What is the role of the acquirer in credit card transactions? The acquirer is a company that captures the transaction value in the machines (or tr...

The role of the acquirer in credit card transactions is to facilitate the payment process between the merchant and the cardholder. The acquirer is responsible for capturing the transaction value through the card terminal or machine and transmitting the transaction data electronically to the issuer, which is usually a bank or financial institution. Once the transaction data is received by the issuer, they electronically verify if everything is in compliance, such as available funds or credit limit, and then authorize or decline the purchase. If the purchase is authorized, the issuer transfers the funds to the acquirer, who in turn settles the payment with the merchant. Additionally, the acquirer plays a crucial role in accrediting commercial establishments to have access to card terminals or machines, enabling them to accept credit card payments from customers. This involves setting up the necessary infrastructure, providing technical support, and ensuring compliance with security standards to protect cardholder information during the transaction process.