Accept MOTO Payments

What Are MOTO Payments

MOTO stands for Mail Order / Telephone Order. It refers to any credit card transaction where the card is not physically present at the point of sale. The merchant collects the card number, expiration date, and CVV over the phone, through mail, or via fax and keys it into a virtual terminal.

MOTO transactions are classified as card-not-present (CNP) by the card networks. They carry higher interchange rates than card-present transactions but lower rates than standard e-commerce because MOTO merchants typically have established customer relationships.

MOTO Interchange Rates

MOTO transactions qualify for specific interchange categories that are lower than standard e-commerce rates. Visa MOTO interchange for consumer credit cards is approximately 1.65% + $0.15, compared to 1.80% + $0.10 for standard e-commerce.

To qualify for MOTO rates, transactions must be processed through a terminal configured for MOTO classification. Our partner network ensures your merchant account is coded correctly for MOTO to access these lower rates.

Fraud Prevention for MOTO

MOTO merchants face unique fraud challenges because they cannot verify the cardholder's identity in person. Essential fraud prevention tools include Address Verification Service (AVS), CVV verification, velocity checks, and customer identity verification.

Collecting the full billing address and matching it against the card issuer's records reduces chargeback rates by up to 50%.

Getting Started

You need a merchant account coded for MOTO and a virtual terminal. Approval through our partner network takes 24 to 48 hours. Get a free quote with MOTO-optimized interchange-plus pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MOTO stand for in payment processing?

MOTO stands for Mail Order / Telephone Order. It refers to credit card transactions where the card is not physically present, typically taken by phone, mail, fax, or email.

Are MOTO payment processing rates higher than in-person?

Yes. MOTO rates are higher than card-present rates because of increased fraud risk. However, MOTO-specific interchange categories are lower than standard e-commerce rates.

Do I need special equipment for MOTO payments?

No physical equipment is needed. MOTO payments are processed through a virtual terminal, which is a web-based application you access from any computer or tablet.

How do I prevent fraud on MOTO transactions?

Use Address Verification Service (AVS), require the CVV code, implement velocity checks, and verify customer identity for high-ticket orders.

Can I process MOTO and e-commerce through the same merchant account?

Yes, but your account should be properly coded to qualify for MOTO interchange rates on phone/mail orders. Our partners configure this correctly during setup.