Processors/Acquirers

What are the experiences from the recent implementations?

The first pilot implementations took place in 2007 with subsequent live implementations in 2008. The experience from both these sets of implementations is that the financial and resource investment required from banks and processors are low. The reason is that the EAPS model is based on starting mutual co-operation using existing cards and terminals, as well as a scheme-independent interface for authorisation and clearing between issuer and acquirer.

What standards are used?

The EAPS allows message standards to be bilaterally agreed. In the absence of a bilaterally agreed standard between issuer and acquirer, the Berlin Group standard is used as the default. Experience to date is that several processors in different countries have implemented, or are currently implementing, the efficient Berlin Group message standard, which can be implemented easily.

Where can I get more information if my company wants to offer EAPS services?

Please refer to the download section of this site where you will find relevant documents. You may additionally contact the EAPS management to get the latest information and for an individual consultation concerning possible business opportunities.

How can a merchant accept EAPS cards?

Merchants may simply turn to their acquirer in their current national or regional scheme, which participates in the EAPS, to learn about the opportunities and requirements for accepting EAPS cards.

A multinational merchant may either refer to acquirers of the different schemes in the different countries where the merchant is present or the merchant may simply refer to one acquirer in one of the schemes participating in the EAPS to gain access to the entire EAPS card base throughout SEPA.

The EAPS means a real alternative for merchants to accept card based payments, based on the high level of efficiency of the current national or regional schemes in the SEPA.