Why Are More Customer Payments Being Declined on Your Website in 2026?
More customers are reaching your checkout, but fewer payments are being approved. This 2026 guide explains why online transactions may be declined, including issuer fraud controls, consumer credit pressure, Capital One card changes, MCC restrictions, stored credentials and Mastercard SMMP—and what business owners should review when transaction attempts rise but revenue falls.
Merchant Debanking in 2026: Why I Believe VAMP and SMMP Conflict With the FTC’s Direction
Could VAMP and SMMP put legitimate merchants at risk? Joshua Cobian explores their tension with the FTC’s debanking stance and Trump’s executive order.
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.