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PCI DSS 4.0: Facts and Compliance Insights in 2025​

PCI DSS 4.0: Facts and Compliance Insights in 2025​

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) has always been the backbone of protecting cardholder data. With the release of PCI DSS v4.0 in March 2022, the standard underwent its most significant update in over a decade. While version 3.2.1 was officially retired in 2024, the real shift comes in March 2025, when […]

How AI and Real-Time Data Are Changing Merchant Payment Processing

How AI and Real-Time Data Are Changing Merchant Payment Processing

In 2025, the payments landscape is evolving faster than ever, driven by innovations that directly impact merchants’ bottom lines. Global digital payment volume is expected to reach $10 trillion this year, growing more than 15% annually.  Merchants face increasing pressure to keep up with customer expectations for seamless, secure, and flexible payment options, or risk […]

Who is the largest payment processing company?

Who is the largest payment processing company?

When most people think about credit card payments, names like Visa or Mastercard come to mind. But while these credit card networks provide the infrastructure for transactions, they don’t deal directly with the businesses accepting payments. That job belongs to payment processors — the companies that provide merchant accounts, handle transaction authorization, manage settlement, and […]

How to Switch Payment Processors Without Interrupting Your Business

How to Switch Payment Processors Without Interrupting Your Business

Switching payment processors might sound like a risky move, especially if you’re worried about downtime, lost sales, or technical headaches. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right plan and partner, you can move to a better payments solution without interrupting your business. At Clearly Payments, we’ve helped hundreds of merchants make the switch […]

Interchange Plus vs Flat Rate: Which One Saves You More?

Interchange Plus vs Flat Rate: Which One Saves You More?

If your business accepts credit cards, choosing the right pricing model can have a big impact on your bottom line. The two most common options are Flat Rate and Interchange Plus. While both help you process payments, how you’re charged—and how much—can differ significantly. This article breaks down the key differences in simple terms, so […]

An Overview of FedNow and Bank to Bank Transfer Payments in USA

An Overview of FedNow and Bank to Bank Transfer Payments in USA

The landscape of payments in the United States is undergoing a rapid transformation. As digital commerce expands and consumer expectations evolve, the demand for faster, more secure, and cost-effective payment solutions has intensified.  One of the most significant recent developments in this space is the introduction of FedNow, a real-time payment system launched by the […]

Modernizing Government Payment Systems for Efficiency and Trust

Modernizing Government Payment Systems for Efficiency and Trust

Government agencies face mounting pressure to provide efficient, secure, and accessible payment options for their services, agencies, and constituents.  Old payment systems are more than just an inconvenience — they’re a liability. Every paper-based transaction or manual process is a missed opportunity to cut costs, improve security, and serve citizens better. In an age where […]

Alternative Payment Methods

Alternative Payment Methods

Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) have become a big part of today’s evolving fintech landscape, as consumers seek faster, more convenient, and secure ways to pay.  As digital transformation continues, new payment methods have grown beyond traditional credit and debit cards, reshaping the way businesses accept payments and how customers choose to make them.  This guide […]

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in 2024

What are Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)?

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) have received attention in recent years as central banks worldwide explore the potential to evolve the way we conduct financial transactions.  With the rise of digital payments, cryptocurrencies, and fintech innovations, CBDCs represent a new frontier in the evolution of money. This article covers what CBDCs are, how they have […]