Glossary
Common terms and concepts in payment processing
42 terms found
3
3-D Secure (3DS)
AuthenticationAn authentication protocol that adds an extra layer of security for online card payments. The customer verifies their identity with their bank.
3DS2
AuthenticationThe second version of 3-D Secure, providing a better user experience with frictionless authentication for low-risk transactions.
A
Acquirer
Routing and ProcessingA bank or financial institution that processes card payments on behalf of the merchant.
Authorisation
Authorisation and CaptureThe process of verifying a payment method and reserving funds without actually transferring them. The funds are held on the customer's account.
Authorisation Window
Authorisation and CaptureThe time period during which an authorisation remains valid for capture, typically 7 days for card payments (varies by network/issuer).
Automatic Capture
Authorisation and CaptureA capture method where authorisation and capture happen in a single step. Funds are immediately transferred upon successful authorisation.
capture_method: "automatic"B
BIN (Bank Identification Number)
Routing and ProcessingThe first 6-8 digits of a card number that identify the issuing bank and card type. Used for routing decisions.
Business Profile
Peach PaymentsA configuration in Peach that groups payment settings, connectors, and routing rules for a specific business unit or use case.
C
Capture
Authorisation and CaptureThe process of collecting previously authorised funds. This is when money actually moves from the customer to the merchant.
Challenge Flow
AuthenticationA 3DS authentication flow where the customer must actively verify their identity, typically via OTP, biometrics, or app confirmation.
Chargeback
Refunds and DisputesA payment reversal initiated by the customer's bank, typically due to a dispute. The merchant may need to provide evidence to contest it.
CIT (Customer Initiated Transaction)
Recurring PaymentsA payment initiated when the customer is present and actively participating, such as a checkout or subscription signup.
Client Secret
Payment BasicsA unique key returned when creating a payment intent. Used by the frontend SDK to securely complete the payment without exposing your API key.
pay_xxxxx_secret_xxxxxConnector
Payment BasicsA payment processor or gateway integrated with Peach Payments (for example, Stripe, Adyen, Checkout.com). Peach Payments routes payments to connectors based on your configuration.
D
Dispute
Refunds and DisputesA formal disagreement about a charge, initiated by the cardholder through their bank. May result in a chargeback if not resolved.
F
Fallback
Routing and ProcessingAutomatically retrying a failed payment with an alternative connector to improve success rates.
Frictionless Authentication
AuthenticationA 3DS2 flow where the issuer approves the transaction without requiring customer interaction, based on risk assessment.
G
GSM (Global Status Mapping)
Peach PaymentsA feature that maps connector-specific error codes to standardised statuses for consistent handling across connectors.
I
Issuer
Routing and ProcessingThe bank that issued the customer's payment card. Responsible for authorising transactions.
M
Mandate
Recurring PaymentsA record of customer authorisation for future payments. Required for recurring charges and merchant-initiated transactions.
Manual Capture
Authorisation and CaptureA capture method where authorisation and capture are separate steps. Useful when the final amount may change or you want to capture upon fulfilment.
capture_method: "manual"MIT (Merchant Initiated Transaction)
Recurring PaymentsA payment initiated by the merchant without the customer being present, such as a subscription renewal or delayed charge.
N
Network Token
Recurring PaymentsA secure token provided by card networks (Visa, Mastercard) that replaces the actual card number for stored credential transactions.
O
Off-Session
Recurring PaymentsA payment made when the customer is not present. Requires prior authorisation (mandate) and stored credentials.
setup_future_usage: "off_session"On-Session
Recurring PaymentsA payment made while the customer is actively engaged with your application. Customer can provide authentication if needed.
setup_future_usage: "on_session"P
Partial Capture
Authorisation and CaptureCapturing less than the full authorised amount. The remaining authorisation is typically released back to the customer.
Partial Refund
Refunds and DisputesRefunding only a portion of the original payment amount, often used for partial returns or price adjustments.
Payment Attempt
Peach PaymentsA single try to process a payment through a connector. A payment can have multiple attempts if retries or fallbacks occur.
Payment Intent
Payment BasicsA representation of your intent to collect payment from a customer. It tracks the lifecycle of the payment from creation to completion.
Payment Method
Payment BasicsThe means by which a customer pays, such as a credit card, bank transfer, or digital wallet.
Payment Method Type
Payment BasicsThe specific type within a payment method category. For example, within 'card', types include credit, debit, and prepaid.
Payout
PayoutsSending money from your account to a recipient, such as a seller, affiliate, or for refunds via original payment method.
PCI DSS
Compliance and SecurityPayment Card Industry Data Security Standard. A set of security requirements for handling cardholder data.
PSD2
Compliance and SecurityPayment Services Directive 2. European regulation that mandates Strong Customer Authentication and enables open banking.
R
Refund
Refunds and DisputesReturning funds to a customer for a completed (captured) payment. Can be full or partial.
Representment
Refunds and DisputesThe process of contesting a chargeback by submitting evidence that the transaction was legitimate.
S
SCA (Strong Customer Authentication)
AuthenticationA European regulatory requirement (PSD2) mandating two-factor authentication for many online payments in the EEA.
Settlement
PayoutsThe process of transferring captured funds from the payment processor to the merchant's bank account.
Smart Routing
Routing and ProcessingPeach's ability to automatically route payments to the optimal connector based on rules like cost, success rate, or geography.
T
Tokenisation
Compliance and SecurityReplacing sensitive card data with a non-sensitive token. The actual card details are stored securely by the payment processor.
V
Void
Authorisation and CaptureCancelling an authorisation before capture. No funds are transferred and the hold on the customer's account is released.
W
Webhook
Peach PaymentsAn HTTP callback that notifies your server of payment events (success, failure, disputes) in real-time.