Card Not Present

Card Not Present (CNP) Payment Processing: What You Need to Know

When it comes to accepting credit card payments, not all transactions are the same. If you run an eCommerce store, accept phone orders, or process payments online, you’re likely dealing with Card Not Present (CNP) transactions—and they require a different approach than in-person payments.

This guide explains what CNP transactions are, what qualifies as one, why they carry unique considerations, and how your business can secure the right Card Not Present merchant account for safe, efficient payment processing.

 

What is a Card Not Present Transaction?

A Card Not Present transaction occurs when the cardholder does not physically present their credit or debit card to the merchant at the time of the sale. Instead, payment information is provided remotely—via online checkout, phone order, mobile app, or recurring billing system.

Because the card isn’t swiped, dipped, or tapped in person, CNP transactions rely on the merchant to securely collect and transmit the payment details for authorization.

 

What Qualifies as a Card Not Present Transaction?

A transaction is considered CNP if both of these conditions are true:

1. The cardholder and the merchant are not physically in the same location during the sale.

2. The merchant processes payment using the card details entered manually or through a secure digital interface.

Common examples include:

• eCommerce transactions – Customers pay via your website or mobile app.

• Mail order / Telephone order (MOTO) – Payments taken over the phone or by mail.

• Recurring billing – Subscriptions, memberships, or installment payments charged automatically.

• Invoicing with online payment links – Sending an invoice via email or text with a clickable payment option.

 

Why Card Not Present Transactions Require Special Attention

While CNP transactions make it easier for customers to pay from anywhere, they also carry higher fraud risk compared to card-present transactions. This is because the merchant can’t verify the cardholder’s identity in person.

For this reason:

• Interchange rates are often higher for CNP transactions.

• Security measures like encryption, tokenization, CVV verification, and address verification (AVS) are essential.

• Chargeback risk increases, making it important to work with a provider who understands CNP processing rules.

 

Do You Need a Special Merchant Account for CNP Transactions?

Yes. Businesses that primarily process Card Not Present payments need a CNP merchant account specifically designed for remote transactions. These accounts are underwritten differently from standard retail accounts and are configured to:

• Support online, phone, and mobile payment channels.

• Integrate with eCommerce platforms and virtual terminals.

• Comply with PCI DSS security standards.

• Handle fraud screening and chargeback management.

 

Choosing the Right Card Not Present Payment Processing Partner

Not all payment processors are equipped to handle the complexities of CNP transactions effectively. That’s where we come in.

We provide specialized Card Not Present credit card processing solutions that include:

• Fast & Secure Online Payments – Fully PCI-compliant with encryption and tokenization.

• Flexible Payment Options – One-time, recurring, or installment billing.

• eCommerce & Virtual Terminal Integration – Works with your existing website, shopping cart, or CRM.

• Fraud Prevention Tools – AVS, CVV checks, and advanced risk monitoring.

• Dedicated CNP Merchant Accounts – Tailored to your business model.

• 24/7 US-Based Support – Help is always just a phone call away.

Whether you’re running an online store, a subscription service, or a B2B operation that invoices clients remotely, we make it easy to accept payments quickly, securely, and profitably.

 

Specialized Features for Card Not Present Merchants

Our CNP solutions go beyond basic processing to give you the tools you need to secure transactions, improve customer experience, and simplify back-office workflows:

• Fraud Detection Software – Proactive monitoring to catch suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.

• Billing Descriptor Control – Customize the descriptor on your customers’ statements to reduce confusion and chargebacks.

• Customer Card-on-File Storage – Securely save cards for faster repeat purchases.

• Automated Payments – Set up subscriptions, memberships, or installment plans that run automatically.

• Address Verification Service (AVS) – Verify the cardholder’s billing address to reduce fraud.

• E-mail Invoicing & Receipts – Send professional invoices and instant receipts directly to your customers.

• Hosted Payment Pages – Let us host your secure checkout page to reduce PCI scope.

• Level II & Level III Processing – Qualify for lower interchange rates on B2B and government transactions.

 

Online Payment Gateway Integration

Many CNP transactions happen online—which means your payment solution should connect seamlessly with your eCommerce platform.

We specialize in integrating secure payment gateways into your existing or new website, shopping cart, or mobile application. Whether you’re using Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, or a custom-built platform, our team ensures your payment process is fast, secure, and user-friendly.

Learn more on our eCommerce Payment Solutions page.

 

Start Accepting Card Not Present Payments the Right Way

If you process most of your sales without the customer standing in front of you, you can’t afford to use a one-size-fits-all payment solution.

We’ll help you get set up with a dedicated Card Not Present merchant account, integrate seamlessly with your systems, and protect your business from unnecessary risk—all while keeping costs competitive.

Get started today and take the guesswork out of CNP payment processing.