Before Getting Started

Accepting payment (credit/debit) cards is convenient for both customers and departments. The Cashier's Office will assist you with all aspects of card acceptance. Before deciding to accept payment cards, be prepared to follow policies and procedures that will ensure:

• Financial Integrity: Revenue and expenses are properly recorded and accounted for
• Security & Risk: The method of card acceptance is secure and does not put undue risk on the university or its constituents
• Compliance: The method of card acceptance is compliant with the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)

There are multiple ways to accept payment cards. Which method(s) to use depends on the business purpose/event and how your customers will interact with you. 

• Will your customers present their payment cards in-person, over the phone, via US mail, or online?
• Are you selling goods or services, or registering attendees for a conference/event?
• Is this a one-time or ongoing need to accept payment cards? 

In order to be compliant with MSU policy regarding acceptance of credit cards, there needs to be a PCI steward, signed merchant or usage agreement, and a current PCI self assessment questionnaire (SAQ) on regardless of method(s) used. 

Any requests made through Cashier’s Office will need time for processing and implementation, the time will vary based on the method selected.

Review the Merchant Services Policy Allowable Processing Methods. For more detail, refer to the Manual of Business Procedures, Section 17, Acceptance of Payment Cards (Credit and Debit) and e-Commerce and the Manual of Business Procedures, Section 13, Onboarding and Renewing Service Providers for Payment Card Services.