Certified Travel Agent Practice Test

When accepting a credit card payment over the telephone, what should you require from the client during the first transaction?

1. Nothing, if they provide a name

2. Client to come in for card imprint

3. Payment upfront without verification

4. Minimal information as full details can be collected later

The correct answer is: Client to come in for card imprint

Requiring the client to come in for a card imprint during the first transaction is a practice aimed at ensuring the security and authenticity of the credit card payment. This step helps protect the business against potential fraud and chargebacks that can occur when processing payments over the phone. By obtaining a physical imprint of the card, the merchant has verifiable proof that the customer presented the card in person, which adds a layer of accountability and reduces the risk of dealing with stolen or unauthorized card information. In scenarios where payments are processed without such verification, it increases vulnerability to fraud, leaving the business potentially liable for disputed charges. Therefore, ensuring that the client provides a card imprint aligns with best practices in safeguarding against financial loss and respecting payment processing regulations. This approach also complies with guidelines set forth by credit card companies and financial institutions.