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A merchant processing activity is the settlement of credit and debit card payment transactions by banks for merchants through various card associations.
The Merchant Processing Handbook addresses merchant processing, its associated risks, and risk management practices. The booklet focuses on card payment-related processing, which is separate from a bank′s business of issuing payment cards. The principles addressed may apply to other types of electronic payments. Processors may cover all types of payment cards or specialize in one form.