What Is 3-D Secure? SCA Exemptions and Liability Explained (2026)
“Is it really you?” This #PayDecoding explains 3-D Secure to a kid at the post office, then to payment pros: SCA exemptions, TRA fraud-rate thresholds, the liability shift, delegated authentication, and what PSD3 and the UK reform change in 2026.
Compliance
3d-secure-sca-exemptions
November 8, 2026November 8, 20263-d secure11
What Is Agentic Commerce? When AI Agents Shop and Pay (2026)
A helper with a signed shopping list. This #PayDecoding explains agentic commerce to a kid, then to payment pros: Visa Intelligent Commerce, Mastercard Agent Pay, Stripe and OpenAI’s ACP, Google AP2, scoped tokens, mandates, and the liability questions still open in 2026.
Market Trends
agentic-commerce
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026agentic commerce11
What Is Buy Now, Pay Later? BNPL Explained Simply (2026)
Buy now, pay later lets shoppers take an item home today and pay for it in parts. We explain BNPL to kids with a swimming story, then to payment pros: how it works, 2026 numbers, UK and EU rules, Asia, LATAM and MENA markets, and the impact on PSPs.
User Experience
buy-now-pay-later
October 22, 2021October 27, 2026bnpl10
What Is Cash on Delivery? COD in E-commerce Today (2026)
Cash on delivery lets shoppers pay only when the parcel arrives. We explain COD to kids with a camping tent story, then to payment pros: how it works, where it still dominates in 2026, its hidden costs, and how PSPs and platforms turn it digital.
User Experience
cash-on-delivery
October 22, 2024October 26, 2026cash on delivery8
What Is a Chargeback? Disputes, Friendly Fraud and VAMP (2026)
When a shop does not keep its promise, the bank can take the money back. This #PayDecoding explains chargebacks to a kid, then to payment pros: the dispute cycle, 2026 figures, Visa VAMP and Mastercard thresholds, and what PSPs and PayFacs should do.
Compliance
chargeback
October 22, 2024November 3, 2026chargeback8
What Is Dynamic Currency Conversion? DCC Explained (2026)
Pay in euros or in kroner? This #PayDecoding explains dynamic currency conversion to a kid on holiday, then to payment pros: who sets the rate, the markup, Visa, Mastercard and EU disclosure rules, and when platforms should prefer multi-currency pricing or local acquiring.
User Experience
dynamic-currency-conversion
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026dcc11
What Is Payment Fallback? Keeping Checkout Alive (2026)
When the first route fails, the payment takes another one. This #PayDecoding explains payment fallback to a kid, then to payment pros: failover, cascading and retries, the 2025-2026 outages, Visa and Mastercard retry rules, and how to build it right.
Technology
payment-fallback
October 22, 2024October 26, 2026fallback8
What Are Installment Payments? Pay in 3, 4 or 12 (2026)
Paying in installments means splitting a price into fixed parts, starting today. We explain it to kids with a violin story, then to payment pros: split pay, card installments, Brazil’s parcelado, 2026 figures, CCD2 and what it changes for PSPs and platforms.
User Experience
installment-payments
December 3, 2021October 26, 2026installment8
What Is an Instant Payment? Money in Seconds, 24/7 (2026)
Money that lands in seconds, any day, any hour. This #PayDecoding explains instant payments to a kid, then to payment pros: the EU Instant Payments Regulation, 2026 figures from SEPA, Pix, UPI and FedNow, and what changes for PSPs, PayFacs and platforms.
Technology
instant-payment
October 2, 2023October 26, 2026instant payment8
What Are Interchange Fees? The Hidden Cost of Cards (2026)
Every card payment hides a small fee paid to the cardholder’s bank. Here is interchange explained to a kid, then to payment pros: how rates are set, the 2026 caps in the EU, US, UK and Australia, and what PSPs and PayFacs should do.
Market Trends
interchange-fees
May 23, 2025October 26, 2026interchange8
What Is Interchange++? IC++ vs Blended Pricing Explained (2026)
One simple price, or three real pieces? This #PayDecoding explains interchange++ and blended pricing to a kid at a flower stall, then to payment pros: interchange, scheme fees and acquirer margin, EU caps, US Durbin, and how PayFacs and platforms price from buy rate to sell rate.
Market Trends
interchange-plus-plus-vs-blended-pricing
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026interchange++10
What Is the Internet of Payment? When Objects and AI Pay (2026)
The Internet of Payment is when connected objects and AI agents pay on our behalf, within limits we set. Explained to kids on a road trip, then to payment pros: how it works, cars, EV chargers, agentic commerce, 2026 figures and what changes for PSPs.
Market Trends
internet-of-payment
October 1, 2023October 26, 2026internet of payment8
What Is Live Shopping? Live Commerce Explained (2026)
Live shopping explained twice: first to a 10-year-old at the Saturday market, then to payment professionals, with 2026 figures on TikTok Shop, Whatnot and eBay Live and what live commerce changes for checkout, payouts and chargebacks.
User Experience
live-shopping
November 12, 2021October 26, 2026live shopping7
What Is an MCC? Merchant Category Codes Explained (2026)
A four-digit code decides whether a card payment is approved, how much it costs and which rules apply. Here is the merchant category code explained to a kid, then to payment pros, with 2026 rules on crypto, gambling and firearms.
Technology
merchant-category-code-mcc
February 6, 2026October 26, 2026mcc8
What Is a Merchant of Record? Who Really Sells to the Buyer (2026)
On the receipt, one name. Behind it, maybe twenty sellers. This #PayDecoding explains the merchant of record to a kid, then to payment pros: taxes, disputes, MoR vs PayFac vs marketplace, when SaaS uses one, and why regulators now look closely.
Compliance
merchant-of-record
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026merchant of record11
What Is Multi-Acquiring? Several Acquirers, One Checkout (2026)
Two card readers, two banks, one shop. This #PayDecoding explains multi-acquiring to a kid, then to payment pros: local acquiring, approval rates, resilience, routing rules, MIDs per acquirer, scheme rules on domestic acquiring, and the reconciliation work it creates.
Technology
multi-acquiring
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026multi-acquiring10
What Are Network Tokens? Visa and Mastercard Tokens Explained (2026)
A card number that is not the card number. This #PayDecoding explains network tokens to a kid, then to payment pros: Visa VTS and Mastercard MDES, cryptograms, lifecycle updates, approval-rate gains, and the 2025–2026 scheme mandates and fees.
Technology
network-tokens
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026network tokens10
What Are NFTs? Digital Ownership After the Hype (2026)
An NFT is a unique digital certificate on a blockchain that proves who owns one specific item. Explained to kids with a signed football shirt, then to payment pros: how NFTs work, the market after the hype, MiCA and SEC status, and what it means for PSPs.
Market Trends
nft
September 23, 2023October 26, 2026nft8
What Is Payment Orchestration? How It Works (2026)
One integration, many payment providers. Here is payment orchestration explained to a kid, then to payment pros: how routing, fallback and tokens work, the 2026 numbers, and why PSPs, PayFacs and ISVs now need it as much as merchants.
Technology
payment-orchestration
October 8, 2024October 26, 2026orchestration8
What Is a PayFac vs an ISO? Two Ways to Resell Payments (2026)
Two ways to bring merchants to an acquirer: introduce them, or sign for them. This #PayDecoding explains PayFac vs ISO to a kid, then to payment pros: registration, funding, liability, economics, and the managed PayFac middle road.
Market Trends
payfac-vs-iso
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026payfac vs iso10
What Is PCI DSS SAQ A vs SAQ D? Which Questionnaire Applies (2026)
A short checklist if someone else keeps the card secrets, a long one if you keep them. This #PayDecoding explains PCI DSS self-assessment to a kid, then to payment pros: SAQ A, A-EP and D, the March 2025 changes, and how platforms shrink scope.
Compliance
pci-dss-saq-a-vs-saq-d
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026pci dss saq11
What Is PSD3? The EU’s New Payment Rulebook and PSR (2026)
The EU is rewriting its payment rulebook. This #PayDecoding explains PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation to a kid, then to payment pros: where the texts stand in 2026, what changes on fraud, SCA, open banking and fees, and what PSPs, PayFacs and platforms should prepare.
Compliance
psd3
October 16, 2024October 26, 2026psd38
What Are RDR and CDRN? Pre-Chargeback Alerts Explained (2026)
Before a bank takes money back, it can warn the shop first. This #PayDecoding explains pre-chargeback alerts to a kid, then to payment pros: Verifi RDR and CDRN, Ethoca, why too many chargebacks get merchants blocked, and when a refund beats a dispute.
Compliance
rdr-cdrn
November 3, 2026November 3, 2026rdr11
What Is Request to Pay? Asking for Money, the Smart Way (2026)
A payment request the payer can accept, schedule or decline. This #PayDecoding explains Request to Pay to a kid, then to payment pros: how it works, where SEPA SRTP and US Request for Payment stand in 2026, and what it changes for PSPs, PayFacs and platforms.
Technology
request-to-pay
October 16, 2024October 26, 2026request to pay8
What Is Save Now, Buy Later? SNBL vs BNPL Explained (2026)
Save now, buy later flips BNPL: you save first, then buy, with no debt. We explain SNBL to kids with a roller skate story, then to payment pros: how it works, SNBL vs BNPL, digital lay-by, key players and what it means for PSPs and platforms.
User Experience
save-now-buy-later
September 25, 2024October 26, 2026save now buy later8
What Are Scheme Fees? Visa and Mastercard Network Fees (2026)
The card company owns the roads and charges a toll. This #PayDecoding explains scheme fees to a kid, then to payment pros: assessment, cross-border and integrity fees, the 2025–2026 changes, the UK PSR and EU reviews, and how platforms pass them through.
Market Trends
scheme-fees
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026scheme fees10
What Is Settlement? From Authorization to Payout, Explained (2026)
The card says “yes”, but when does the money land? This #PayDecoding explains settlement and payout to a kid at a food truck, then to payment pros: clearing and netting, T+1 vs T+2, reserves, split payouts, Visa Direct, safeguarding and reconciliation.
Technology
settlement-and-payout
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026settlement10
What Are Soft Declines? Soft vs Hard Declines and Smart Retries (2026)
“Not now” or “never”? This #PayDecoding explains soft and hard declines to a kid, then to payment pros: decline codes, Visa and Mastercard reattempt limits and fees, SCA soft declines, account updaters, network tokens and smart retries for subscriptions.
Technology
soft-declines
November 8, 2026November 8, 2026soft declines10
What Are Stablecoins? Digital Dollars and Euros for Payments (2026)
Stablecoins are digital tokens that track the dollar or the euro and move 24/7 on blockchains. Explained to kids at a summer fair, then to payment pros: how they work, MiCA, the GENIUS Act, 2026 figures and what changes for PSPs, PayFacs and platforms.
Market Trends
stablecoins
May 23, 2025October 26, 2026stablecoins9
What Is Unified Commerce? From Store to Web to Store (2026)
Unified commerce runs stores, websites, apps and marketplaces on one platform for orders, stock, customers and payments. Explained to kids in a shoe shop, then to payment pros: store-to-web-to-store journeys, 2026 figures and what changes for PSPs.
User Experience
unified-commerce
October 1, 2023October 26, 2026unified commerce8
What Are Velocity Limits? Stopping Fraud at Speed (2026)
Too many, too fast: stop and check. This #PayDecoding explains velocity limits to a kid, then to payment pros: how the rules work, card testing and enumeration in 2026, Visa VAMP, EU rules, and how PSPs and PayFacs should tune them.
Technology
velocity-limits
May 23, 2025October 26, 2026velocity limits8
What Is Verification of Payee (VoP)? The Name Check, Live (2026)
Before the money leaves, the bank checks that the name matches the account. This #PayDecoding explains Verification of Payee to a kid, then to payment pros: how VoP works, first results since the EU go-live in October 2025, and what it changes for payouts and collections.
Compliance
verification-of-payee
May 16, 2025October 26, 2026verification of payee8
What Is a Void Transaction? Cancel Before It Settles (2026)
Spot the mistake before the money moves, and it disappears. This #PayDecoding explains void transactions to a kid, then to payment pros: void vs refund vs chargeback, Visa and Mastercard authorization windows, fees, and how platforms should handle cancellations.
Technology
void-transaction
October 16, 2024October 26, 2026void7
What Are Variable Recurring Payments (VRP)? cVRP in 2026
One consent, many payments, limits set by the customer. This #PayDecoding explains Variable Recurring Payments to a kid, then to payment pros: sweeping vs commercial VRP, the UK launch of cVRP in June 2026, Pix Automático, and what it means for PSPs and platforms.
Technology
variable-recurring-payments
September 25, 2024October 26, 2026vrp8
Who’s Who in Payments? ISVs, ISOs, PayFacs, PSPs, Acquirers (2026)
PSP, PayFac, acquirer, ISO, ISV: the labels overlap, the responsibilities do not. This #PayDecoding explains the payment facilitator to a kid, then maps who’s who for payment pros: legal status, scheme role, liability, 2026 market moves and EU rules.
Market Trends
whos-who-in-payments
May 23, 2025October 26, 2026who's who8
What Is Xpay? Apple Pay, Google Pay and Phone Payments (2026)
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and now bank wallets: Xpay explained to a kid, then to payment pros. How tokens and NFC work, 2026 wallet figures, the iPhone NFC opening in Europe and what it changes for PSPs and PayFacs.
User Experience
xpay
June 4, 2025October 26, 2026xpay8What is #PayDecoding?
In short
- 23payment terms decoded
- 2readings: kids (7–12) and payment pros
- 3quiz questions per episode
#PayDecoding is NORBr’s payment glossary: one payment term per episode, explained twice.
Each episode takes one term, such as chargeback, interchange fees, MCC, instant payment or Verification of Payee. First it is explained to a child aged 7 to 12, with a short story from everyday life: the market, the bakery, the school fair. A three-question quiz checks what stuck, and the points add up from one episode to the next.
Then it is explained to payment professionals: a definition you can quote, how the mechanism works step by step, key 2026 figures linked to their primary sources, the rules that apply, and what it changes for PSPs, PayFacs, ISOs, ISVs and platforms. Each episode ends with a short FAQ.
The 23 episodes are written by Ludovic Plisson, Chief Brand Officer at NORBr, and updated as rules and markets move. NORBr provides the white-label payment infrastructure to route, onboard, pay out and analyze, under your own brand.
To go further, #PayWorldTour describes how people pay in each market, and Insights & Blog analyses what these terms change for payment operators.