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What is NACS' Role with this Program?

This new initiative is the result of the growing concerns from our members regarding the increasing cost of handling payments. First Data Corporation is our partner in the Card Processing initiative, based on its high quality service and savings provided to our members. NACS' role is to market the program and then refer the convenience retailers to First Data. All the transactional processes will be the responsibility of First Data.

What is First Data Corporation (First Data)?

First Data Corporation (NYSE: FDC), with global headquarters in Denver, helps power the global economy. As a leader in electronic commerce and payment services, First Data serves approximately 3.5 million merchant locations, 1,400 card issuers and millions of consumers, making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. With more than 30,000 employees worldwide, the company provides credit, debit, private-label, smart and stored-value card issuing and merchant transaction processing services; Internet commerce solutions; money transfer services; money orders; and check guarantee and verification services. The STAR(R) Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 259,000 ATMs and one million point-of-sale locations nationwide. First Data also offers a variety of payment services to businesses around the world including those in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Panama, Brazil, China, the Netherlands, the Middle East and Germany. It's Western Union and Orlandi Valuta money transfer networks include approximately 188,000 agent locations in more than 195 countries and territories. Visit www.firstdata.com for more information.

When can I sign up?

Today! We will be glad to provide you with a First Data Merchant Application. Just answer a few questions for us and you will be on your way to lower payment cost.

How do I sign up?

Complete the Merchant Application and we will send you a First Data contract for your execution.

If I sign up for this program today, what happens next?

Complete the merchant application and return to First Data. First Data will review and contact merchant for any additional information needs. Credit check will be completed. Execution timeline will be provided to merchant with next steps and date the program will go "live". There will be variations by customer due to the type of POS solutions, number of stores and other factors. Our goal is to make the changes as seamless as possible to your stores and your daily business operations.

If I have problems, who do I call and how quickly will I get a response?

When your company sites are implemented by First Data, we will provide your team with an 800 number for payment related questions, or other issues. If you have equipment failures, you will be requested to call your POS equipment distributor, unless the equipment was provided by First DatA

How is this program better than what I've currently got?

The NACS Card Processing Program is simple and easy to understand. There are no hidden fees and no complicated statements.

How will the funding be settled?

Transactions processed by First Data will be net settled into the bank account of your choosing on a daily basis.

I use a stand-beside, dial up application currently, is an integrated POS solution right for me? How should I think about it? Is your current pumping environment turning potential customers away?

It is very possible that if you have asked yourself this question you are missing sales. With the improved transaction pricing this program provides you have a wonderful opportunity to re-evaluate your current environment. Let First Data place you in touch with the best team to assist you with this evaluation.

An integrated POS solution is not right for me. Is upgrading my stand-alone payment terminal the right thing to do? How should I think about it?

Yes! First Data's new and improved solution is fast, easy to use and highly reliable. This system can be purchased or leased and consolidates all payment types so you have more room at your point-of-sale counter.

If I sign up today, when can I start taking advantage of the program and realizing cost savings?

Sign-up today and realize the First Data/NACS Card Processing Program's pricing within the next 30 days.

What POS terminal types do you service?

First Data has chosen to standardize on the NACS, TG23 POS message format. This format standard when supported by the POS manufacturers will reduce their internal cost to make changes and support the needs of their customers. Virtually all major POS systems are supported with the NACS Card Processing Program. A list of certified vendors can be provided upon request.

What other benefits do I receive from a standardized (NACS, TG23) POS message format?

As described above, equipment manufacturers will no longer have to program to multiple processors' specifications. When this becomes true for each of the processors, it makes it much easier for NACS Members to move to the processor that provides you the best business case. It is important to know that the TG23 standard document was developed by and with the manufacturers and processors participation. First Data is an early participant and dedicated to the implementation of the TG23 specification. NACS, First Data and you make a powerful team to encourage the manufacturers to align to this standard.

How is your customer service?

Availability – 24 hours, 7 days a week Response Rate – Calls answered within 45 seconds Service – First Call Resolution (we will resolve your issue when you call)

What happens if you system goes down?

First Data has operational support 24/7 to help with any network issues. First Data also has dual data centers with complete redundancy. In the event one center fails, all traffic is rerouted to the other center.

What is it going to cost me to make the change over to First Data?

In some cases, operators are required to upgrade their credit terminals which can be leased or purchased. Please contact Doug Spencer at NACS. His number is 703-684-3600.

How can I get more information about the program? Who should I contact?

Contact Doug Spencer at NACS. His number is (703) 684-3600.

Do I have to be a NACS member to participate in this program?

NO - Everyone is eligible for this program, NACS Members and non-members alike. NACS Members will receive a further discounted price... so; renew your membership or become a new NACS Member today!

What card types are participating in this program?

Virtually all of your card payment needs will be fulfilled through this program. Debit: Nationwide coverage of all regional and national PIN-based debit networks Credit: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Fleet Cards: WEX, Voyager and Fuelman EBT: National coverage Gift Cards: Dependant upon POS platform acceptance Check Verification Services: Dependant upon POS platform acceptance

When will I receive statements? How and when will I be invoiced?

Monthly - Statements will be mailed to your business address. You will receive a statement from First Data for all fees, including Visa, MasterCard, all Association fees, Debit Network fees, EBT fees, and processing fees for all card types accepted.

What will I be charged by Visa and MasterCard for gasoline and convenience store sales?

DownloadApril 2006 Visa and Master Card select interchange rates (PDF) courtesy of First Data Corp. Visa publishes their April 2006 rates (PDF) on their Website. MasterCard publishes their October 2006 rates (PDF) in a 72 page document on their Website. Update: MasterCard's World Elite interchange rate changes (PDF) effective October 16, 2006. NOTE: These rates change every April and October. Please check with NACS to stay current with the latest exchange rates and other card processing news.

Do I have to load new software in my terminal to switch? How much does it cost?

The interruptions to your business and any fees will be minor, in most cases. The fees are currently set by the manufacturer.

How long will I be down? Does a technician have to come out and who would pay for his visit?

As we discuss your needs with your chosen manufacturer, we can determine how long the download will take and if a site visit by a technician will be required. This will vary by customer. Keep in mind it is intended that the savings you receive from this program will far out weigh any additional implementation costs from this program.

Can we use old PIN pads? If not, how much do the new ones cost?

In some cases it is possible to utilize old PIN pads although each customer situation will be evaluated to understand the needs. All future PIN pad purchases should be DUKPT compliant. The costs on new PIN pads will be identified by the manufacturer. As a part of this program First Data has worked with a specific manufacturer to bring you a reduced price and program to meets your needs.

How much will I be charged for injection fees?

This is a one-time setup charge. First Data utilizes its state of the art deployment center to provide this service to you. Costs will vary by terminal and pump type. Contact Doug Spencer for more information on this at (703) 684-3600.

Will it authorize faster than my current processor?

Yes - First Data's overall transaction response time is on an average of 2.5 to 3.5 seconds from the time of the transaction receipt by First Data's system to the time the response is issued.

Is there a guaranteed network uptime?

Yes - First Data processing is supported by two production data centers and a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, enabling a system availability of greater than 99.9% annually.

Do you have a Web-based reporting tool?

Yes - First Data employs state-of-the-art Web based reporting capabilities to facilitate reporting to all of our NACS Merchants with our application called ClientLine.

What does "interchange" mean?

Interchange is a percentage of each transaction--sometimes accompanied by a flat fee--that banks collect from retailers every time a credit or debit card is used to pay for a purchase, adding up to billions of dollars each year.

Why are convenience channel rates higher than those of big box retailers?

Scale. The big box retailers have tremendous transaction volumes and can negotiate lower rates. This is the purpose of the NACS Card Processing Program – to aggregate operators' transactions and provide the lowest possible rates for our channel.

How long has the NACS program been around?

The program was launched in October 2003.