Most travel merchants are operating with a financial time bomb they don’t even know is ticking. In this episode of the Payments Guy, Frank breaks down why the travel industry is one of the highest-risk categories in payments, how banks evaluate future-delivery risk, and the practical moves that keep your cash flow safe. If your business depends on collecting money now for future delivery, this is the roadmap for keeping the money flowing and your merchant account stable. In this episode, thes...
Most CBD brands don’t lose sales because of bad marketing, they lose them because their payment processor shuts them down without warning. In this episode, Frank exposes the hidden traps that quietly cripple CBD merchants, and reveals the exact steps that keep your business protected. If you’re selling CBD online, this is the playbook that separates brands that scale from brands that get stopped in their tracks. In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered: 01:19 - Why platform...
In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank breaks down one of the most intimidating challenges merchants face: being placed on the MATCH list. You might be wondering: is this a business death sentence? If you’ve ever had your merchant account shut down or been told you’re “high-risk,” this conversation is essential. In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered: 01:30 - What MATCH stands for and who controls it02:53 - The most common triggers that lead to MATCH list placem...
PayPal is an easy-to-use payment processor, but that convenience comes with a cost. In this episode, Frank covers PayPal account terminations and real payment alternatives for high-risk merchants. As thousands of online businesses lose access to PayPal every month, Frank explains exactly how PayPal’s approval system works, why so many merchants get flagged, and the concrete steps you can take to protect your business from sudden shutdowns and frozen funds. In this episode, these questions and...
In this episode, Frank covers Visa’s new VAMP fraud rules and what they mean for high-risk merchants. He explains how chargebacks and TC40 fraud reports now combine into a single fraud ratio—and why exceeding 0.9% could get your account shut down. With acquiring banks under stricter pressure, over 250,000 merchants are expected to be terminated by year-end. Frank shares what merchants must do to stay compliant, plus how tools like PayDiverse’s VAMP Monitoring can help. In this episode, these ...
In this episode, Frank covers why high-risk merchants experience unnecessary payment declines—and what you can do to fix it. He breaks down the invisible tech behind transaction approvals, from 3D Secure and BIN reputation to smart routing and network tokens. If you're losing sales to unexplained declines, this episode shows how to recover revenue and improve approval rates fast. In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered: 01:43 – The real reasons legitimate payments are gett...
In this episode, Frank covers how high-risk merchants can speed up merchant account approvals by understanding exactly what underwriters are looking for. He breaks down the key documentation you’ll need, common mistakes that delay approvals, and how to present your business as low-risk from day one. 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 mist...
In this episode, Frank covers the essential payment processing terms high-risk merchants need to understand to avoid hidden fees, bad pricing models, and costly mistakes. From interchange rates to chargebacks, PCI compliance to flat-rate pricing, Frank simplifies the jargon so you can make smarter decisions, reduce your costs, and protect your business. In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered: 01:30 – What a merchant account and payment gateway actually are, and why unders...
In this episode, Frank covers why Stripe, Square, and PayPal aren’t built for high-risk merchants—and what to do instead. He breaks down how to know if your business is considered high-risk, why popular platforms shut down accounts, and how to get matched with a processor that actually understands your industry. If you've ever lost access to your funds or want to avoid it, this one’s for you. In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered: 00:50 – What makes a business "high-risk...
In this episode, Frank covers how high-risk merchants can avoid account freezes, terminations, and funding holds. He explains what triggers risk teams—like chargebacks, sudden volume spikes, or unapproved business changes—and shares how to stay in good standing with your processor through proactive communication, proper documentation, and smart redundancy with multiple merchant accounts. In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered: • 01:30 – Why do banks and ISOs have risk tea...
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. •...
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 episod...
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 an...
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 solution...
Did you know that working with a payment consultant can significantly enhance your ability to navigate bank relationships and maintain your payment processing capabilities? In this episode, join Jason Selby, payments consultant and founder of Runaway Payments, as he discusses how partnering with a consultant can help merchants thrive in the complex payments landscape. You'll learn about the crucial role of payment consultants, the benefits they bring to merchants, and how to effectively manag...
Did you know that too many chargebacks could lead to higher processing fees or even losing your ability to accept payments? In this episode, join Frank as he dives into a challenge that just about every merchant faces at one point or another—chargebacks. You'll learn about the seriousness of chargebacks, especially for high-risk businesses, and how to implement the right strategies and tools to minimize their impact on your bottom line. In this episode, these questions and topics will be cov...
Did you know that every time a customer swipes their card, there are up to six different players working behind the scenes to ensure the payment goes through? In this episode, join Frank as he unpacks the complex world of payment processing by shedding light on who’s really behind your payments. You’ll learn about the various players involved in a transaction, what they do, and how you can leverage this knowledge to your advantage. By the end of this episode, you should have a clear understan...
Overwhelmed by the underwriting process as a business owner looking to set up a merchant account? In this episode, join Frank as he does a deep dive into the often misunderstood topic in the world of payments, the underwriting process. He’ll cover what happens during the underwriting process, how to improve your chances of approval, and what the acquiring banks are looking for. Whether you're new to payments or an experienced merchant, this episode will help you to better understand what's ha...
Welcome to the first episode of “The Payments Guy”! Kicking things off with some basics, in this episode Frank will be going over the role of a payments broker, the pros and cons of working with one, and when merchants should consider using a broker. If your business is brand new or you went directly to the first processor you came across, this is a great place to start or reconsider. You’ll learn how brokers can save time and money, and if hiring a consultant is right for your business. Let’...
Welcome to “The Payments Guy” hosted by Frank Cena— your ultimate guide to navigating the convoluted world of payments. In this short introductory episode, you’ll get to know more behind the vision for this podcast. If you’re a business owner, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by payments and merchant accounts. Let this podcast become your trusted resource for practical advice, with tangible tips and strategies for navigating the payments world. Join us for this first glimpse at what’s to ...