GLOSSARY
What is an acquiring bank (acquirer)?
An acquiring bank, or acquirer, is the bank that holds a merchant’s account, processes its card payments and carries the risk if those payments turn into chargebacks.
How it works
The acquirer settles card payments into the merchant’s bank account, sets limits and reserves, and reports the merchant’s fraud and dispute levels to the card networks.
Why it matters for high-risk brands
Because the acquirer carries the risk, it decides whether a high-risk brand is approved and on what terms.
FAQ
Acquiring bank (acquirer): questions
What is the difference between an acquirer and a processor?
The acquirer is the bank that holds the merchant account; the processor runs the technical side of the transactions. Some companies do both.
Why does my acquirer ask for documents after approval?
Acquirers monitor accounts continuously and review them when volume, refunds or disputes change.