Taking payments securely

All your questions answered

• What kind of card payments can be accepted
• What security measures are in place
• Which terminal is right for your business

Whether it's e-commerce credit and debit card processing, face-to-face transactions or taking card payments over the phone, cards are now the most used payment method in the UK.* More efficient, with reduced risk for businesses, card acceptance makes business easier for you and your customers.

Here we provide answers to the most common questions that our customers ask. We also give you an introduction to the range of terminals offered by Bank of Scotland Merchant Services.

If you would like more information about our range of merchant account services – or if you'd like to apply to take our card acceptance service, we'd be delighted to help. Call us on 0800 652 5808† (Mon – Fri, 8.30am to 5.30pm) and quote reference T69 or email us.

What type of card payments can I accept?

That's really up to you. On the phone, online, by mail or face-to-face, we have an option to suit.

• Cardholder present: this is the most common form of processing credit and debit cards in most businesses.
• Cardholder not present (CNP): this refers to payments made over the phone, by fax or by mail order.
• E-commerce card processing: 58% of all adults in the UK made an online purchase during 2006**

What security measures are in place?

• Cardholder present:
  Bank of Scotland Merchant Services cardholder present payment solutions are all fully chip and PIN compliant so you can be assured you are taking card payments as securely and safely as possible.
• Cardholder not present (CNP):
  There are two layers of security protection. CSC (Card Security Code) consists of the last three digits on the reverse of the credit or debit card. By asking the customer for these, you are reducing the possibility of fraudulent misuse of the cardholder's card details. Similarly AVS (Address Verification Service) allows you to instantly confirm a cardholder's address against their records.
• E-commerce credit card processing:
  There are two options for security protection. VbV (Verified by Visa) and MasterCard SecureCode are industry-wide initiatives designed to combat fraud.

Further information

For further guidance and help on accepting cards for your business, visit the Retailers and Cards website (opens new window). This site has been designed by APACS, the UK trade association for payments and for institutions that deliver payment services to customers.

By using the latest security measures Bank of Scotland Merchant Services will be able to offer you the best rates we can for processing card payments.

Which terminal is right for my business?

Find out more about the latest terminals we have available. Alternatively, call us now on 0800 652 5808† (Mon – Fri, 8.30am to 5.30pm) and quote reference T69 or email us.

Merchant Services is a chargeable service. Terminal leasing is subject to a three year minimum rental agreement. Prices are dependent on terminal type and length of rental agreement.

This service is provided to Bank of Scotland by First Data International.

* Source: APACS April 2006

** APACS 2007. UK Plastic Cards Report.