Glossary of Terms

Data Capture

The collection, formatting, and storage of a cardholder's credit card transaction information in computer memory. Most point-of-sale devices perform data capture functions.

Doing Business AS (DBA)

A trading name of a merchant, which appears on business signs, customer literature, etc.

Demand Deposit Account (DDA)

A commercial checking account that is used as the depository account for a merchant's credit card deposit. (See Deposit Account.)

Debit Card

A plastic card used to initiate a debit transaction. In general, these transactions are used primarily to purchase goods and services and to obtain cash, for which the issuer debits the cardholder's asset account. Debit transactions require the cardholder to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to validate the transaction.

Decline

A response that may be issued by the card issuer when a credit or debit transaction is attempted.

Deposit Account

A business checking account designated by the merchant through which all bankcard transactions and adjustments will be processed by the bank.

Discount Rate

The percentage of each transaction charged to the merchant. The discount rate charge is the lowest for transactions that carry the least amount of risk, and higher for transactions that carry more risk of fraud and chargebacks.

Down Load

Loading of data (usually a program) from an acquirer's computer system to a merchant's credit card terminal.