Can You Use Stripe, Square, or PayPal for a Free Trial That Automatically Converts to Paid?
Stripe, Square, and PayPal make it easy to launch free trials that automatically convert into paid subscriptions. But for certain physical-product offers, technical functionality is not the same as merchant approval, MCC 5968 classification, or Mastercard specialty registration. Here’s what merchants should verify before processing.
Mastercard MCC 5968 Reclassification: What Subscription Merchants Need to Know in 2026
Mastercard MCC 5968 identifies certain direct-marketed continuity and subscription businesses, but recurring billing alone does not automatically place every merchant in the category. This 2026 guide explains why an established account may be reclassified, what can change, and how to request a documented review.
Mastercard SMMP Is Live: What the 72-Hour Rule Really Means
Mastercard’s Scam Merchant Monitoring Program is now live. Learn what the 72-hour investigation rule actually means, who faces the 5% refund-and-chargeback trigger, and what legitimate merchants should prepare before an alert occurs.