Discover Network has broken down FAQ’s into areas to help you find exactly the information you need in the context you need it. You can search this section for information pertinent to an issuer or merchant.
Discover Network is a comprehensive card payment solutions provider that is focused on helping our customers drive profitable and loyal relationships with their customers. We deliver products, services and expertise that help our customers provide differentiated offerings that drive long-lasting value for their customers.
There are a number of types of credit card products
available.
Issuers have a great deal of control over the program
development and marketing, optimizing the product solution
for your customer.
To help issuers drive results with their campaigns, Discover Network offers marketing templates that can be customized with their offer, card art and logo. Templates are available for signage and other marketing materials. Discover Network Card ad templates can be customized and used for your own advertising strategy.
The Discover Network brand offers issuers a new choice in card issuance to attract and retain new customers, drive activation and increase usage among existing customers. Discover Network branded cards can be used to address a diverse group of consumer segments or target specific consumers segments that value the attributes of Discover Network. At Discover Network, we provide the products, services and expertise that help our issuers create differentiated products and programs designed to achieve loyalty with their customers. We are focused on identifying the solutions, service standards and innovative marketing programs that help our customers raise consumer standards and take loyalty to the next level.
Broad acceptance network with millions of merchant
and cash access locations throughout the U.S., Canada,
Mexico and the Caribbean. Growing international acceptance
through strong Network growth in Mexico, Central America,
Canada and the Caribbean, as well as key strategic acceptance
relationships with China UnionPay and JCB in Japan
Peace of mind from built-in fraud prevention features
and purchase authorization requirements
Easy access to cash at thousands of ATM, financial
institution and merchant point-of sale locations
Discover Network maintains close relationships with the largest merchants in the country. We leverage these relationships to help bring merchants and issuers together to offer special co-marketing promotions to their customers. Merchant co-marketing takes many forms—discounts, reward incentives, coupons, Web discounts and more. Merchant co-marketing helps issuers and merchants add tangible value to their card programs and encourages increased card use and spend.
Discover Network offers a broad range of products from fully closed-loop to general-purpose open-network cards and everything in between. Issuers have a great deal of control over the program development and marketing, optimizing the product solution for your customer.
Discover Network offers training and informational pieces to help issuers educate employees about Discover Network Cards. An account team is in place to address issuer and cardholder needs. Discover Network works with each issuer to deliver valuable solutions.
Discover Network believes the key to success is working collaboratively with our issuers to maximize the success of their programs. We have dedicated teams to support issuers. From establishing technical connection to program maximization, Discover Network provides full support. Our operating regulations were developed with the issuer in mind and are a fraction of the size of other network's regulations. Discover Network also has an Issuer Advisory Committee where our issuers can openly discuss topics of network management and administration and make recommendations.
In 2005, Discover Network acquired PULSE Association,
one of the nation's largest ATM/debit networks serving
more than 4,400 banks, credit unions and savings institutions.
It links cardholders with nearly 260,000 ATMs, as well
as POS terminals and retail locations nationwide. Issuers
who choose to participate in the PULSE Network can offer
expanded cash access, creating cardholder convenience
to build lasting customer loyalty.
Discover Network is able to quickly deploy new issuer programs. Based on the program and other variables including the issuer's technology infrastructure and processor relationships, implementation can be as short as 90-120 days.
Discover Network is a comprehensive card payment solutions provider that is focused on helping our customers drive profitable and loyal relationships with their customers. We deliver products, services and expertise that help our customers provide differentiated offerings that drive long-lasting value for their customers.
There are a variety of Prepaid Card products
that are available. Issuers have a great deal of control
over the program development and marketing, optimizing
the product solution for your customer.
To help issuers drive results with their campaigns, Discover Network offers marketing templates that can be customized with their offer, card art and logo. Templates are available for signage and other marketing materials. Discover Network Card ad templates can be customized and used for your own advertising strategy.
The Discover Network brand offers issuers a new choice in card issuance to attract and retain new customers, drive activation and increase usage among existing customers. Discover Network branded cards can be used to address a diverse group of consumer segments or target specific consumer segments that value the attributes of Discover Network. At Discover Network, we provide the products, services and expertise that help our issuers create differentiated products and programs designed to achieve loyalty with their customers. We are focused on identifying the solutions, service standards and innovative marketing programs that help our customers raise consumer standards and take loyalty to the next level.
Broad acceptance network with millions of merchant
and cash access locations throughout the U.S., Canada,
Mexico and the Caribbean. Growing international acceptance
through strong Network growth in Mexico, Central America,
Canada and the Caribbean, as well as key strategic acceptance
relationships with China UnionPay and JCB in Japan
Peace of mind from built-in fraud prevention features
and purchase authorization requirements
Easy access to cash at thousands of ATM, financial
institution and merchant point-of sale locations
Discover Network offers training and informational pieces to help issuers educate employees about Discover Network Cards. An account team is in place to address issuer and cardholder needs. Discover Network works with each issuer to deliver valuable solutions.
Discover Network believes the key to success is working collaboratively with our issuers to maximize the success of their programs. We have dedicated teams to support issuers. From establishing technical connection to program maximization, Discover Network provides full support. Our operating regulations were developed with the issuer in mind and are a fraction of the size of other networks’ regulations. Discover Network also has an Issuer Advisory Committee where our issuers can openly discuss topics of network management and administration and make recommendations.
In 2005, Discover Network acquired PULSE Association,
one of the nation's largest ATM/debit networks serving
more than 4,400 banks, credit unions and savings institutions.
It links cardholders with nearly 260,000 ATMs, as well
as POS terminals and retail locations nationwide. Issuers
who choose to participate in the PULSE Network can offer
expanded cash access, creating cardholder convenience
to build lasting customer loyalty.
Discover Network is able to quickly deploy new issuer programs. Based on the program and other variables including the issuer's technology infrastructure and processor relationships, implementation can be as short as 90-120 days.
To learn more about creating a prepaid card program with Discover Network, contact your Discover Network Relationship Manager or click to Get Started today.
Cash Over is a program that provides cardholders with a way to access cash at the point of sale
(POS) using their Discover Network Credit Card. Discover Network is the first and only payments network
to offer this tremendous convenience to cardholders.
Cash Over can help you build loyalty, drive volume, increase profitability and shift spending from debit to
credit by adding utility and convenience to your card. Research shows that 57 percent* of debit card users claim
that the ability to get cash at the point of sale will result in more usage of their card. Why not offer the same
benefit to your credit customers on credit cards?
Seventy percent of Discover Network Cardholders stated convenience as the top reason for Cash Over usage.* Cash Over
offers your cardholders the convenience of one-stop shopping with the ability to get cash when they are making a purchase.
While this feature is only available on debit cards from other networks, Discover Network offers this feature on both
debit and credit cards. Cash Over also helps cardholders simplify their bookkeeping by providing one payment method to
take care of all their credit and cash needs.
No—there are no additional fees for you to offer Cash Over to your cardholders. The Cash Over
transaction is treated like a normal purchase transaction and is included in the same process
and fee structure.
Yes. Discover Network has a comprehensive package of marketing and training materials to help you leverage the
program to drive card usage and increase volume, including:
Program tips and educational materials
Promotional content and ideas
Joint marketing opportunities with participating retailers
1. Contact your Discover Network Relationship Manager for additional information.
2. Integrate Cash Over into your acquisition, usage and monthly communication campaigns.
3. Enjoy the benefits of Cash Over, available only from Discover Network.
The Recurring Payments program provides your cardholders
with an easy way to pay their recurring bills. Cardholders
simply set up an agreement with participating merchants
to automatically bill their Discover Network Card Account
at predetermined intervals for recurring or installment
charges. The billed amount can be the same each period
or fluctuate each payment.
Recurring Payments transactions are properly identified in the Authorization files in Field 3 and in Field 7 of the Settlement File Prep 4 or 5. Recurring Payments values include:
Process Code
Name
Description
13
Address Verification with a Goods or Service Authorization for Recurring Payments
Provide street address and ZIP Code (see Field 63 for format) for a continually recurring charge (e.g., monthly, bimonthly) for goods or services
14
Recurring Payments - Goods or Service
A continually recurring charge (e.g., monthly, bimonthly) for goods or services
15
Installment Payment - Goods or Service
Paying for a single good or service
in installments over a defined period of time (e.g.,
monthly)
16
Subscription
Paying for subscription on a regular basis (e.g., yearly)
To learn more about adding product features to your Discover Network program, contact
your Discover Network Relationship Manager or click to
Get Started
today.
The Business Card product is a flexible, highly
targeted credit card that can help drive purchase volume
and increase revenue streams from the profitable, thriving
small business segment.
Discover Network offers exclusive market data and business
insights in order to help design highly targeted programs
that meet the unique needs of small business owners. And
we can show you how to make the most of industry data
to help you improve your program strategy and better compete
for new business.
You can drive volume and increase revenue from the higher-average-spend small business sector
You can access hard-to-find data and market insights from a dedicated small business forum for help in developing a highly targeted business card program
Joint marketing support helps you maximize the opportunity with target prospects
Generate additional volume with employee cards that can be added to the owner's Discover Network Business Card account, while giving the owner the ability to limit, track and separate each employee's purchases
Encourage card volume and loyalty by integrating either
a turnkey or customized rewards program with your Discover
Network Business Card offering.
Implementation is quick and straightforward, plus you receive support from a flexible network infrastructure dedicated to serving your unique needs
You get comprehensive fraud prevention and data security along with superior service
Cardholders have a simple and easy way to manage their business expenses with a flexible payment option that is widely accepted where they spend most often
Cardholders gain extra time for financing business expenses while receiving valuable services like online account management and flexible reporting options
Cardholders enjoy zero liability and comprehensive fraud detection and mitigation tools
Discover Network offers comprehensive fraud prevention,
protecting issuers in a wide variety of ways, including
a 100% transaction authorization requirement, transaction
monitoring. Plus, you can utilize online risk management
tools and reporting, issuer fraud alerts and our fraud
assistance help desk, in addition to other tools and training.
Discover Network offers joint marketing support and training materials to help issuers maximize opportunities with prospects, in addition to unique promotional opportunities with targeted merchants.
Contactless is the latest innovation in payments. Consumers enjoy faster checkouts and convenient, secure transactions without handing their cards to store clerks. It is the foundation for "next generation" functionalities such as loyalty programs and reward redemptions. Contactless payment expansion will continue as card portfolios expand and as existing cards become enabled for contactless payments.
Contactless payments acceptance is growing in locations that typically rely on quick checkouts and cash payments. Contactless payments may also expand to emerging merchant segments such as unattended parking, transit (subway station turnstiles, etc.) and other non-retail merchants.
No, there is a wide range of radio frequency (RF) technologies used for a variety of applications. RFID technologies are designed to operate over longer ranges (approximately 25 feet) and typically provide minimal security and privacy support. Contactless card payment technology is designed to operate at a very short range (less than two inches) and supports the security capabilities required for financial services.*
Biometric technology relies on a finger scan to verify a cardholder's identity for a transaction authorization. With contactless payments, a cardholder authorizes a transaction by using radio frequency technology to transfer account information from a payment device, such as a card, key chain fob or mobile phone to a point-of-sale reader.
Yes, cardholders can use their mobile phones to make purchases with Discover Network Zip. Zip can also be integrated into other payment devices, such as key chain fobs and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
To help minimize your exposure to fraudulent activity,
Discover Network Zip uses security features unique to
contactless payments. A random card verification value
is generated with each transaction which further protects
cardholder data.
Like magnetic stripe transactions, contactless payments
utilize ISO 8583 track data. However, they use specific
contactless transaction data elements: the POS entry mode
value; the service type code; and the discretionary data
information.
Yes, American Express®, Discover Network, MasterCard® and Visa® use a common acceptance symbol that helps consumers easily recognize a contactless payments reader. Contactless payment readers will also include an additional Discover Network Zip overlay to promote its acceptance.
Yes, Discover Network has implemented new indicator requirements
and other unique identifiers to distinguish contactless
payment transactions from traditional card payment transactions.
The merchant's payment processor must program the
merchant's POS
terminal to recognize Discover Network's RF POS Entry
Type Codes.
Field 22, Value 81= Contactless Payments Flag (card/fob)
Field 22, Value 82= Mobile Payments Flag (phone/PDA)
Merchant payment processors must also provide ISO coding
requirements for Discover Network's RF POS Entry Type
codes to their merchants.
Select a card manufacturer that is either approved or can be certified by Discover Network, who can meet our stated technical requirements
Select a personalization bureau that can support the Discover Network Zip payment application including security features unique to contactless payments*
* Discover Network requires that all issuers on the network support security features unique to contactless payments via their authorization and personalization systems and utilize this security feature to ensure
the highest security measurements are met.
The incremental costs are driven by the card volume and design. Contactless payment devices such as fobs and mini cards are typically more expensive than contactless cards, but quantities, design and packaging are also factors. Card vendors can provide more information about the cost of contactless cards and devices.
There is not a single simple solution or tool for preventing
fraud. It takes an assortment of many tools to prevent
fraud. The best protection comes from knowledge and understanding
of the latest tools and trends impacting the marketplace.
Discover Network offers its customers tools to assist
in the fight against fraud. Awareness is the first step
toward fighting fraud.
Here are some guidelines for preventing and detecting fraud. Utilize the following information during the authorization process and ensure appropriate matching logic controls or risk indicators within your strategy:
Cardholder Name (Track Name)
Card Expiration Date
CID (Card Identification Data), the three-digit number located on the back of the Card in the signature panel; or the CVV (Card Verification Value), encoded in the magnetic stripe
PIN (Personal Identification Number) in conjunction with CVV
Incorporate a "real-time" fraud risk score assessment
CVV provides the assurance that the actual card was present at the time of authorization. It is the best defense against counterfeit card fraud. Phishing scams are compromising PINs and enabling fraudsters to utilize the PIN with little or no fraud prevention scrutiny. The combined use of these two fraud prevention tools (where available) can help decrease the risk of approving fraudulent cards.
There is not a single simple solution or tool for preventing
fraud. It takes an assortment of many tools to prevent
fraud. The best protection comes from knowledge and understanding
of the latest tools and trends impacting the marketplace.
Discover Network offers its customers tools to assist
in the fight against fraud. Awareness is the first step
toward fighting fraud.
Here are some guidelines for preventing and detecting fraud. Utilize the following information during the authorization process and ensure appropriate matching logic controls or risk indicators within your strategy:
Cardholder Name (Track Name)
Card Expiration Date
CID (Card Identification Data), the three-digit number located on the back of the Card in the signature panel; or the CVV (Card Verification Value), encoded in the magnetic stripe
PIN (Personal Identification Number) in conjunction with CVV
Incorporate a "real-time" fraud risk score assessment
CVV provides the assurance that the actual card was present at the time of authorization. It is the best defense against counterfeit card fraud. Phishing scams are compromising PINs and enabling fraudsters to utilize the PIN with little or no fraud prevention scrutiny. The combined use of these two fraud prevention tools (where available) can help decrease the risk of approving fraudulent cards.
Cash Over is a program that provides cardholders with a way to access cash at the point of sale (POS) using their
Discover Network Credit Card. Discover Network is the first and only payments network to offer this tremendous
convenience to cardholders.
Cash Over is a no-cost loyalty program for merchants. Cash Over has been shown to increase transactions by as
much as 23 percent,* which is roughly three to four times the lift seen by typical merchant loyalty programs.**
*Discover Network study of a participating merchant’s loyal customers. **Based on data from chockstone.com; leading loyalty programs.
Cash Over offers your customers the convenience of one-stop shopping with the ability to get cash when they make a
purchase—all without additional fees. What’s more, Cash Over helps simplify their bookkeeping by providing one payment
method to take care of all their credit and cash needs. Seventy percent of users stated convenience as the top reason
they liked Cash Over.***
***C&R research conducted on behalf of Discover Network.
No. Cash Over is a fee-free service for both you and your customers. There are no additional fees or discounts
charged on the cash portion of the transactions.
Cash Over has built-in security features like a low $100 cap, signature requirement and in-store
transaction requirements.
However, merchants can further mitigate risks by:
Lowering the maximum Cash Over amount
Capturing data electronically at POS
Viewing consumers’ payment methods and signature
Applying PIN debit cash back policies to Cash Over transactions
1. Contact your Discover Network Relationship Manager to register.
2. Complete the required merchant processor formatting, based on current technical
specifications and merchant operating regulations.
3. Enable your POS terminals to prompt customers for Cash Over on all Discover Network Cards.
Discover Network Recurring Payments enables merchants to process recurring payments more efficiently. It can improve cash flow and reduce billing expenses. And cardholders appreciate the convenience of having bills paid on time automatically—which translates into longer and stronger relationships between customers and merchants.
1. Authorization for each Recurring Payments transaction:
Merchants must receive an authorization through Discover Network
for each Recurring Payments transaction.
2. Card Identification Data (“CID”)
Merchants must submit CID with the authorization request
for the first Card Not Present Recurring Payments
transaction. Merchants must not store
or retain CID on their systems. Also, merchants must not
submit CID with subsequent Recurring Payments
transactions.
3. ISO processing codes
Each Recurring Payments transaction must include an ISO processing
code in Field 3 of the authorization request.
Recurring Payments processing codes include:
Process Code
Name
Description
13
Address Verification with a Goods or Service Authorization for Recurring Payments
Provide street address and ZIP Code (see Field 63 for format) for a continually recurring charge (e.g., monthly, bimonthly) for goods or services
14
Recurring Payments - Goods or Service
A continually recurring charge (e.g., monthly, bimonthly) for goods or services
15
Installment Payment - Goods or Service
Paying for a single good or service in
installments over a defined period of time (e.g.,
monthly)
16
Subscription
Paying for subscription on a regular basis (e.g., yearly)
4. Valid expiration date:
Each authorization request for a Recurring Payments transaction
must include the valid expiration date from the card account.
To protect against disputes and chargebacks. Recurring Payments differs from other transactions and has unique rules governing them. Discover Network, like other
payment networks, has rules regulating Recurring Payments agreements with cardholders, storage of cardholder data and transaction processing requirements.
These rules work to reduce disputes and chargebacks.
Submit the ISO processing code that best fits the type of sale. If you are still in doubt of which code is most appropriate for your business, use 14—Recurring Payments.
You should not participate in Recurring Payments if your processor is not able to update your POS or other billing systems to comply with Recurring Payments requirements. However, we would encourage you to have your POS or other billing system providers update it in the near future.
Merchants must obtain the cardholder’s written or electronic consent to participate in Recurring Payments. Merchants must retain evidence of consent for the term
of the plan. If Discover Network requests evidence of the cardholder’s consent to participate in a plan, the merchant must provide this evidence.
Each agreement by a cardholder to participate in Recurring Payments must include:
Cardholder name and address
Card account number and expiration date
Timing or frequency of payments and length of the plan
Merchant account number
For installment agreements, amount of each card sale and total dollar amount of installment agreement
Contact Discover Network for a sample enrollment template
Complete an enrollment form and agree to Discover Network Account Updater terms and conditions. Download the enrollment form and pertinent information at DiscoverNetwork.com/Updater or contact your Discover Network Relationship Manager or Account Executive to receive a copy. Please fax your completed enrollment form to 614-283-4777.
Discover Network matches cardholder account information updates to your recurring payment authorization history. Once we have identified the accounts that need updating, you receive the replacement card information in a secure monthly e-mail from Discover Network.
Yes-you must take stringent security precautions with card account data to protect cardholders' privacy. You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to collecting, providing and using information connected with Discover Network Account Updater. In addition, you must delete the Discover Network Account Updater files once you have processed them.
The file will be an encrypted ASCII text file format. It will require decryption prior to processing. Check the Discover Network Account Updater Technical Specifications for details.
Contactless is the latest innovation in payments. Consumers enjoy faster checkouts and convenient, secure transactions without handing their cards to store clerks. It is the foundation for "next generation" functionalities such as loyalty programs and reward redemptions. Contactless payment expansion will continue as card portfolios expand and as existing cards become enabled for contactless payments.
Yes, cardholders can use their mobile phones to make purchases with Discover Network Zip. Zip can also be integrated into other payment devices, such as key
chain fobs and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
Contactless payments acceptance is growing in locations that typically rely on quick checkouts and cash payments. Contactless payments may also expand to emerging merchant segments such as unattended parking, transit (subway station turnstiles, etc.) and other non-retail merchants.*
No, there is a wide range of radio frequency (RF) technologies used for a variety of applications. RFID technologies are designed to operate over longer ranges (approximately 25 feet) and typically provide minimal security and privacy support. Contactless card payment technology is designed to operate at a very short range (less than two inches) and supports the security capabilities required for financial services.*
To help minimize your exposure to fraudulent activity, Discover Network Zip uses security features unique to contactless cards. A random authorization value is
generated with each transaction which further protects cardholder data. Discover Network also adheres to the international standard adopted for contactless
payments (ISO/IEC14443).
Biometric technology relies on a finger scan to verify a cardholder's identity for a transaction authorization. With contactless payments, a cardholder authorizes
a transaction by using radio frequency technology to transfer account information from a payment device, such as a card, key chain fob or mobile phone to a
point-of-sale reader.
Yes, American Express®, Discover Network, MasterCard® and Visa® use a common acceptance symbol that also helps consumers easily recognize a contactless payments reader. Contactless payments readers will also include an additional Discover
Network Zip overlay to promote its acceptance.
Yes. Discover Network, MasterCard, Visa and American Express will all offer POS payment solutions that support the same standard for radio frequency (RF) cards-ISO 14443 A/B. You must have peripheral readers/integrated terminals configured for all payment brands you want to accept.
There is an incremental cost. The expense depends on your existing infrastructure and your POS contactless acceptance solution choice. Contact your POS solution provider for exact costs.
Two basic types of readers are available: Peripheral Contactless Readers (PCRs) that plug into existing conventional POS terminals; and Integrated Contactless Readers (ICRs) that replace traditional readers, offering both magnetic-stripe and
contactless-reading capabilities. In addition to traditional countertop terminals,
readers are available for a range of specialty environments, including fuel pumps, ticket windows and drive-throughs.
The contactless POS software prevents multiple devices from being read. To ensure a deliberate card read, a single contactless payment device must be placed within two inches of the reader.
At merchants belonging to certain Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), transactions under $25* will not require a signature, following the same rule as traditional magnetic stripe payments.
*Refer to the Discover Network Operating Regulations for more details.
Like magnetic stripe transactions, contactless payments utilize ISO 8583 track data. However, they use specific contactless transaction data elements: the POS entry mode value; the service type code; and the discretionary data information.
Yes, Discover Network has implemented new indicator requirements and other unique identifiers to distinguish contactless payment transactions from traditional card payment transactions.
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