This eCourse consists of two modules. Module 1 describes the technical and practical aspects of getting a cards and payments program off the ground from the perspective of businesses wishing to break into the industry. Increased recognition of the value of payments data and the availability of technologies for its effective harnessing, banks and other actors have come to recognise the value of the data element of payments. This and the parallel deregulation and the relaxation of the membership rules of major card schemes have attracted FinTech/PayTech entrants into financial services.

Module 2 provides a high-level overview of merchant services. Merchant acquirers play a critical role in the cards and payments model. As intermediary between the merchant and the card issuer, they are central to card and payments acceptance. Merchant acquirers primarily provide payment technology solutions to merchants. With the explosion of card not present (CNP) transactions on the back of strong internet penetration, the rise of e-commerce and mobile commerce and alternative payment types, payment solutions and their fee structures have had to adapt.

On completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the attraction of card schemes
- List the basics of a cards and payments program
- Identify some methods used to promote the use of cards
- Recognise the operational work behind the cards and payments programs
- Recognise the competitive pressures on fees
- List the various initiatives acquirers do to take on clients
- Define the day-to-day operations of an acquirer
- Name the various add-on services provided by acquirers

Module 1: Cards & Payments Programs
Topic 1: Appeal of a Payments Program
Topic 2: Basics of a Cards Program
Topic 3: Marketing
Topic 4: Operations

Module 2: Merchant Services
Topic 1: Merchant Acquirers
Topic 2: Merchant Acquiring
Topic 3: Merchant Acquiring Operations
Topic 4: Value-Added Services