Credit Card Processing at Hotels: Is it Safe?

Evidently any time you have a point-of-sale system that is computer based there is a potential for problems. As long as that computer is connected to the internet it has the ability to be hacked and have credit card information stolen from it. The story surrounding Destination Hotels is proof of just that: Guests who recently stayed at 21 of the resort's 30 hotels may have been victimized by the scheme, which appears to have compromised point-of-sale systems. The company refused to release many details of the incident -- citing an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation -- but in a note posted to its Web site said that it had "uncovered a malicious software program inserted into its credit card processing system from a remote source."

Makes you think twice about giving your credit card information at a hotel doesn't it?

July 4rth is also Cash Only Day!

In an effort to thwart the Durbin bill in congress that will regulate interchange fees, there is a movement proposing July 4rth be Cash Only Day! Now of course you might want to take a close look at the bill Durbin has proposed. It's really difficult to say what the outcome of this bill will be at this point. Will it help or hurt the consumer?

Processing Credit Cards on Your Cell Phone

It's unbelievable how many people are unaware that you can process credit cards on your smart hone.Mobile credit card applications are now available on the iPhone, iTouch, BlackBerry, Google Inc. Android and Microsoft Corp. Windows Mobile. Furthermore, while the service is obtained as a mobile download, it can be accessed through a Web portal on any computer, affording merchants a more encompassing view of reporting data than what's available on the tiny screen of a handheld phone. Merchants can also connect to the  gateway and conduct payments from desktop or laptop computers. The mobile application has a companion product in the MagTek Inc. encrypted card reader for merchants who want to conduct swipe transactions for even lower rates. For more information on accepting credit cards on your cell phone you can contact Prestige Merchant Services. This technology really affords people on the go, real affordable credit card processing options. Until recently you would have had to purchase a wireless card reader (cost-$499-$1200) and pay expensive wireless monthly fees ($15-20 a month) as well as set up fees ($20-50) or lease it ($60-100 a month plus wireless fees).