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What is PCI-DSS (payment card industry data security standards)?
This is an annual certification required of every merchant who accepts credit cards. The merchant is certifying that when they accept and process a credit card transaction they do so in a secure environment that protects the integrity of the card data. The certification process asks about the security settings of your transmittal system (POS machine, mobile swipe, virtual terminal).

Unless you are a skilled IT person the questionnaire can be quite daunting. Most processors provide a service that will complete the certification for you at an annual cost of approximately $75.00 to $80.00. The cost of non-compliance can be as high as $40.00 per month. Because your time is so valuable, LawCharge provides certification services with no mark up on the cost.

Europay MasterCard Visa is the ‘chip’ card now in use to further prevent counterfeit fraud when transmitting a card transaction. It is more secure than the familiar magnetic strip because it is more deeply encrypted. It creates unique data for each transaction on that card. The EMV chip card shifts fraud liability to the least compliant party.

Because of the way we practice, fraudulent transactions are extremely rare for law practices. Most of your transactions will be ‘card not present’ keyed transactions. While you will usually be able to swipe the card at the initial consult or signing of the engagement/fee Agreement, most other transactions will be for client bill payment. You can purchase a USB swipe for your computer but our experience is that it will get little use.

More and more people are relying on credit cards for their business and personal expenses. Many may not have the available cash to pay your retainer or fee. You need to stay ahead of your competition and offer your clients their choice of payment options or they may go to someone who can accommodate them.

First, you need a merchant account. The merchant account is where your transactions will be deposited. This can be both your general operating or trust checking account. You do not need to change banks or open another account. Law Charge will set this up for you. Once we receive your completed application you can begin accepting credit cards within 1-3 business days.

You will be able to accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Debit cards.