Accepting Payment Cards (Credit/Debit)
Accepting payment cards as a form of payment is a privilege at Indiana University. At Indiana University, any department wishing to accept payment cards has the opportunity to do so.
Becoming a Merchant
In order to accept payment cards in return for their goods/services, departments (merchants) must submit a Departmental Request to Process Payment Cards application and sign and return a Merchant Agreement. Upon receipt of these, Payment Card Services will arrange for you to process VISA, MasterCard, and Discover card types. American Express and debit card (MAC/NYCE) capabilities are only added if requested on the application. If at any time you find that you need to expand or limit your capabilities contact Payment Card Services and we will make the necessary changes to your account set-up. It will take approximately three weeks for ID numbers to be verified and to obtain the equipment as needed. A training session for you and your staff with Payment Card Services will then be scheduled. The training will take approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours and the time will be coordinated to meet everyone's needs.
Equipment and Supplies
New Merchants will be required to purchase their own equipment. One terminal and one printer are required equipment. A pin pad is only required if you plan on accepting debit cards. If you experience problems with your equipment, please contact Payment Card Services. We will assess the problem and if necessary replace the equipment. There is a reduced charge for replacement equipment if the malfunctioning equipment is returned to Payment Card Services. Supplies (printer paper and ribbons) and signage (Visa/MC logo stickers and terminal manuals) are free of charge if ordered through Payment Card Services. Current Equipment Price List.
Data Security
Along with the privilege of accepting payment cards, every merchant must be very careful in handling transaction data. Specifically, when maintaining or storing customers card numbers, it must be done in a secure fashion. This issue has most recently focused on Internet transactions, but this pertains to ALL transactions whether initiated via the telephone, over the counter, mail order, Internet, etc.
There are very specific guidelines and requirements regarding university data management and security that have been developed by the University Information Policy Office. These guidelines can be found on the web at http://informationpolicy.iu.edu/data/.
Indiana University policy prohibits storage of credit card numbers in any database, computer, or LAN system. Transferring credit card numbers via unsecured channels (ex: email, unsecured fax, campus mail, etc.) is also prohibited. For more on this topic you should also visit Payment Card Merchant Operational Guidelines.
Contact Payment Card Services
