any Association or Issuer for
Merchant’s violation of any Applicable Law. Merchant shall pay Bank for
any other services provided to Merchant by Bank and for all other fees
shown on Schedule A, including, but not limited to, monthly minimum
fees, Chargeback fees and customer service fees.
- Billing. All amounts Merchant owes to Bank, for any reason, may
be charged to the Operating Account or Reserve Account, recouped by
adjustment to any credits due to Merchant, or set off against any
account or property Bank holds for or on behalf of Merchant.
- Security Interest. As security for the performance by Merchant of
all of its obligations under this Agreement, Merchant hereby grants to
Bank a security interest in: (i) the funds held in the Operating Account
and in the Reserve Account; and (ii) any inventory with respect to which
a Transaction has occurred but has not yet been fulfilled. Merchant will
execute and deliver to Bank such documents, in form satisfactory to
Bank, as Bank may reasonably request in order to perfect Bank’s security
interest in the Operating Account, Reserve Account and such inventory,
and will pay all costs and expenses associated with filing the same or
this Agreement in all public filing offices, where filing is deemed by
Bank to be necessary or desirable. Bank is authorized to file financing
statements relating to the Operating Account, the Reserve Account and
such inventory without ISO where authorized by law. Merchant appoints
Bank as its attorney-in-fact to execute such documents as are necessary
or desirable to accomplish perfection of any security interests. This
appointment is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable as long
as Merchant owes any amount to Bank.
- Processing Transactions.
- Merchant shall obtain Authorizations and process Transactions
using such equipment and software as may be approved from time to time
by Bank, in its sole discretion (the “Equipment”). Merchant shall
validate Cards and Cardholders in face-to-face transactions as required
by Applicable Law.
- Merchant shall obtain Authorizations for Transactions in a manner
required by Applicable Law and in the manner, and following the
processes and procedures, determined from time to time by Bank, in its
sole discretion, and communicated to Merchant by either Bank or
ISO.
- Merchant shall not submit a Transaction to Bank (electronically
or otherwise) until Merchant has performed its obligations to the
Cardholder in connection with the Transaction or obtained Cardholder’s
consent for a Pre-Authorized Recurring Order Transaction.
- Merchant shall not transmit any Transaction to Bank that Merchant
knows or should have known to be illegal, fraudulent or not authorized
by the Cardholder.
- Merchant shall not process a Transaction that does not result
from an act between a Cardholder and Merchant.
- Merchant shall not request or use any Card number for any purpose
other than as payment for its goods or services.
- Merchant may transmit a Transaction that effects a prepayment of
services or full prepayment of custom-ordered merchandise, manufactured
to a Cardholder’s specifications, if Merchant advises Cardholder of the
immediate billing at the time of the Transaction and within time limits
established by the Associations.
- Prohibited Transactions. Merchant shall not do any of the
following:
- Establish a minimum on debit cards or greater than $10.00 on
credit cards or a maximum dollar Transaction amount.
- Obtain multiple Authorizations for amounts less than the total
sale amount.
- Obtain Authorization for the purpose of setting aside the
Cardholder’s credit line for use in future sales.
- Extend credit for or defer the time of payment of the total cash
price in any Transaction;
- Honor a Card except in a Transaction where a total cash price is
due and payable.
- Make any special charge to or extract any special agreement or
security from any Cardholder in connection with any
Transaction.
- Transmit or accept payment for any Transaction that was not
originated directly between Merchant and a Cardholder for the sale or
lease of goods or the performance of services of the type indicated in
the Merchant Application form to which this Agreement is
attached.
- Honor or accept a Card as payment for any legal services or
expenses arising out of or related to: (i) any domestic relations matter
where such services or expenses are furnished to a person whose name is
not embossed on a Card; or (ii) any bankruptcy, insolvency, compromise,
composition or other process affecting Cardholder’s creditors.
- Use Merchant’s own Card, or one to which Merchant has access, to
process a Transaction for the purpose of obtaining credit for Merchant’s
own benefit.
- Re-process any Transaction that was previously charged back to
Bank and subsequently returned to Merchant, irrespective of Cardholder
approval.
- Initiate a Transaction credit without a preceding debit at least
equal to the credit.
- Initiate a Transaction credit without a balance in the Operating
Account at least equal to the credit.
- Use the Equipment or any data received thereon for any other
purpose other than for determining whether or not Merchant should accept
checks or Cards in connection with a current sale or lease of goods or
services.
- Use the Equipment or any data received thereon for credit inquiry
purposes, or any other purpose not authorized by this
Agreement.
- Draw or convey any inference concerning a person’s
creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general
reputation, personal characteristics or mode of living when any Card or
check is processed as non-accepted.
- Disclose any information obtained through the Equipment to any
person except for necessary disclosures to affected Cardholders, Bank
and/or the Issuer.
- Disburse funds in the form of travelers’ cheques, if the sole
purpose is to allow the Cardholder to make a cash purchase of goods or
services from Merchant.
- Disburse funds in the form of cash.
- Accept a Card to collect or refinance an existing debt (whether
originally owed to Merchant or otherwise) that is considered
uncollectible (for example, payments to a collection agency or attempts
to recover funds for a dishonored check) except to the extent
specifically permitted by Applicable Law.
- Issue a Transaction credit in respect of goods or services
acquired in a cash transaction which are returned.
- Make any cash refund to a Cardholder who has made a purchase with
a credit Card (all Transaction credits shall be issued to the same
credit Card account number used in the sale);
- Require a Cardholder to complete a postcard or similar device
that includes the Cardholder’s account number, Card expiration date,
signature or any other Card account data in plain view when
mailed;;
- Accept a Card for the purchase of Scrip (as defined by applicable
VISA regulations), except to the extent specifically permitted by
Applicable Law.
- Accept any payment directly from a Cardholder for previous Card
charges incurred and processed by Merchant.
- Require, through an increase in price or otherwise, any
Cardholder to pay any surcharge in connection with any Transaction or to
pay any part of any charge imposed on Merchant by Bank except, in either
case, as expressly permitted by, and under terms and conditions that
comply in full with, Applicable Law.
- Provide cash to a Visa cardholder unless Merchant is either (i)
participating in Visa CashBack Services or (ii) a hotel or cruise
line.
- Cause any Cardholder to waive its right to dispute a
Transaction.
- Request the Card Verification Value 2 data (as defined by Visa)
on any paper order form.
- Request a Cardholder account number for any purpose that is not
related to payment for goods or services; or
- Add any tax to Transactions, unless applicable law expressly
requires that a merchant be permitted to impose a tax, and only if such
tax is included in the Transaction amount and not collected
separately.
- Prohibition of Furnishing Account Information; Use of Third
Parties. Merchant shall not, without the Cardholder’s consent, sell,
purchase, provide or exchange any Card information in the form of
Transaction documents, carbon copies of imprinted Transaction documents,
mailing lists, tapes, journal rolls, or other media obtained through the
use of a Card to any third party. Merchant may use third parties that do
not have a direct agreement with Bank as Merchant’s agent for the direct
delivery of Transactions for clearing and settlement if:
- Merchant advises Bank that it will use a third-party processor in
this capacity, identifying the third party so selected by
Merchant.
- Merchant agrees that Bank will reimburse Merchant only for the
Visa Transactions delivered by that third-party processor to VisaNet;
and
- Merchant assumes responsibility for any failure by its
third-party processor to comply with Applicable Law.
- Merchant shall notify Bank of the identity of any third-party
performing services to Merchant in connection with which such third
party has access to any Card information.
- Daily Reconciliation of Transactions.
- Electronically Transmitted Transactions. Bank shall control and
disburse all Transaction-related settlement funds to Merchant.
Transactions with respect to which Bank receives payment from or through
the Associations will be settled on a daily basis, and, except as
otherwise expressly provided or permitted pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement, Bank shall deliver payment to Merchant in connection with
such Transactions by effecting a credit to the Operating Account equal
to the reconciled and paid summary Transaction total of all of
Merchant’s total paid summary Transactions since the previous credit.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bank may, in its sole discretion, effect
a credit to the Operating Account in connection with any Transaction
prior to the point in time Bank receives payment in connection therewith
from or through the Associations. In either case, Bank may, if necessary
or appropriate, reduce any credit made to the Operating Account by,
and/or Bank may require that Merchant pay to Bank an amount equal to:
(i) the sum of all Cardholder charges denied, refused or charged back;
(ii) all refunds processed on account of Cardholders during said time
period; (iii) the amounts, fees and charges, including (but not limited
to) Chargebacks, Merchant owes Bank hereunder or under any other
agreement entered into between Bank and Merchant; (iv) all taxes,
penalties, charges, fees and other items incurred by Bank that are
reimbursable pursuant to this Agreement; (v) all applicable rates, fees
and charges described on Schedule A; (vi) any amount Bank previously
credited to the Operating Account that Bank determines, in good faith,
was incorrectly so credited; and (vii) any amount Bank determines, in
its sole discretion, represents unacceptable risk to the relevant
Cardholder or Bank. Any application of funds associated with the
settlement of Transactions that differs from the foregoing must be
agreed to, in writing, by Bank and Merchant and may not, in any respect,
violate Applicable Law.
- Reconciliation of Transactions. Merchant shall reconcile each
settled Transaction within fifteen (15) days after the date on which
such Transaction is submitted to Bank for payment and shall notify Bank
and ISO immediately of any discrepancies or errors Merchant notes as a
result of such reconciliation. Neither Bank nor ISO shall have any
responsibility or liability for Transaction-related errors or omissions
that are brought to their attention more than thirty (30) days after the
date on which the Transaction to which such error or omission relates is
first presented to Bank for settlement.
- Provisional Credit. Any credits to the Operating Account are
provisional only and subject to revocation by Bank until such time that
the Transaction is final and no longer subject to Chargeback by the
Issuer, Cardholder or Associations. Bank may withhold payment for a
Transaction to Merchant, for any reason, until such time as the
Transaction has been verified as legitimate by the relevant Issuer, or
Bank receives adequate supporting documentation from Merchant to
authenticate the Transaction and mitigate Chargeback risk.
- Adjustments and Returns. Merchant will maintain a fair exchange
and return policy and make adjustments with respect to goods and
services sold and/or leased to its customers whenever appropriate. If
Merchant limits its acceptance of returned merchandise, or if Merchant
is an Electronic Commerce Merchant, Merchant will ensure that its return
policy is clearly set forth on the Transaction receipt or on Merchant’s
website, as required by Applicable Law. If goods are returned, or
services are terminated or canceled, or any price is adjusted, Merchant
will prepare and transmit a credit or return Transaction, either
electronically or by paper, for the amount of the adjustment as a
deduction from the total amount of Transactions transmitted that day. If
the amount of credit or return Transactions exceeds the amount of sales
Transactions, Merchant shall pay the excess to Bank. Merchant shall make
no cash refunds on credit Transactions and shall handle all credit
adjustments as provided in this Section 14. If no refund or return will
be given, Merchant must advise Cardholder in writing, at the time of the
Transaction, that the sale is a “final sale” and “no returns” are
permitted. Merchant must advise Cardholder in writing of any policy of
Merchant that provides for no-cash refunds and in-store credit only.
Merchant shall follow Association reservation/no-show policies and shall
notify Cardholders in writing of this policy on all advance
reservations. Merchant also shall notify Cardholders at the time of the
reservation of the exact number of days required for reservation deposit
refunds.
- Chargebacks. The acceptance by Bank of any Transaction processed
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be without recourse
to Merchant, except for: (i) Full Recourse Transactions; (ii) as
otherwise indicated in this Agreement; and (iii) under any of the
following circumstances:
- No specific prior Authorization for the Transaction was obtained
from the Authorization Center, the approval number does not appear in
the electronic transmittal that is maintained by Bank, or the
Transaction was submitted to the Bank or ISO thirty (30) days or more
after the date on which the goods and/or services to which the
Transaction relates were purchased or leased by the relevant
Cardholder.
- The Transaction was based on a pre-authorization form, the Card
on which the Authorization was based was canceled and Merchant was so
notified prior to the Transaction.
- The Card giving rise to the Transaction was canceled and prior
to, or at the time of, the Transaction, and Merchant received notice of
the cancellation through the electronic terminal, in writing or
otherwise.
- The Card expired prior to the date of the Transaction, or the
date of the Transaction was prior to the validation date, if any,
indicated on the Card.
- The Transaction information required by this Agreement was not
submitted to Bank, or the procedures required by this Agreement to be
followed in connection with processing a Transaction were not
followed.
- Bank or Issuer receives a complaint from or on behalf of a
Cardholder stating that there is an unresolved dispute or defense to a
charge (whether or not valid) between Merchant and Cardholder.
- The Cardholder makes a written complaint to Bank or Issuer that
the Cardholder did not make or authorize the Transaction.
- A setoff or counterclaim of any kind exists in favor of any
Cardholder against Merchant that may be asserted in defense of an action
to enforce payment against the Cardholder in the Transaction.
- The Transaction was made at or by a merchant other than
Merchant.
- The Transaction otherwise violates the terms of this Agreement or
any Applicable Law; (k.) A Transaction is charged back by an Issuer;
or
- Any representation or warranty made by Merchant in connection
with the Transaction is false or inaccurate in any respect.
- In any such case, Bank shall not be obligated to accept a
Transaction for credit to the Operating Account. If Bank has credited
the Operating Account or Reserve Account for such a Transaction, Bank
may return the Transaction to the Merchant, and Merchant shall pay Bank
the amount of the Transaction. Merchant agrees that it is solely
responsible for all Chargebacks, and that Bank, without prior notice to
Merchant, may: (i) charge the amount of the Transaction to the Operating
Account or Reserve Account; (ii) recoup the amount of the Transaction by
adjustment of the credits due to Merchant; and/or (iii) set off the
amount of the Transaction against any account or property Bank holds for
or on behalf of Merchant. If Merchant disagrees with Bank’s decision to
charge back a Transaction, Merchant must so notify Bank in writing
within 10 days of the Chargeback and provide documentation that the
dispute has been resolved to Cardholder’s satisfaction or proof that a
credit has been issued. Without limiting the generality of any other
provision of this Agreement, if Bank or ISO, if ISO has indemnified
Bank, takes legal action against Merchant for any Chargebacks or any
amounts due Bank or ISO hereunder, Merchant shall pay the costs and
attorneys’ fees incurred by Bank and/or ISO, whether suit is commenced
or not.
- In addition to any other remedy available to Bank, upon the
occurrence of a Monthly Chargeback Violation, Merchant must pay to Bank
a fee that is equal to the total number of Chargebacks processed during
the relevant calendar month multiplied by the relevant dollar amount set
forth in the table set forth below (where X in the table below is the
Transaction Chargeback Ratio for the relevant calendar month and Y is
the number of Chargebacks processed during the relevant calendar month)
(the “Monthly Chargeback Violation Fee”):
| Y |
1.0%
≤X≤
1.5% |
1.5%
<X≤
2% |
2%
<X≤
2.25% |
2.25%
<X≤
2.5% |
2.5%
<X≤
3% |
3-
<X≤
3.5% |
3.5%
<X≤
5% |
5%
<X≤
7.5% |
7.5%
<
X |
| 5 - 25 |
$0 |
$10 |
$10 |
$15 |
$15 |
$20 |
$25 |
$40 |
$50 |
| 26 - 50 |
$10 |
$10 |
$15 |
$15 |
$20 |
$20 |
$25 |
$40 |
$50 |
| 51 - 75 |
$15 |
$20 |
$20 |
$20 |
$25 |
$25 |
$30 |
$50 |
$50 |
| 76 - 100 |
$15 |
$20 |
$20 |
$25 |
$25 |
$30 |
$35 |
$50 |
$50 |
| 101 - 125 |
$20 |
$20 |
$25 |
$25 |
$30 |
$35 |
$35 |
$60 |
$60 |
| 126 - 150 |
$20 |
$25 |
$25 |
$30 |
$35 |
$35 |
$40 |
$75 |
$75 |
| 151 - 175 |
$25 |
$30 |
$30 |
$35 |
$35 |
$40 |
$40 |
$75 |
$100 |
| 175 + |
$25 |
$30 |
$35 |
$35 |
$40 |
$40 |
$50 |
$100 |
$100 |
Merchant will pay each relevant Monthly Chargeback Violation Fee to
Bank no later than 30 days after receiving a request for payment thereof
from Bank (which request will include a description of the Monthly
Chargeback Violation Fee amount and a description of the manner in which
it was calculated).
- Merchant Statement. At least once each month, Bank shall provide
a statement (the “Merchant Statement”) to Merchant. All information
appearing on the Merchant Statement shall be deemed accurate and
affirmed by Merchant unless Merchant objects by written notice
specifying the particular item in dispute within 30 days of the date of
the Merchant Statement.
- Retention of Information. Merchant shall retain the information
required to be submitted in connection with a Transaction or to be
maintained in connection with a complaint for seven years from the date
of the Transaction or the complaint. At the request of Bank, Merchant
shall provide such information to Bank or ISO, as directed by Bank,
within five (5) days of receipt of a request from Bank. Failure to meet
such time frame or non-delivery of any item or delivery of an illegible
copy of an item requested by an Issuer shall, among other things,
constitute a waiver by Merchant of any claims and may result in an
irrevocable Chargeback for the full amount of the Transaction.
- Recovery of Cards. Merchant will use its best efforts to
reasonably and peaceably recover and retain any Card with respect to
which Merchant receives notification of cancellation, restrictions,
theft or counterfeiting. This notice may be given: (i) electronically
through the Equipment; (ii) by the Authorization Center through any
means; or (iii) by listing on any canceled Card or restricted Card list.
Merchant shall also take reasonable steps to recover a Card that it has
reasonable grounds to believe is counterfeit, fraudulent or
stolen.
- Customer Complaints. Merchant shall respond promptly to inquiries
from Cardholders and shall attempt to resolve any disputes amicably. If
unresolved disputes occur with a frequency unacceptable to Bank, Bank
may terminate this Agreement. Bank reserves the right to charge Merchant
reasonable fees and reimbursement on account of excessive Cardholder
inquiries, refunds or Chargebacks. Merchant agrees to maintain the
following information in writing with respect to each claim or defense
asserted by a Cardholder for which Merchant has received notice:
- The Cardholder’s name;
- The Card account number.
- The date and time the Cardholder asserted the claim or
defense;
- The nature of the claim or defense; and
- The action that Merchant took in an attempt to resolve the
dispute.
- Upon request, Merchant shall furnish Bank with this information
in writing within 10 days.
- Confidentiality. Merchant shall treat all information received in
connection with this Agreement as confidential. Merchant shall prevent
the disclosure of this information except for necessary disclosures to
affected Cardholders, to Bank, to ISO and to Issuers.
- Compliance with Applicable Law.
- General. Merchant represents and warrants that it has obtained
all necessary regulatory approvals, certificates and licenses, and that
it is in compliance with all Applicable Law, in connection with the
operation of its business. Merchant represents and warrants that it
understands the importance of complying with Applicable Law in
connection with any and all actions it takes in connection with
Transactions (including, without limitation, complying with requirements
relating to Transaction information, storage and disclosure), and
covenants at all times to comply in full with all Applicable Law.
Merchant further acknowledges and agrees that it is responsible for the
actions of all of its employees while in Merchant’s employ.
- Data Security Rules. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, Merchant understands
that it and all of its employees, agents, representatives and service
providers must comply with the Rules, including without limitation,
those relating to Cardholder information security issues, non-disclosure
of Cardholder information and Transaction documents, retention and
storage of Cardholder and Transaction information and other security
procedures adopted by the Associations. Merchant hereby confirms its
agreement to abide by and fully comply with such Rules, including,
without limitation, the Rules and procedures described below:
- Visa Cardholder Information Security Program and MasterCard Site
Data Protection Program. Visa and MasterCard have implemented programs
to protect Cardholder data. The Visa Cardholder Information Security
Program (“CISP”) and MasterCard Site Data Protection Program (“SDP”)
apply to Merchant if Merchant processes or stores Cardholder data as a
result of Internet or mail/telephone acceptance of Visa or MasterCard
Card account information. A copy of the complete Visa Cardholder
Information Security Standards manual and a Self-Assessment Worksheet
can be obtained online at www.visa.com/cisp or from Bank, and
a copy of the SDP provisions can be obtained from Bank. Visa and
MasterCard may impose restrictions, fines, or prohibit Merchant from
participating in Visa or MasterCard programs if it is determined that
Merchant is noncompliant. Merchant may be required to comply with an
audit to verify compliance with security procedures. The following list
describes some of the current CISP and SDP program requirements, with
all of which Merchant may be required to comply, if applicable to
Merchant. (A) install and maintain a working network firewall to protect
data accessible via the Internet; (B) keep security patches up to date;
(C) encrypt stored data; (D) encrypt data sent across networks; (E) use
and regularly update anti-virus software; (F) restrict access to data by
business “need to know”; (G) assign a unique ID to each person with
computer access to data; (H) don’t use vendor-supplied defaults for
system passwords and other security parameters; (I) track access to data
by unique ID; (J) maintain a policy that addresses information security
for employees and contractors; and (K) restrict physical access to
Cardholder information. Merchant must also comply with the requirements
of Section 10.3 of the Visa Rules in connection with suspected or
confirmed losses, thefts, compromises of information, and fraud or
laundering associated with information. Please also note that this is
not intended to be a complete list, and Merchant remains solely
responsible for understanding and complying in full with all of the
applicable CISP and SDP requirements.
- Transaction Information. Merchant acknowledges that the sale or
disclosure of databases containing Cardholder account numbers, personal
information, or other Transaction information to third parties is
strictly prohibited by the Rules. Unless Merchant obtains consents from
Bank, and each applicable Association, issuing bank and Cardholder,
Merchant must not use, disclose, sell or disseminate any Cardholder
information obtained in connection with a Transaction (including without
limitation, the names, addresses and Card account numbers of
Cardholders, copies of imprinted sales drafts and/or credit records,
mailing lists, tapes or other media obtained in connection with a sales
draft and/or credit record) except for purposes of authorizing,
completing and settling Transactions and resolving any Chargebacks,
retrieval requests or similar issues involving Transactions, other than
pursuant to a court or governmental agency request, subpoena or order.
Merchant shall use proper controls for, limit access to, and render
unreadable prior to discarding all records containing Cardholder account
numbers and Card imprints.
- Merchant may not retain or store magnetic stripe data after a
Transaction has been authorized. If Merchant stores any electronically
captured signature of a Cardholder, Merchant may not reproduce such
signature except upon the specific request of Bank. Merchant shall store
all media containing Cardholder names, Cardholder account information,
and other personal information, as well as Card imprints (such as sales
drafts and credit records, auto rental agreements, and carbons) in an
area limited to selected personnel and, prior to discarding any such
information, destroy it in a manner that renders the data unreadable.
Merchant further warrants and agrees that in the event of its failure,
including bankruptcy, insolvency, or other suspension of business
operations, it will not sell, transfer or disclose any materials that
contain Cardholder account numbers, personal information, or Transaction
information to third parties, and shall return the information to Bank
and provide acceptable proof of destruction to Bank.
- Taxes. Each party hereto shall report its income and pay its own
taxes to any applicable jurisdiction. If either Bank or ISO is required
to pay any taxes, interests, fines or penalties owed by Merchant, said
amount shall become immediately due and payable by Merchant to Bank or
ISO. If excise, sale or use taxes are imposed on Transactions, Merchant
shall be responsible for the collection and payment thereof. Merchant
shall not add any tax to any Transaction unless Applicable Law expressly
provides that Merchant is permitted to impose a tax, and any such tax
amount, if so allowed, shall be included in the Transaction amount and
not collected separately. Bank or ISO shall be entitled to recover from
Merchant any of said taxes paid by it on behalf of Merchant immediately
after payment.
- Limitation of Liability. In addition to all other limitations on
the liability of Bank and ISO contained in this Agreement, neither Bank
nor ISO shall be liable to Merchant or Merchant’s customers or any other
person for any of the following:
- Any loss or liability resulting from the denial of credit to any
person or Merchant’s retention of any Card or any attempt to do
so.
- Any loss caused by a Transaction downgrade resulting from
defective or faulty Equipment, even if such Equipment is owned by Bank
or ISO.
- The unavailability of Services caused by the termination of
contracts with computer hardware vendors, processors or installers,
whether terminated by Bank, ISO or any other person for any reason;
or
- Interruption or termination of any Services caused by any reason
except for failure of ISO to repair or replace Equipment at Merchant’s
expense (in which case, any resulting liability shall be for the sole
account of ISO). At no time will ISO’s liability exceed the amount of
fees collected or reasonably expected to be collected from Merchant for
this delay period.
NEITHER BANK NOR ISO SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, PUNITIVE,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES TO MERCHANT OR TO ANY THIRD
PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE
SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY BANK OR ISO PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.
MERCHANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT BANK HAS PROVIDED NO WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
WITH RESPECT TO ANY EQUIPMENT AND THAT BANK HAS NO LIABILITY WITH
RESPECT TO ANY EQUIPMENT. BANK MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE SERVICES IT PROVIDES HEREUNDER. IF
THERE ARE ERRORS, OMISSIONS, INTERRUPTIONS OR DELAYS RESULTING FROM
BANK’S OR ISO’S PERFORMANCE OR ANY FAILURE TO PERFORM, BANK’S AND ISO’S
LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO CORRECTING SUCH ERRORS, IF COMMERCIALLY
REASONABLE.
- Limitation on Damages. In no case shall Merchant be entitled to
recover damages from ISO or Bank that exceed the fees retained by Bank
and ISO pursuant to this Agreement during the six-month period
immediately prior to the event giving rise to the claim for
damages.
- Indemnification. Merchant agrees to indemnify and hold Bank and
ISO harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and
expenses, including attorneys’ fees and costs (whether or not an
attorney is an employee of Bank or Bank’s affiliates, ISO or affiliates
of ISO) arising out of any of the following:
- Merchant’s failure to comply with this Agreement.
- Any act or omission of Merchant.
- Merchant’s failure to comply with any Equipment’s user’s
guide;
- Merchant’s failure to comply with any Applicable Law;
- Any dispute concerning the quality, condition or delivery of any
merchandise or the quality of performance of any service;
- The fraud or dishonesty of Merchant or Merchant’s employees,
licensees, successors, agents and/or assigns;
- Merchant’s selection of an Internet service provider or other
telecommunication services provider;
- The theft of or damage or destruction to any Equipment;
or
- Full Recourse Transactions, unauthorized Transactions and
prohibited Transactions.
- Credit Investigation and Bank Auditing. Bank may audit, from time
to time, Merchant’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
Merchant shall provide all information requested by Bank to complete
Bank’s audit. Merchant authorizes parties contacted by Bank to release
the credit information requested by Bank, and Merchant agrees to provide
a separate authorization for release of credit information, if requested
by Bank. Merchant shall deliver to Bank such information as Bank may
reasonably request from time to time, including without limitation,
financial statements and information pertaining to Merchant’s financial
condition. Such information shall be true, complete and accurate.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Merchant shall provide
to Bank and ISO its balance sheet and income statements not less
frequently than every three calendar months during the term of this
Agreement.
- Termination of Agreement by Bank and ISO. Bank may terminate this
Agreement upon at least 30 days’ prior written notice to the other
parties. In addition, Bank may terminate this Agreement immediately upon
written notice to Merchant upon the occurrence of any of the following
(each, an “Event of Default”):
- Any information concerning Merchant obtained by Bank is
unsatisfactory to Bank, in Bank’s sole discretion.
- Any act of fraud or dishonesty is committed by Merchant, its
employees or agents, or Bank believes in good faith that Merchant, its
employees or agents have committed, are committing or are planning to
commit any acts of fraud or misrepresentation.
- Chargebacks are excessive, in the opinion of Bank.
- There is a breach of any representation or warranty made by
Merchant to Bank, or Merchant defaults in the performance of any of its
obligations under this Agreement. (f.) A petition under any bankruptcy
or insolvency law is filed by or against Merchant.
- Bank determines that the continuation of this Agreement may
create harm or the loss of goodwill to Bank or any Association.
- Merchant fails to maintain sufficient funds in the Operating
Account to cover the amounts due to Bank hereunder.
- Merchant’s percentage of error Transactions or retrieval requests
is excessive in the opinion of Bank.
- Any insurance policy obtained by Bank, ISO or Merchant relating
to Transactions and/or Chargebacks is cancelled or terminated for any
reason.
- Merchant fails to provide financial statements suitable to Bank
on request.
- ISO does not or cannot perform its duties under this Agreement
and Bank determines that it is not feasible to provide the Services
contemplated by this Agreement to Merchant. Bank is not obligated to
provide replacement Services if ISO does not or cannot perform. (m.) Any
Association requests or demands that this Agreement be
terminated.
Bank may selectively terminate one or more of Merchant’s approved
locations without terminating this entire Agreement.
In the event of termination, all obligations of Merchant incurred or
existing under this Agreement prior to termination shall survive the
termination. Merchant’s obligations with respect to any Transaction
shall be deemed incurred and existing on the date of such
Transaction.
In the event Bank terminates this Agreement following any Event of
Default, Merchant: (i) agrees that Bank may place Merchant on each
Association’s “Terminated Merchant File” (or any other list or file
serving a similar purpose); and (ii) agrees to indemnify and hold Bank
and ISO harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses and
liabilities incurred by Bank and/or ISO in connection with or arising
out of such Event of Default. Following any bankruptcy filing against or
by Merchant, Bank reserves the right to suspend or discontinue the
provision of Services. Merchant must notify Bank in writing no later
than five (5) days following any bankruptcy filing by or against
Merchant.
Credits to the Operating Account and other payments to Merchant are
provisional.
The parties acknowledge and agree that Bank is extending financial
accommodations to Merchant within the meaning of 11 U.S.C.365 (c) (2) of
the Bankruptcy Code as amended from time to time. The right of Merchant
to receive any amounts due or to become due from Bank is expressly
subject and subordinate to the Chargebacks, recoupment, setoff, lien,
and/or security interest rights that are being applied to claims that
are liquidated, unliquidated, fixed contingent, matured or
unmatured.
- Termination of Agreement by Merchant. In the event merchant
terminates the Agreement prior to the expiration of the term, merchant
will be responsible for the payment of an early termination fee of
$495.00. Merchant may terminate this Agreement upon at least 30 days’
prior written notice with no penalty to the other parties if Bank amends
Schedule A pursuant to Section 31 to increase the rates, fees or charges
Merchant pays hereunder, except for fees or rates that result from a
pass through from an Association.
- Setoff. In addition to any other legal or equitable remedy
available to it in accordance with this Agreement or by law, Bank and
ISO may set off any amounts due to it against any property of Merchant
in its possession or under its control.
- Exclusivity. Merchant shall submit all Transactions made during
the term hereof solely to Bank for processing. If Merchant fails to
comply with this provision, Merchant agrees to pay Bank, within 10 days
of the date of non-compliance, a liquidated damages sum to be determined
by computing the projected gross dollar volume of Transactions processed
by Bank on behalf of the Merchant for the remainder of the term hereof
and multiplying that number by 1%. Merchant and Bank agree that the
damages suffered by Bank as a result of such non-compliance would be
extremely difficult to calculate with precision. For that reason, the
parties hereto agree that the liquidated damages should be computed as
set forth above. Any exceptions to this exclusive arrangement must be
approved by Bank and ISO in advance in writing.
- Amendments to this Agreement. From time-to-time Bank may amend
this Agreement as follows:
- Bank may amend or delete Cards or Services listed in Schedule A
by notifying Merchant in writing of any such amendment. All provisions
of this Agreement shall apply to Cards or Services added to this
Agreement. Bank shall notify Merchant of the fees to be charged for
processing the additional Cards and Services. Acceptance by Merchant of
a new approved Card as payment for a Transaction or use of a new Service
after Bank has sent Merchant notice of an amendment shall constitute
Merchant’s agreement to the amendment and the fees or charges related to
these additions.
- From time to time, Bank may change all rates, fees and charges
set forth on Schedule A. Bank will provide written notice to Merchant of
all such amendments. Bank may change the rates, fees and charges without
prior written notice if Merchant’s sales volume or average Transaction
amount does not meet Merchant’s projections contained in the Merchant
Application form to which this Agreement is attached or if the risk
factors associated with processing Transactions increase. If notice is
required, Bank will give written notice on the Merchant Statement. All
new rates, fees and charges will become effective for the month
immediately following the month in which the notice appeared on the
Merchant Statement unless Merchant terminates this Agreement in
accordance with Section
- Bank may amend this Agreement in any manner other than as
described in Section 31(a) or 31(b) above simply by providing written
notice of such amendment to Merchant, and such amendment shall become
effective on the latter of: (i) the date on which such written notice is
received by Merchant; or (ii) a date specified by Bank in such written
notice.
- Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by Merchant
without the prior written consent of Bank. Bank may assign this
Agreement without limitation. Assignment of this Agreement by Bank shall
relieve Bank of any further obligations under this Agreement.
- Financial Accommodations. Bank, ISO and Merchant intend this
Agreement to be construed as a contract to extend financial
accommodations for the benefit of Merchant.
- Waiver. To the extent that Merchant becomes a debtor under any
chapter of title 11 of the United States Code and such event does not
result in the termination of this Agreement, Merchant hereby
unconditionally and absolutely waives any right or ability that Merchant
may otherwise have had to oppose, defend against or otherwise challenge
any motion filed by Bank for relief from the automatic stay of 11 U.S.C.
§ 362(a) to enforce any of Bank’s rights or claims under this
Agreement.
- Cooperation. In their dealings with one another, each party
agrees to act reasonably and in good faith and to fully cooperate with
each other in order to facilitate and accomplish the transactions
contemplated hereby.
- Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Schedules
attached hereto, supersedes any other agreement, whether written or
oral, that may have been made or entered into by any party (or by any
officer or officers of any party) relating to the matters covered herein
and constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto.
- Severability. If any provisions of this Agreement shall be held,
or deemed to be, or shall in fact be, inoperative or unenforceable as
applied in any particular situation, such circumstance shall not have
the effect of rendering any other provision or provisions herein
contained invalid, inoperative or unenforceable to any extent
whatsoever. The invalidity of any one or more phrases, sentences,
clauses or sections herein contained shall not affect the remaining
portions of this Agreement or any part hereof.
- Notices. Except for notices provided by Bank to Merchant on the
Merchant Statement, all notices, requests, demands or other instruments
which may or are required to be given by any party hereunder shall be in
writing and each shall be deemed to have been properly given when: (i)
served personally on an officer of the party to whom such notice is to
be given, (ii) upon expiration of a period of three (3) business days
from and after the date ofmailing thereof when mailed postage prepaid by
registered or certified mail, requesting return receipt, or (iii) upon
delivery by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service,
addressed as follows:
If to BANK:
If to ISO:
If to MERCHANT:
Address listed on the application to which this Agreement is
attached.
Any party may change the address to which subsequent notices are to
be sent by notice to the others given as aforesaid.
- Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, California or
Virginia, without regard to internal principles of conflict of laws, and
federal law.
- Captions. Captions in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and are not to be considered as defining or limiting in
any way the scope or intent of the provisions of this
Agreement.
- No Waiver. Any delay, waiver or omission by Bank to exercise any
right or power arising from any breach or default of the other party in
any of the terms, provisions or covenants of this Agreement shall not be
construed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of the same
or any other terms, provisions or covenants on the part of the other
party. All remedies afforded by this Agreement for a breach hereof shall
be cumulative.
- Force Majeure. The parties shall be excused from performing any
of their respective obligations under this Agreement which are prevented
or delayed by any occurrence not within their respective control
including but not limited to strikes or other labor matters, destruction
of or damage to any building, natural disasters, accidents, riots or any
regulation, rule, law, ordinance or order of any federal, state or local
government authority.
- Cooperation. Merchant covenants and agrees that, if it is
undergoing forensic investigation at the time this Agreement is signed,
Merchant will fully cooperate with the investigation until it is
completed.
- Limited Acceptance. Visa Rules allow Merchant to become a Limited
Acceptance Merchant as part of its use of Bank’s Services. A “Limited
Acceptance Merchant,” as defined by Visa, is a merchant that accepts
either, but not both, of the following:
- Visa Credit and Business Category Cards
- Visa Debit Category Cards
Merchant has elected to become a Limited Acceptance Merchant by
choosing to accept ONLY (please mark the applicable card category
below):
- Visa Credit and Business Category Cards
- Visa Debit Category Cards
Merchant’s failure to select one of the Limited Acceptance Categories
above means that Merchant has elected to accept BOTH Visa Credit and
Business Category Cards and Visa Debit Category Cards.
If Merchant elects to be a Limited Acceptance Merchant, Merchant must
properly display the Visa-approved signage that represents the Limited
Acceptance Category that Merchant has selected above.
- Special Merchant Categories.
- If Merchant is a Health Care Merchant (as defined by the Visa
Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules (the “Visa Core Rules”)),
Merchant acknowledges that it must comply with the provisions of Section
5.9.12 of the Visa Core Rules.
- If Merchant is a T&E Merchant (as defined by the Visa Core
Rules), Merchant acknowledges that it must comply with all of the
provisions of the Visa Core Rules relating to T&E Merchants,
including Sections 5.9.6, 5.10.4.1, 7.3.12, and 11.1.3.2. Merchant
further agrees that, if it is an International Airline Program Merchant
(as defined by the Visa Core Rules), the terms of the attached
International Airline Program Merchant Addendum apply.
- If Merchant receives BIN information from Bank, Merchant agrees
that: (i) such information may be used solely for purposes of
identifying Visa card product types at the point of sale; (ii) Merchant
may not, and will not, disclose such information to any third party; and
(iii) Merchant will treat such information as proprietary and
confidential information belonging to Visa and with the same degree and
case as information labeled “Visa Confidential.” (d.) If Merchant is an
Electronic Commerce Merchant (as defined by the Visa Core Rules and Visa
Product and Service Rules (2014)—the “VCR”), the following terms apply
(references following each requirement indicate whether the requirement
is located in the VCR or the Visa Acquirer Risk Program Standards Guide
(2010) (VPSG); capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in this
Agreement are used as defined in the VCR):
- Merchant must display its consumer data privacy policy on its
website. (VPSG)
- Merchant must display the security method it uses for the
transmission of payment data on its website. (VPSG)
- Merchant must offer Cardholders a secure transaction method and a
data protection method, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), 3-D Secure
and/or Verified by Visa. (VPSG; VCR Section 1.5.6.2)
- For Non-Secure Transactions and Non-Authenticated Security
Transactions, Merchant must attempt to obtain a Visa Card expiration
date and submit it as part of the Authorization Request. (VCR Section
5.8.4.1)
- Merchant’s website must contain all of the following:
- Customer service contact, including email address or telephone
number.
- The address, including the country, of Merchant’s permanent
establishment, either:
- On the same screen view as the checkout screen used to present
the final Transaction amount; or
- Within the sequence of web pages, the Cardholder accesses during
the checkout process.
- Policy for delivery of multiple shipments.
- Security capabilities and policy for transmission of payment card
details.
- In addition, on an Online Gambling Merchant’s homepage or payment
page, all of the following:
- The statement “Internet gambling may be illegal in the
jurisdiction in which you are located; if so, you are not authorized to
use your payment card to complete this transaction”.
- A statement of the Cardholder’s responsibility to know the laws
concerning online gambling in the Cardholder’s country.
- A statement prohibiting the participation of minors.
- A complete description of the rules of play, cancellation
policies, and pay-out policies.
- A statement recommending that the Cardholder retain a copy of
Transaction records and Merchant policies and rules; and
- An Acquirer numeric identifier specified by Visa. (VCR Section
5.9.3.1)
- Merchant must not display the full Account Number to the
Cardholder online. (VCR Section 5.9.3.2)
- If Merchant is a Verified by Visa Merchant, Merchant acknowledges
that its Electronic Commerce Transactions are not eligible for
Chargeback protection from Chargeback reason codes 75 (Transaction Not
Recognized) and 83 (Fraud-Card-Absent Environment) if either:
- The Merchant is classified with one of the following MCCs:
- MCC 4829 (Wire Transfer Money Orders).
- MCC 5967 (Direct Marketing – Inbound Teleservices
Merchant).
- MCC 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions – Foreign Currency, Money
Orders [not Wire Transfer], Travelers’ Cheques); or
- MCC 7995 (Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming
Chips, Off-Track Betting, and Wagers at Racetracks); or
- Merchant has been identified in the Merchant Chargeback
Monitoring Program or Risk Identification Service Online. Merchant
remains ineligible while it is in either program, and for an additional
4 months after exiting the program. This condition also applies if
Merchant enabled Verified by Visa while identified in either program.
(VCR Section 5.9.3.5)
- Merchant must include the following in its transaction
receipts:
- Customer service contact.
- Merchant country; and
- Conditions of sale, including return and cancellation policy.
(VCR Section 5.10.3.3)
- In an Authorization Request, Merchant must not transmit
Authentication Data specific to one Transaction with another
Transaction, except when either:
- 2 Transactions are related due to delayed delivery: or
- All items of an order cannot be shipped at the same time. (VCR
Section 10.15.3.2)
If Merchant limits its acceptance of returned merchandise or is an
Electronic Commerce Merchant, Merchant must ensure that its return
policies are clearly indicated to a Cardholder on the Transaction
Receipt or on Merchant’s website, as follows (VCR Section 5.4.2.4):
- Participation in the American Express OptBlue® Program
By checking the “Accept” checkbox next to AMERICAN EXPRESS OptBlue®
on [the application], Merchant has elected to participate in the
American Express OptBlue program (“American Express Card Acceptance”).
Any defined term in this Section 46 that is not defined elsewhere in
this Agreement shall be given the definition assigned by American
Express. In the event of any conflict between any defined term in this
Agreement and any defined term by American Express, the definition
provided by American Express shall control. The following terms and
conditions apply to Merchant’s participation in American Express Card
Acceptance.
- The definition of “Association(s)” is changed to read as
follows:
“Association(s)” means VISA U.S.A., Inc. (“Visa”), MasterCard
International Incorporated (“MasterCard”), Discover Financial Services
LLC (“Discover”) and American Express Travel Related Services Company,
Inc. (“American Express”).
- The definition of “Card(s)” is changed to read as follows:
“Card(s)” means either a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express
credit card, debit card (or other similar card that requires a PIN for
identification purposes), or pre-paid, stored value or gift
card.
- The definition of “Issuer” is changed to read as follows:
“Issuer” means American Express or a member of an Association that
enters into a contractual relationship with a Cardholder for the
issuance of one or more Cards
- Merchant authorizes Bank and/or its affiliates to submit American
Express Transactions to, and receive settlement on such Transactions
from, American Express on behalf of Merchant.
- Merchant agrees that Bank may collect and disclose Transaction
Data, Merchant Data, and other information about Merchant to American
Express, and that American Express may use such information: (i) to
perform its responsibilities in connection with American Express Card
Acceptance; (ii) to promote the American Express Network; (iii) to
perform analytics and create reports; and (iv) for any other lawful
business purposes, including commercial marketing communications
purposes within the parameters of American Express Card Acceptance, and
important transactional or relationship communications from American
Express. American Express may use the information in the Merchant
application at the time of setup to screen and/or monitor Merchant in
connection with American Express marketing and administrative
purposes.
- Merchant may opt-out of receiving future commercial marketing
communications from American Express by contacting ISO; however,
Merchant may continue to receive marketing communications while American
Express updates its records to reflect this choice. Opting out of
commercial marketing communications will not preclude Merchant from
receiving important transactional or relationship messages from American
Express.
- Merchant acknowledges that it may be converted from the American
Express Card Acceptance to a direct relationship with American Express
if and when its American Express-related Transaction volumes exceed the
eligibility thresholds for American Express Card Acceptance, (i.e.,
Merchant becomes a High CV Merchant). This acknowledgement is accepted
by Merchant signature on application and include express agreement that,
upon conversion, (i) Merchant will be bound by American Express’
then-current Card Acceptance Agreement; and (ii) American Express will
set pricing and other fees payable by Merchant.
- Merchant shall not assign to any third party any payments due to
it under American Express Card Acceptance, and all indebtedness arising
from Charges will be for bona fide sales of goods and services (or both)
at its Establishments and free of liens, claims, and encumbrances other
than ordinary sales taxes; provided, however, that the Merchant may sell
and assign future Transaction receivables to Bank or its affiliated
entities and/or any other cash advance funding source that partners with
Bank or its affiliated entities, without consent of American Express.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bank prohibits Merchant from selling or
assigning future American Express-related Transaction receivables to any
third party.
- Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
American Express retains a third-party beneficiary right but not
obligations, to this Agreement which fully provides American Express
with the ability to enforce the terms of this Agreement against the
Merchant.
- American Express Opt-Out. By contacting Bank, Merchant may opt
out of accepting American Express Cards at any time without directly or
indirectly affecting its rights to accept Other Payment
Products.
- Bank and ISO have the right to terminate Merchant’s participation
in American Express Card Acceptance immediately upon written notice to
Merchant: (i) if Merchant breaches any of the provisions of this Section
46 or any other terms of this Agreement applicable to American Express
Card Acceptance; (ii) if Merchant breaches any provision of the American
Express Merchant Operating Guide, or (iii) for cause or fraudulent or
other activity, or upon American Express’s request. In the event
Merchant’s participation in American Express Card Acceptance is
terminated for any reason, Merchant must immediately cease all use of
and remove all American Express Licensed Marks from Merchant’s website
and wherever else they are displayed.
- Merchant’s refund policies for purchases on the American Express
Cards must be at least as favorable as its refund policy for purchases
with any Other Payment Products, and the refund policy must be disclosed
to Cardmembers at the time of purchase and in compliance with Applicable
Law. Merchant may not bill or attempt to collect from any Cardmember for
any purchases or payments on American Express Cards unless a Chargeback
has been exercised, Merchant has fully paid for such Chargeback, and it
otherwise has the right to do so.
- Merchant will comply in full with American Express’s Merchant
Operating Guide (as the same may be amended from time to time and is
incorporated herein by reference) (the “MOG”:
https://icm.aexp-static.com/content/dam/gms/en_us/optblue/us-mog.pdf.).
For the sake of clarity, the term “Rules” specifically includes the
MOG=
- A copy of the American Express Data Security Requirements can be
obtained online at www.americanexpress.com/dsr.
Merchant will abide by and fully comply with all Applicable Laws, rules
and regulations relating to the conduct of Merchant’s business. Merchant
agrees to comply with the American Express Data Security Requirements
(DSR). and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Merchant must report all instances of a Data Incident immediately to
Bank and ISO after discovery of the incident. Merchant must ensure data
quality and that Transaction Data and customer information is processed
promptly, accurately and completely, and complies with American Express
Technical Specifications. Merchant is responsible for being aware of and
adhering to privacy and data protection laws and provide specific and
adequate disclosures to Cardmembers of collection, use, and processing
of personal data.