The rules and regulations of online payments

Accepting online payments from your customers isn’t just about having a sleek and easy checkout process. Handling sensitive payment data means that businesses are subject to rules and regulations from various entities. In my role as Manager of Operations, I often help our clients navigate the assorted requirements that affect their online payments acceptance programs.

The following is a high-level overview of some key regulations that businesses should have on their radar when it comes to accepting electronic payments, including Nacha’s Operating Rules, the card networks’ best practices for card-not-present transactions, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and an overview of FinCEN’s new CDD rule.

Nacha Operating Rules

Transactions made via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) are a popular way for customers to make insurance, utility, and mortgage payments. Businesses that accept ACH payments are subject to Nacha’s Operating Rules, which provide clear guidelines that govern all transactions over the network. Here is some high-level information regarding ACH return thresholds, which are based on both volume and dollar amounts:

 

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