The Payments Guy

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/da/46/8c/da468c88-5ba8-cbdb-3e96-e3de92715c7c/mza_16061173660672888908.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

The Payments Guy

Frank Sena

17 episodes

1 day ago

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...

Show more...

All content for The Payments Guy is the property of Frank Sena and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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...

Show more...

Episodes (17/17)

The Payments Guy

PayPal Account Terminations: High-Risk Merchant Processing Guide 2025

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...

1 week ago

21 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

Are chargebacks really the biggest threat to a merchant account? Not anymore. In under 10 minutes, Frank breaks down everything business owners need to know about Visa’s new Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP)—a major policy shift that’s already impacting how merchants are evaluated. With thresholds tightening and acquiring banks under pressure, over 250,000 merchant accounts are expected to be shut down by the end of 2025. If your business processes credit card payments, this episode is ...

4 months ago

10 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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 gett...

4 months ago

18 minutes

The Payments Guy

Merchant Account Approvals: What Underwriters Want in 2025

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 mist...

6 months ago

18 minutes

The Payments Guy

Payment Processing Terms Explained for Business Owners 2025

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 unders...

6 months ago

19 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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...

7 months ago

19 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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 tea...

7 months ago

16 minutes

The Payments Guy

High-Risk Payment Processing: PCI Compliance Essentials 2025

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. •...

8 months ago

14 minutes

The Payments Guy

High-Risk Merchant Accounts: Understanding Reserve Requirements 2025

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 episod...

9 months ago

20 minutes

The Payments Guy

Merchant Account Fees Explained: Avoid Hidden Costs in 2025

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 an...

9 months ago

25 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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 solution...

10 months ago

9 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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 manag...

10 months ago

49 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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 cov...

10 months ago

15 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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 understan...

11 months ago

16 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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 ha...

11 months ago

15 minutes

The Payments Guy

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

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’...

11 months ago

9 minutes

The Payments Guy

Welcome to The Payments Guy

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 ...

11 months ago

5 minutes