French businesses aiming US growth often underestimate the major differences in payment processing between France and the US, leading to delays, higher costs, and lost revenue.
As a nearly two decades expert in international payments at Navidor Payment Solutions, I’ve seen these pitfalls firsthand with French merchants launching, or already present, in the US market.
Key Structural Differences
US Payment Industry relies on a complex “millefeuille” of intermediaries like Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), processors, and equipment providers, unlike France’s bank-centric model where banks handle themselves most needs directly.
Merchant accounts typically require a US residential address and Social Security Number for signatories – barriers absent in Europe’s streamlined setup – often delaying launches by weeks, not to mention applications rejections.
Pricing is opaque with hundreds of “Interchange” rates, themselves influenced by many factors, generating a great confusion for the merchants, and leading to very high global rates.
Risk and Compliance Gaps
Chargebacks haunt US based merchants: consumers dispute up to 6 months post-purchase, presuming the seller guilty until proven innocent, shifting liability to acquirers if unresolved – far riskier than Europe’s quick resolutions.
3D Secure is mandatory in France for fraud protection but rare in the US, where PCI DSS compliance falls squarely on merchants with rigorous audits.
Practical Insights for FACC Members
French-American members can save time, money and a great bunch of energy by partnering with Navidor, a bilingual Payment expert company, providing SSN-free accounts, optimized pricing, and many add-ons like multi-currency, integrated accounting, payment links or QR codes.
Proactive (free) audits and 3D Secure integration slash chargebacks, tools like electronic invoicing and customized reporting bridge gaps. Early payment setup via experts like Navidor ensures seamless expansion! Contact us for tailored support.
Navidor offers cutting-edge payment solutions to merchants: Credit Card Processing, ACH Debit/Echecks, International Transfers, as well as Value Added Services, such as: Multi Currency, Electronic Invoicing, Gift & Loyalty cards, Check processing and Cash Advances/Loans. We can serve merchants located in the US, Canada, LATAM, and Europe. Navidor is built on a foundation of individual attention, competitive pricing, exceptional customer service, and the understanding that our customers are our most important assets. We offer a service with a unique understanding of our customers’ needs and the ability, resources, and commitment to meet those needs.
Yves de Ternay is the Sales Director of Navidor: He brings 18 years of successful sales experience in payment solutions in the USA and Canada, specializing in credit card processing and international payments. He bridges the contrasting French and US systems, helping merchants navigate compliance, chargebacks, and optimization for seamless cross-Atlantic growth.
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