Use a virtual terminal, not a card machine
A virtual terminal in your browser is designed for card-not-present transactions, records the authorisation properly and avoids the risk of card details being written down while someone finds the terminal.
Reduce fraud exposure
Card-not-present transactions place liability with the merchant in most dispute scenarios.
- Always capture the billing address and CVV for AVS checks
- Never accept a card number by email or voicemail
- Be wary of unusually large first orders with urgent delivery
- Send a payment link instead where possible — it shifts liability via 3D Secure
Pay-by-link is usually better
Most modern providers offer a link you can text or email. It is cheaper than MOTO, authenticates the cardholder, and leaves a clean audit trail — three advantages for the same amount of effort.
Want this reviewed for your business?
Send us a recent bill and a consultant from our Cardiff office will tell you, honestly, whether you are paying more than you need to.