payments en
Payment processor
payments
Plain-language definition
Plain-language definition
A service that carries payment information and coordinates transaction processing.
Why it matters
The processor facilitates payment but does not necessarily become the seller or own the underlying purchase.
Technical detail
A payment processor connects merchant systems with acquiring, network, and payment-method infrastructure for authorization, capture, refund, and reporting operations.
Examples
- Stripe processes a card payment for a connected repair business.
Related terms
Sources and review
Reviewed July 12, 2026 by [email protected]. Next review due January 11, 2027.
- Stripe Connect — Stripe Accessed 7/11/2026
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