NRS Pay Blog · Topic

Payments 101

The vocabulary and the plumbing: merchant accounts, gateways, processors, and how a swipe works.

12
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Aug 15, 2026
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Payments 101

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Payments 101
Payment processing terms glossary: 40 words to know

A payment processing terms glossary for store owners: 40 plain-English definitions from ACH to void, alphabetical and skimmable.

Aug 15, 20265 min read
Payments 101
Accepting cards vs. ATM only: count the real cost

Accepting cards vs ATM only: what the ATM detour costs in walk-aways and smaller baskets, and a low-risk way to test card acceptance.

Aug 12, 20264 min read
Payments 101
Choosing a payment processor: a checklist of questions

Choosing a payment processor checklist: the pricing, contract, support, and equipment questions to get answered in writing before you sign.

Jul 29, 20264 min read
Payments 101
New business merchant account: your first 30 days

How to set up a new business merchant account in 30 days: documents, underwriting, equipment, testing, and go-live, in order.

Jul 27, 20264 min read
Payments 101
Switching payment processors without disrupting sales

How to switch payment processors without losing sales: the order of steps, timing, deposits, and what to check before you give notice.

Jul 25, 20264 min read
Payments 101
What is a payment gateway vs. a payment processor?

Payment gateway vs payment processor: what each one actually does, when a store needs both, and the questions that cut through the sales talk.

Jul 18, 20264 min read
Payments 101
What is a merchant ID (MID), and where do you find yours?

What is a merchant ID? Where to find your MID, how it differs from a terminal ID, and when you'll actually be asked for it.

Jun 13, 20264 min read
Payments 101
Understanding merchant category codes (MCC)

What a merchant category code is, who assigns your MCC, how it shapes processing costs and card rewards, and how to check that yours fits your store.

Jun 12, 20264 min read
Payments 101
Why cash-only stores quietly lose sales

Cash only business disadvantages: walked baskets, ATM detours, shut-out shoppers, and what starting with cards actually takes.

May 22, 20264 min read
Payments 101
What is a merchant account, and do you actually need one?

What is a merchant account, what it does, when a small store needs its own, and what underwriters ask. Plain answers for store owners.

May 8, 20264 min read
Payments 101
How credit card processing works, step by step

How credit card processing works, from tap to deposit: authorization, batching, settlement, and where the fees come out, in plain store terms.

May 6, 20264 min read
Payments 101
What are merchant services? A plain-English guide

Merchant services for small business, explained plainly: what you're buying, what it costs, and what to check before you sign anything.

May 4, 20264 min read

Payments 101

All topics

Payments 101

Payment processing terms glossary: 40 words to know

Accepting cards vs. ATM only: count the real cost

Choosing a payment processor: a checklist of questions

New business merchant account: your first 30 days

Switching payment processors without disrupting sales

What is a payment gateway vs. a payment processor?

What is a merchant ID (MID), and where do you find yours?

Understanding merchant category codes (MCC)

Why cash-only stores quietly lose sales

What is a merchant account, and do you actually need one?

How credit card processing works, step by step

What are merchant services? A plain-English guide