Acquirer
Category: Payments
Also searched as: Acquiring bank
Definition (plain English)
The bank or acquiring processor that enables a merchant to accept card payments and settle card transaction funds.
Why it matters commercially
The acquirer influences approval rates, reserve requirements, chargeback handling, risk holds, and whether certain products or countries are acceptable.
Example
A high-ticket importer had funds held until the acquirer reviewed delivery evidence and dispute history for the product category.
Common mistake
Assuming the PSP, gateway, acquirer, and card network are the same party when resolving declines, reserves, or disputes.
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