What Is MOTO Credit Card Processing About?

Have you ever taken a credit card number over the phone? Or processed an order from a paper form sent in the mail? If so, you’ve already encountered MOTO credit card processing. It’s a straightforward way to get paid when your customer and their physical card aren’t readily available. While big-name processors often run from these transactions, labeling them as risky or outdated, we see them for what they are: a vital, human way of doing business. At 2Accept, we believe payments should be simple and accessible, no matter how you connect with your customers.

Understanding MOTO Payments

MOTO is a “card-not-present” payment, which means the card is not swiped or tapped in front of you. Instead of a customer typing card details into a website, you collect those details by phone or through the mail. This way, customers still deal with a live person even when they pay from a distance. The process is refreshingly simple:

1. The Connection: Your customer calls you to place an order or sends an order form through the mail. They provide their payment details, including the credit card number, expiration date, and security code (CVV).
2. The Entry: You or your staff manually enter this information into a secure system. This isn’t some clunky machine; it’s a Virtual Terminal, a secure web page you can access from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
3. The Authorization: Once submitted, the transaction securely travels through the payment networks. The system checks with the customer’s bank to ensure the card is valid and has sufficient funds.
4. The Confirmation: You receive an instant approval or decline. The funds are then settled into your high risk merchant account, and you can fulfill the customer’s order with confidence.

This method is built on conversation and trust. It’s designed for businesses that build relationships with their clients, not just process numbers. While other processors see a risk, we know a business owner providing personalized service.

Why Other Processors Make MOTO Complicated (And Why We Don’t)

If MOTO is so straightforward, why do so many payment processors make it a nightmare to get approved? The answer lies in their rigid, automated approach to risk. Traditional processors and large tech payment facilitators typically view MOTO transactions as “high-risk” by default. Because the card isn’t physically present to be swiped or dipped, their algorithms flag it as a higher potential for fraud. In the United States (USA), CNP fraud accounted for 61% of detected payment card frauds in 2016, costing USD 4.57B This leads to a mountain of problems for businesses like yours:

• Automated Rejection: Their systems identify MOTO requests, especially from industries they deem “risky” (such as travel, subscriptions, or B2B services), and instantly deny the application without requiring human review.
• Endless Red Tape: If you manage to get past the initial block, you’re often buried in endless forms, requests for extensive documentation, and underwriting processes that can drag on for weeks or even months.
• Account Holds and Terminations: Even if you are approved, your account is often under scrutiny. A small spike in MOTO sales or a couple of chargebacks can trigger an automated hold on your funds or, worse, the sudden termination of your account, leaving your business stranded without warning.

At 2Accept, we operate on a different philosophy. A human being should assess your business, not a rigid algorithm. We don’t use “high-risk” as a label to shut you down; we see it as a signal that you need a tailored, robust solution. We partner with businesses across every industry, including those that others have turned away. We see your potential, not a checklist of risks. Our dedicated payment experts understand the nuances of MOTO and build a solution that works for you, ensuring you can accept payments with freedom and confidence.

How 2Accept Makes MOTO Processing Simple and Secure

We built 2Accept to be the antidote to slow, impersonal payment processing. We’ve stripped away the complexity to give you a clear, fast path to accepting MOTO payments. Forget the weeks-long waiting periods and confusing technical jargon. Here’s how we get you there in just two days.

Step 1: A Conversation, Not an Inquisition

It all starts with a simple chat. You tell us about your business—what you sell, how you operate, and what you need. We listen. There are no endless forms or invasive questionnaires. You’ll be connected with a dedicated payment expert who will become your point of contact, ready to build the perfect MOTO solution tailored to your needs.

Step 2: The Virtual Terminal – Your Digital Cash Register

We set you up with a powerful, secure Virtual Terminal. Think of it as a digital version of a physical credit card machine but without the bulky hardware. It’s a simple, web-based page that you can access from any device with an internet connection. When a customer calls with an order, you just log in, enter their details, and process the payment in seconds. No coding, no software installation. It’s ready to go when you are.

Step 3: Fort-Knox Security, Human-Friendly Setup

While we make the front end simple for you, we handle the heavy lifting on the back end to ensure every transaction is secure and reliable. We know security is paramount with MOTO payments. Our systems are entirely PCI DSS compliant, adhering to the highest data security standards in the industry. We utilize advanced technologies, such as tokenization, which replaces sensitive card data with a unique, unencrypted token. This means you can securely save customer information for repeat business without ever storing their actual card details on your systems, drastically reducing your PCI scope and liability. We build the fortress so you can focus on your customers. PCI DSS requirements apply across all payment-acceptance channels, including mail-order/telephone-order (MOTO).

Step 4: Up and Running in 48 Hours

This is our promise. While other processors continue to send you automated emails and request additional paperwork, we’ll have your MOTO payment infrastructure live and ready to accept payments. Our white-glove service means your dedicated expert guides you through every step, ensuring a seamless integration—no waiting, no hassle—just fast, reliable payment processing.

Is MOTO Right for Your Business?

MOTO processing is an incredibly versatile solution for a wide range of business models. If you interact directly with customers to take orders or payments, MOTO can streamline your operations and expand your reach. You should consider MOTO processing if your business:

• Takes orders over the phone: This includes restaurants, florists, home repair services, B2B suppliers, consultants, and any business where a customer calls to purchase a product or service.
• Processes mailed-in orders: For businesses using physical order forms from catalogs, flyers, or invoices, MOTO is the essential tool to process those payments.
• Needs to process payments for B2B invoicing: Send an invoice and have your client call to settle the payment with a credit card. That’s a MOTO transaction, and it’s much faster than waiting for a check to clear.
• Operates in a “high-risk” industry: If you’ve been turned down by mainstream processors, MOTO processing through a specialist like 2Accept can be your gateway to accepting cards.
• Wants to offer a non-Internet payment option: Not all customers are comfortable entering their card details online. Offering to take their payment over the phone provides a trusted, personal alternative that can secure sales you might otherwise lose.

To make it more straightforward, here’s how MOTO with 2Accept compares to a standard online checkout:

Feature	2Accept MOTO Processing	Traditional E-commerce Checkout
Interaction Method	Human-to-human conversation via phone or mail.	Automated, self-service online form.
Who Enters the Data?	You, the merchant, enter the customer’s details.	The customer enters their payment information.
Core Technology	Secure Virtual Terminal on any web browser.	Integrated shopping cart and payment gateway.
Ideal Customer	Prefers personal service, has limited internet access, or is making a B2B purchase.	Tech-savvy and comfortable with online shopping.
Setup & Support	Get set up in 48 hours with a dedicated human expert.	Often, a DIY setup with a chatbot or email support.
Flexibility	Perfect for any industry, including those labeled “high-risk.”	Often, it has strict restrictions and automated rejections.

The Undeniable Benefits of Embracing MOTO with 2Accept

Integrating MOTO processing isn’t a step backward; it’s a strategic move to make your business more resilient and customer-friendly. When you partner with 2Accept, you unlock benefits that go far beyond just another way to get paid.

• Expand Your Customer Base: By offering a simple, low-tech payment method, you can serve customers who are wary of online fraud or simply prefer the reassurance of speaking with a real person.
• Increase Customer Loyalty: The convenience and security of providing payment details to a trusted voice on the phone can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal, repeat customer.
• Streamline Your Operations: For many businesses, a complete e-commerce system is overkill. A Virtual Terminal is a lean, powerful tool that lets you process payments efficiently without the high overhead.
• Improve Cash Flow: MOTO enables you to get paid instantly. No more waiting for checks to clear or chasing down unpaid invoices. Take the card details, process the payment, and move on.
• Enable Easy Repeat Billing: With our secure tokenization, you can safely store a customer’s payment profile for future use, ensuring seamless transactions. This makes repeat orders or recurring charges incredibly simple for your best customers.
• Gain the Freedom to Operate: This is the most crucial benefit. While others say “no,” 2Accept provides the tools and the partnership to say “yes.” We don’t just process your payments; we empower your business to grow without arbitrary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MOTO processing work alongside my existing online payment system?

Yes, MOTO can complement your online checkout, allowing you to serve customers who prefer phone or mail orders while still accepting online payments.

Are there any specific industries that benefit most from MOTO payments?

Industries with direct customer interaction—such as consulting, home repairs, florists, and B2B suppliers—often see the most significant benefits from MOTO’s flexibility.

How can MOTO help build stronger customer relationships?

MOTO lets you offer a personal touch—customers speak with a real person, making transactions feel more trustworthy and strengthening long-term loyalty.

Cut the Red Tape. Get Started with MOTO in 48 Hours.

Stop letting outdated banking rules and rigid payment processors dictate how you run your business. It’s time to choose a partner that works for you, not the other way around. Contact 2Accept, we’re here to make your payments simple, fast, and human. Tell us about your business. Let’s make payments work for you.