Merchant Financial Institutions (Acquirers) {#payments-intro-banks-acquiring}
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A merchant financial institution, also known as an *acquirer*, offers accounts to businesses that accept payments. Before you can accept payments, you must have a merchant account from an acquirer. Your merchant account must be configured to process card-not-present or mail-order/telephone-order (MOTO) transactions.  
If excessive chargebacks or fraudulent changes occur, these actions might be taken:
* You might be required to change your business processes to reduce the number chargebacks, fraud, or both.
* Your acquiring institution might increase your discount rate.
* Your acquiring institution might revoke your merchant account.  
  Contact your sales representative for information about products that can help prevent fraud.