Glossary
Card Account Updater
Card Account Updater services are essential tools for businesses that maintain card-on-file information, particularly for recurring payments, subscriptions, installment plans, or future billing arrangements. This service automatically updates customers’ payment card details—including card numbers and expiration dates—when they receive new cards due to expiration, loss, or theft.
The use of a Card Account Updater service ensures that transactions continue without interruption, which is crucial for maintaining seamless customer experiences and steady cash flow. For instance, if a customer’s credit card expires or is replaced, the updater service automatically retrieves and updates the card information on file, preventing service disruptions due to payment failures.
These services are typically offered by payment processors or acquiring banks and work by collaborating with card networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. When a card is reissued, the card networks notify the card account updater service of the new card details, which are then automatically updated in the merchant's payment system.
Utilizing a Card Account Updater service helps businesses reduce administrative costs associated with manually reaching out to customers to update their payment details. It also decreases the likelihood of cancellations and lost revenue due to outdated or incorrect payment information. Overall, card account updater services enhance customer retention, improve operational efficiency, and support secure and uninterrupted payment processes.