The Payments Guy®

Travel Agencies: Your Complete Payment Survival Guide 2025

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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, these questions and topics will be covered:

01:47 - Why travel merchants face more scrutiny
05:32 - The make-or-break details underwriters need to see before they’ll trust you with a merchant account
08:24 - The payment structures that keep you funded instead of frozen
09:32 - Understanding reserves, and how to negotiate them
11:30 - Preventing disputes before they happen
14:44 - The steps to take immediately if your account gets frozen or terminated

When you understand how banks think, you can build stable, long-term processing that protects your cash flow and your business. If you’re a travel merchant who wants stable payment processing, stronger approval odds, or protection against funding freezes, visit paydiverse.com or email support@paydiverse.com to get in touch with an expert today.

Have a question about something in the episode? Send your questions to Info@PayDiverse.com and check out our FAQ page https://paydiverse.com/faq

Connect with PayDiverse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paydiverse
Website: http://www.paydiverse.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksena

CBD Merchant Accounts: Why 90% Get It Wrong & How to Avoid Shutdowns in 2025

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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 platforms like Stripe, PayPal, and Square seem CBD-friendly at first and the exact moment their risk teams pull the plug, freezing your revenue overnight
03:00 - The number one document every CBD product page must have to avoid termination
04:34 - Risky phrases that put merchants on the radar for long-term account instability
06:19 - What underwriters really look for before they approve you
08:22 - The non-negotiable paperwork stack every CBD merchant needs
10:27 - The hidden traps that collapse your ability to process payments

If you’re a CBD merchant who wants stable payment processing, backup accounts, or help fixing a shutdown, Frank and the Paydiverse team are ready to support you. Visit paydiverse.com or reach out at support@paydiverse.com to protect your business and keep your payments running smoothly.

The Truth About the MATCH List — How to Recover After Your Merchant Account Gets Terminated In 2025

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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 it
02:53 - The most common triggers that lead to MATCH list placement
08:23 - What it means to be on the MATCH list and the recovery steps to take immediately
10:43 - Why the right documentation can dismantle assumptions of fraud, rebuild credibility, and get your ability to process payments back online
12:31 - Why being on the list isn’t the end of the world

With the right strategy, many merchants can rebuild processing stability and secure future payment approvals. Visit paydiverse.com or reach out directly at support@paydiverse.com for guidance on protecting and restoring your ability to process payments.

PayPal Account Terminations: High-Risk Merchant Processing Guide 2025

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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 topics will be covered:

Why PayPal terminates accounts and how its payment facilitator model exposes merchants to sudden risk
Common industries labeled as “high risk”and the termination triggers that lead to frozen funds
What to do and what not to do immediately after termination
The account switch that will protect your cash flow
The underwriting process explained: how it protects your business and speeds up approvals when done right
Proven strategies to keep your account safe and the one golden rule every merchant must follow

If your PayPal account has been shut down or you’re in a high-risk industry, don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit paydiverse.com to get matched with a trusted high-risk merchant provider today.

VAMP 101: Visa’s New Fraud Rules—Explained in 10 Minutes

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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 questions and topics will be covered:

01:20 – What the VAMP program is and why it replaces two previous Visa monitoring systems.
02:17 – The role of TC40 fraud reports and why they now matter just as much as chargebacks.
06:33 – How to calculate your fraud ratio and what the new thresholds mean for businesses.
07:22 – The types of merchants most at risk.
08:50 - The steps merchants should take to prepare for the new VAMP guidelines and how PayDiverse’s VAMP Monitoring Tool helps merchants stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Don’t wait until Visa flags or fines your account. Start monitoring your fraud metrics now. To learn more about VAMP compliance or to get visibility into TC40 reports, visit the PayDiverse website or connect with Frank Cena for personalized support.

Payment Declines: Fixing Failed Transactions for High-Risk Merchants 2025

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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 getting blocked and what banks view as “suspicious”
04:17 – The surprising downside of 3D Secure at checkout
05:29 – What’s a BIN, and why does its reputation affect your bottom line?
10:41 – How to use smart routing and networks tokens to improve your approval rate overnight and protect recurring revenue
14:10 – Why Stripe, Square, and PayPal aren’t built for high-risk businesses, and what you should use instead if your business is considered to be high-risk

Don’t let invisible tech hurdles stop your next sale. With the right moves and consultant, you can dodge declines, recover lost revenue, and build better processing flows. Want expert help diagnosing and fixing your transaction issues? Head to paydiverse.com and send the team a message. It’s time to get your payments back on track.

Merchant Account Approvals: What Underwriters Want in 2025

Fri, 02 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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 mistakes get applications rejected.
6:09 - What to prepare for your merchant account application, including the financial proof underwriters expect.
10:40 - Pro tips to speed up approval.

Need a hand getting your merchant account approved? Head over to paydiverse.com or drop us a line at support@paydiverse.com. We’ve done this for years and we know how to make it easy. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Payment Guy for more insights on making smarter payment decisions that fuel your business growth.

Payment Processing Terms Explained for Business Owners 2025

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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 understanding the difference matters for smooth payment processing.
04:00 – How fees like interchange, discount rates, and reserves work, and how to avoid getting overcharged.
07:17– What chargebacks really mean, how to calculate your chargeback ratio, and why banks take it so seriously.
11:45– How PCI compliance and fraud monitoring protect your business—and the preventable fees they help you avoid.
13:57 – The truth about flat rate, interchange-plus, and tiered pricing—and how to choose the right model for your business.

Understanding your payment processing terms isn't just good business, it's essential. If you need help decoding your fees, ensuring PCI compliance, or negotiating better terms, Frank and his team are here to help. If you learnt something from this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—this will help more business owners stop overpaying and start thriving.

High-Risk Payment Processing: Why Stripe, Square & PayPal Don’t Work in 2025

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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" and why banks and payment processors flag certain industries.
06:49 – How to find a payment processor that understands and supports your business and why working with a payment consultant can help save you time and money.
08:11 – Common mistakes merchants make that lead to payment processing issues and what you need to know about working with high-risk processors.
16:38 – Proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted payment processing and financial stability.

Running a high-risk business doesn't mean you have to struggle with payment processing issues. With the right knowledge and partners, you can build a strong foundation for your business and keep your revenue flowing smoothly. If this episode gave you valuable insights, please leave a rating and review and consider sharing it with a fellow business owner who could benefit.

High-Risk Merchant Accounts: Avoid Holds & Terminations in 2025

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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 teams, and what role do they play in merchant processing?
• 06:11– Common red flags that can get your account frozen: chargebacks, disputes, transaction spikes, and changes in your business model.
• 09:36 – What happens when your funds are held, and how to respond effectively.
• 10:48 – The importance of monitoring chargebacks.
• 11:32 - Why you should always have more than one payment processor to protect your business.

Navigating merchant payments doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding how risk teams operate and proactively managing your transactions, you can avoid unnecessary disruptions to your business. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a fellow business owner!

High-Risk Payment Processing: PCI Compliance Essentials 2025

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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.
• 02:15 - The true cost of non-compliance and how monthly fees, hefty fines, and data breaches can impact your bottom line.
• 04:00 - A step-by-step guide to evaluating your security measures and meeting PCI standards.
• 06:00 - Implementing secure payment processors, encryption, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication.
• 08:30 - Leveraging PCI compliance vendors to simplify the process and overcome hurdles.
• 10:00 - Protecting your business reputation, enhancing customer trust, and ensuring smooth payment processing.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Tune into the podcast and take charge of your payment security.

Mentioned:
PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
PayDiverse PCI Compliance Support

High-Risk Merchant Accounts: Understanding Reserve Requirements 2025

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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 episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 01:33 - Overview of merchant reserves: types, purposes, and how they're determined.
• 01:49 - What are reserves? An explanation of how banks manage risks like chargebacks and fraud.
• 03:50 - Types of reserves: Rolling reserves, static reserves, and upfront reserves explained.
• 06:59 - Factors influencing the type of reserve: industry, processing history, and bank risk tolerance.
• 15:05 - Debunking myths about reserves: understanding that they are not punitive measures.
• 18:58 - Understanding that reserves are typically not permanent and can improve over time with trust and good management.

If you found this episode insightful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Let’s empower more merchants to navigate the complexities of merchant reserves effectively.

Merchant Account Fees Explained: Avoid Hidden Costs in 2025

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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 and topics will be covered:
• 00:35 - Overview of key fees in payment processing: merchant discount rate, chargeback fees, refund fees, and essential contract terms.
• 01:25 - The three different ways merchants can encounter discount fees on credit card processing statements.
• 05:44 - Overview of the three pricing models in payment processing.
• 11:10 - Discussion on refund fees, return fees, and reversal fees: understanding the differences and implications.
• 18:53 - Retrieval fees: what they are and when they occur in the processing lifecycle.
• 24:39 - Utilizing AI tools to review legal documentation and avoid surprises in bank agreements.

If you found this episode insightful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Let’s empower more merchants to navigate the complexities of payment processing effectively.

Stripe, Square & PayPal: Are PayFacs Safe for High-Risk Merchants in 2025?

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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 solutions.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 1:10 - Overview of Stripe, Square, and PayPal as popular payment facilitators and what makes them well-known in the finance world.
• 2:29 - The advantages of using payment facilitators: quick onboarding and convenience for merchants.
• 2:57 - The risks involved: account freezes or terminations with little to no warning due to flagged risks.
• 3:55 - 7:20 - The risks of payment facilitators: lack of deep underwriting leading to future problems, aggregated transactions creating shared risk, and warning signs your account may be in trouble.
• 7:37 - The importance of diversifying your payment solutions to avoid disruptions and not relying on a single processor.
• 8:35 - How working with a payment consultant can help find tailored, stable solutions for your business.

If you found this episode insightful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Let’s empower more merchants to navigate the payments landscape effectively.

ISOs & Payment Consultants: How to Build Strong Bank Relationships in 2025

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

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 manage the relationship with banks to ensure uninterrupted processing.

In this episode, these questions and topics will be covered:
• 1:19 - Overview of Jason's background and what led him to establish his consultancy firm.
• 3:27 - The benefits of working with a payment consultant instead of navigating the banking landscape alone.
• 10:16 - The value of having a consultant to foresee and manage potential issues before they escalate.
• 12:52 - Challenges processors face with registered merchants and the importance of established relationships.
• 14:23 - Identifying red flags for banks and how startups can scale responsibly with the right guidance.
• 30:55 - Real-life examples of merchants who navigated challenges successfully or failed to do so.
• 34:00 - The importance of maintaining good relationships with both banks and processors.
• 41:12 - Final takeaways for merchants on how to foster positive relationships with their banking partners.

If you found this episode insightful, please leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform and share it with other business owners! Let’s empower more merchants to succeed in the payments landscape.

Jason’s Links
Website: https://runwaypayments.com
Email: jason@runwaypayments.com

Chargebacks for High-Risk Merchants: How to Prevent Payment Disputes in 2025

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

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 covered:
• 1:15 - What exactly is a chargeback, and why does it happen?
• 3:32 - The three main types of chargebacks: fraudulent, consumer disputes, and technical chargebacks.
• 6:11 - Strategies to prevent chargebacks from happening: the importance of solid policies and customer service.
• 11:11 - How detailed analytics and reporting can provide insights into chargeback patterns.
• 13:33 - Key takeaways for implementing targeted solutions to manage chargebacks effectively.

If you found this episode helpful, leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform, and share it with another business owner! Let’s set up more business for success.

Payment Processing Explained: Who’s Behind Every Transaction in 2025

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

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 understanding of the key players involved in processing payments, including acquiring banks, payment processors, ISOs, and more.

In this episode these questions and topics will be covered:
• 1:54 - Who are the 8 key players in payment processing?
• 7:51 - Benefits of working with Retail ISOs: a wide network of payment solutions, negotiating better rates, streamlining the underwriting process, and providing ongoing merchant support.
• 12:12 - The transaction flow explained in six steps: from cardholder initiation to merchant receipt of funds.
• 13:41 - Fees breakdown: who takes a cut during the process and when these fees are deducted.
• 15:00 - Episode in review: key players in every transaction and their responsibilities.

If you found this episode helpful, leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform, and share it with another business owner! Let’s set up more business for success.

Underwriting for High-Risk Merchants: How to Get Approved in 2025

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

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 happening behind the scenes when you apply for a merchant account and how to navigate it effectively.

In this episode these questions and topics will be covered:
• 2:06 - What is underwriting?
• 2:46 - Why does underwriting matter for you as a business owner?
• 3:44 - The key steps you can expect in the underwriting process.
• 7:00 - The biggest misconceptions merchants have about the underwriting process itself.
• 9:00 - Tips for making the underwriting process smooth and successful for you.

If you found this episode helpful, leave a rating or review on your preferred listening platform, and share it with another business owner! Let’s set up more business for success.

Merchant Payment Consultants: Should You Go It Alone in 2025?

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

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’s begin!

In this episode these questions and topics will be covered:
• 1:36 - What is a merchant payment consultant?
• 2:35 - Is hiring a consultant necessary for every business?
• 2:50 - 3 Benefits and reasons to work with a consultant.
• 4:33 - Does hiring a consultant increase the fees for the merchant?
• 6:17 - Do only big businesses require payment consultants?

If you got anything of value from this episode, be sure to share, rate and review so we can get the word out to more business owners! Time to open up the world of payments!

Welcome to The Payments Guy

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

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 come!

In this episode you will hear:
• 1:10 - A little bit about Frank, his past experiences, knowledge and why he is passionate about this topic.
• 2:00 - Why Frank wanted to start this podcast.
• 2:30 - What you can expect from this podcast and future topics that will be covered in depth.
• 3:50 - Why you should stick around, and what you can learn from listening to The Payments Guy.

If you like what you heard, send this episode to another business owner you think could benefit and discuss your thoughts on it together! Leave a rating and review too! Let’s make payments less confusing and a lot more fun!