Fiserv

Global payment processing, merchant acquiring and omnichannel commerce solutions

Overview

Fiserv is a global financial technology company providing payment processing and merchant services to businesses of different sizes. Its portfolio spans online payments, in-store acceptance, merchant acquiring and integrated commerce technology.

Two key offerings are Carat, which supports enterprise businesses with global payment acceptance and omnichannel commerce, and Clover, which combines payment acceptance with point-of-sale and business management tools for small and medium-sized businesses.

Fiserv also operates through local brands and market-specific businesses, so the products, acquiring arrangements and payment methods available to merchants depend on their location and requirements. (Fiserv Merchant Services)

Key Services and Solutions

Online payment processing

Fiserv offers payment processing solutions for e-commerce businesses, enabling merchants to accept electronic payments through their websites, apps and supported commerce platforms. Integration options depend on the chosen product and may include hosted checkout, APIs and software integrations.

Merchant acquiring

Fiserv provides acquiring and payment acceptance services in selected markets. Businesses can explore acquiring arrangements for online and in-person transactions, with coverage and commercial terms depending on their location, business model and agreement.

Carat — enterprise and omnichannel payments

Carat is Fiserv’s commerce platform for larger businesses. It supports payment acceptance across different channels and provides capabilities for global and local payments, payment optimisation, reporting and related commerce services. It is particularly relevant to businesses managing multiple brands, markets or sales channels. (Carat Global Platform)

Clover — payments and business management

Clover combines payment acceptance with point-of-sale hardware and business management software. Depending on the market and configuration, features can include sales reporting, inventory management, invoicing, loyalty tools and integrations with third-party applications.

In-store and mobile payments

Fiserv offers point-of-sale terminals and other solutions for accepting payments in physical locations or on the move. Its portfolio includes contactless acceptance and mobile options, with specific products varying by market.

Payment optimisation and risk management

Selected Fiserv platforms provide capabilities for payment optimisation, fraud mitigation, encryption and tokenisation. These services can help merchants manage payment risk and improve transaction processing across channels.

Local payment methods and global acceptance

Through platforms such as Carat, eligible merchants can access a range of local and alternative payment methods. This can support international expansion without requiring a separate integration for every payment option, although the precise coverage depends on the solution and merchant agreement. (Carat Payment Methods)

Supported Payment Methods

Fiserv’s payment-method coverage varies across products, markets and merchant agreements. Depending on the solution, supported options may include:

• Credit and debit cards: Major card schemes, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, with additional schemes available through relevant products.
• Digital wallets: Options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, depending on the product and market.
• Bank payments: Selected solutions support bank transfers, direct debit and account-to-account payments.
• Local payment methods: Carat supports a broad range of market-specific payment options for eligible merchants.
• Alternative payment methods: Selected products support options such as buy now, pay later, gift cards and other alternative methods.

Merchants should verify the available methods for their target markets and chosen Fiserv platform before committing to an integration.

Target Markets and Regions

Fiserv serves businesses across multiple regions, with local merchant-services operations and enterprise payment platforms.

Its offerings may be relevant to:

• Small and medium-sized businesses seeking payment acceptance and business management tools through solutions such as Clover.
• Retailers and hospitality businesses requiring in-store terminals alongside online payments.
• Enterprise merchants managing payment acceptance across multiple brands, channels or countries.
• International e-commerce businesses seeking global acquiring and access to local payment methods.
• Software platforms and technology providers looking to embed payment acceptance into their products.

Fiserv’s European merchant services include local operations in markets such as the UK, Germany, Austria and Poland. Its broader enterprise platforms offer wider international capabilities, subject to product eligibility and contracting arrangements. (Fiserv in Europe)

Strengths and Differentiators

A broad payments portfolio: Fiserv combines merchant acquiring, online processing, in-store acceptance and commerce technology.

Different solutions for different business sizes: Clover targets smaller businesses, while Carat addresses the needs of larger and more complex merchants.

Omnichannel capabilities: Businesses can explore ways to connect their online and in-person payment operations.

International payment capabilities: Selected platforms provide access to global acquiring, local payment methods and multicurrency services.

Integrated business tools: Clover combines payment acceptance with functions such as sales reporting and inventory management.

Technology and distribution partnerships: Fiserv works with businesses, software providers and other partners to deliver payment capabilities across different channels.

Is Fiserv the Right Payment Provider for Your Business?

Fiserv is worth evaluating if your business needs merchant acquiring, a combination of online and in-store payments, or payment infrastructure for a larger international operation.

The appropriate solution will depend on your business location, transaction profile, sales channels, target markets and technical requirements. It is particularly important to distinguish between the Clover offering for smaller businesses, Carat for enterprise commerce and the acquiring services available through Fiserv’s local operations.

Bizz2Pay helps merchants explore payment-provider options based on their business model and commercial requirements.

Looking for the right payment solution for your business? Contact Bizz2Pay to discuss your requirements