What is merchant copy?

Merchant copy refers to the paper or electronic record of a transaction that is retained by the business establishment where the transaction occurred. It serves as proof of sale for the merchant and is vital for reconciliation, accounting, and dispute resolution.

Here's a breakdown of important aspects:

  • Purpose: The primary purpose of the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/merchant%20copy">merchant copy</a> is to provide the merchant with a record of the transaction. This record can be used for various purposes, including:

    • Accounting: Reconciling daily sales with bank deposits.
    • Inventory Management: Tracking sales of specific items.
    • Dispute Resolution: Resolving customer disputes or chargebacks.
    • Audit Trails: Providing documentation for audits.
  • Content: A typical merchant copy usually includes the following information:

    • Merchant Name and Address
    • Transaction Date and Time
    • Transaction Amount
    • Card Type (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
    • Last Four Digits of Card Number
    • Authorization Code
    • Terminal ID
    • Transaction ID
  • Retention: Merchants are generally required to retain <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/merchant%20copy">merchant copies</a> for a specific period, which varies depending on local laws, payment processor requirements, and industry regulations. It's crucial for merchants to understand and comply with these retention policies.

  • Security: <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Merchant%20Copy%20Security">Merchant copy security</a> is paramount. These records contain sensitive cardholder data. Proper handling and secure storage are essential to prevent data breaches and comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) regulations. Shredding physical copies and encrypting electronic records are common security practices.

  • Electronic Merchant Copies: With the rise of digital payment solutions, electronic <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/electronic%20merchant%20copies">merchant copies</a> are increasingly common. These copies are typically stored securely in the cloud or on the merchant's internal systems.