Frequently Asked Questions

How can fasttransact^TM work for my business?

fasttransact^TM is the first, single-source payment processing and data management system of its kind. A self-serve, cloud-based data management and payment processing system, fasttransact^TM is easily tailored using plug-and-play architecture to meet the specific business needs of each of our clients.

Click here to learn more about how fasttransact^TM can make running your business easier.

Which bank cards does FrontStream's platform accommodate?

FSP's platform accommodates Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus, Diner's Club/Carte Blanche, Japanese Credit Bureau, enRoute, WEX Voyager, debit cards and EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards.

What do I need to process credit card payments?

A credit card Merchant Account is required to accept credit card payments.

What other payment methods does FrontStream accept other than bank cards?

FSP's fasttranact^TM platform supports Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions, also known as electronic checks.Market studies have discovered consumers make more purchases with checks than credit cards. By offering ACH as a payment option, you have the ability to not only greatly expand your revenues, but guarantee customer satisfaction.

FSP ArgoFire also accepts Gift/Loyalty cards.

Can card swipe (or card present) transaction be processed?

Yes, fasttransact^TM accommodates both Card Present and Card Not Present transactions. There are two types of transactions in the credit card payment industry:

• Card Not Present - on-line transactions where merchant is not presented with a physical card nor a valid signature.
• Card Present - almost all transactions in the retail industry are Card Present transactions. In this setting, the merchant swipes the card through a magnetic stripe reader which reads the track data from the back of the card and sends it off to the bank for verification. The merchants are required to verify the signature on the receipt against the one on the back of the card.

If the card is NOT present, as in the case of a MOTO (mail order, telephone order) or online transaction, and the cardholder asks for a chargeback on the grounds of fraud, the merchant does not receive the money. If the case is an Internet order, then additional fees and limits apply -- besides a MOTO case.

On the other hand, in a Card Present transaction, if the merchant authorized the card and has a signature slip, the merchant keeps the money (provided if the merchant can retrieve the receipt and present it to the bank when the chargeback dispute comes in). Our platform offers a complete end-to-end solution for signature/receipt/check image capture and retrieval system that completely eliminates this problem.

How secure is your system?

Proper security is complex and time consuming, which is why many gateways disregard their responsibility and take the "easy way out". FrontStream Payments emphasizes the importance of doing procedures correctly and taking proper precautions. All communication between your servers, our platform, the acquiring bank, and the issuing bank are encrypted end-to-end with 1024-bit RSA public/private keypairs assuring server authenticity and invulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks. 

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Does FSP use SSL encryption?

Yes, FSP's platform runs in Secure Mode using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt all communication data.

How do I log into the gateway to view my transaction detail?

Navigate your web browser to www.argofire.com. Once the web page is done loading click on “Log in to my gateway” in the upper right corner of the webpage. This will take you to the login screen. Input your username and password, in the appropriate fields and click “Login”.

Where are my deposits?

Deposits are generally made within 2 business days after the settlement date of the transactions. For example, a transaction run on a Monday is generally deposited by Wednesday. If you have confirmed the transactions were batched successfully and do not see the transactions in your account or back office reporting system please give our Customer Service Department a call.

I already have a merchant account; can I still use FSP's platform without changing my account?

Our fasttransact^TM platform works with virtually every bank in the US, making it likely that your bank is supported.

What is the average speed of a transaction?

FSP's platform sends all transactions securely to the various payment processors via broadband (DSL, T1, T3, etc . . .) versus the traditional dial-up method. This results in transaction times ranging from 2-5 second, also reducing the need to have shared modem pools or individual phone lines for each register. Ultimately, this means satisfied customers, fewer errors, and more sales for clients.

Do you have a web based interface?

Yes, FSP offers a proficient, easy-to-use web based interface that features merchant management, virtual terminals and extensive reports.

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Do you support Recurring Billing? If so, why do I want it anyways?

FSP offers a complete recurring billing system, at time known as "subscription billing". Merchants can store customer billing information on FSP ArgoFire. A PNRef number will be created, which merchants can then use to run transactions and schedule future billings, or schedule billings that will repeat at a regular interval.

Recurring billing is beneficial, even to merchants that do not necessarily require subscription billing. It permits merchants to store customer information securely in the ArgoFire database. It is essential that the merchant keep track of their PNRef number.

Am I protected from fraud as a merchant?

Consumers are well-protected from online fraud by the zero-liability plans offered by their card issuers. However, merchants are not, as according to the law in the United States. A few fraudulent purchases or chargeback’s on your merchant account can lead to increased bank fees and revocation of your account.

What do you have to help me fight fraud?

Automatically included with all FSP accounts are basic fraud screening tools including AVS (address verification system), Visa's CVV2, Mastercard's CVC 2, and American Express' CID. These proven tools can filter out most online fraud, and are available to you at no extra cost.

How do I login to the back office?

Navigate your web browser to https://ftimerchant.com/backoffice/ This will take you to the login screen. Input your username and password, in the appropriate fields and click “Login”.

How do I reset my password?

You will be prompted to change your password, every 90 days in most systems through Frontstream Payments. Should you need to reset your password outside of the normal reset schedule please contact our Customer Service Department.

How do I process a refund on my gateway?

This depends on whether your gateway is integrated via a shopping cart or other integration method. In most instances refunds cannot be ran on a gateway without an offsetting sale, and never for an amount greater than the original sale. You can always run a refund through your virtual terminal on your gateway whether or not there is an integration present shopping cart or other, but only if there is an offsetting sale. Please contact our Customer Service Department for specifics on your gateway.

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How do I process a void?

Please call our Customer Service Department at 800.687.8505 for guidance on processing voids through your company's POS/software solution.

What is a chargeback?

A chargeback is a transaction that is being disputed by your customer. You should receive a chargeback packet in the mail telling you how to respond. If you do not please contact our Customer Service Department.

What is breach protection?

Our Breach Protection Plan is offered through Royal Group Insurance and will cover up to $50,000 toward forensic investigations, fines imposed by the payment card brands as well as any reimbursements to your customers.

What is PCI?

PCI is short for Payment Card Industry, which is made up of the credit card brands, i.e.; Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB.

Why is PCI Compliance for my business?

The cost associated with PCI Compliance covers the following; 

1. Our PCI Dept. will monitor your PCI compliance status, assist you in filling out your initial SAQ as well as ensure you do not miss your annual re-assessment as required by the payment card industry, and report your compliance status to the appropriate payment card brand.
2. If you are required to complete the Network Vulnerability Scan, we have a partnership with Approved Scanning Vendors to offer free scans to our merchants.
3. Breach protection coverage (see below)

Being PCI Compliant is mandatory for any merchant who accepts credit as payment, beware of any company who does not have a PCI Department, as non-compliance could result in a data breach followed by hefty fines from the payment card brands.

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How do I better understand my statement details?

There are various reasons that you may be charged by FSP whether it be for your monthly processing fees, your gateway invoice, or if you ordered supplies from us. If you are unable to determine why the charge was applied please contact our Customer Service Department for further help.

What SAQ do I have to fill out for PCI Self-Assessment?

There are currently 5 versions of the SAQ, you can visit PCI on the FrontStream Payments website for more information, or call our PCI Department, 1.800.687.8505, for assistance on finding the correct SAQ for your processing.

What do we have to do to be in PCI compliance?

To reach compliant status, you will need to fill out the Self Assessment Questionnaire, and depending on how you process, complete a Network Vulnerability Scan. Also, remember to adhere to ALL standards at ALL times.

How do I update my business information?

Please call our Customer Service Department at 800.687.8505 for the business change form.

How do I update my checking information?

Please call our Customer Service Department at 800.687.8505 for the bank change form.

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