← Reference · Home · Print this page
Finance · Payments
Payment Service Providers (Merchant Payments)
Reference entry · last updated 20260910
A payment service provider (PSP) supplies services that help merchants accept payments. Its offering can combine payment processing and acquiring, with availability that depends on the provider and region.[1]
1. First principles: distinct service roles
An acquirer is a financial institution that processes and settles card payments for merchants. It can process transactions itself or work with a processor. A PSP may also act as an acquirer in regions where it provides that service.[1]
2. Integration and coverage
A gateway transmits payment data from the merchant to the acquiring side. A processor handles technical communication with banks and card networks.[4]
3. Settlement and payout
The provider receiving funds and the merchant receiving a payout are separate events. Adyen documents different payout models and frequencies; a successful payment does not imply a universal payout deadline.[2]
4. Payment data responsibilities
The checkout integration also determines which systems handle card data. PCI DSS scope, payment tokenization, and self-assessment eligibility depend on that environment.[3]
5. See also
- Online Payments
- Payment Gateway
- Payment Tokenization
- Interchange (Card Payments)
- Card Authorization and Capture
- Settlement
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Data Security)