Be the protagonist of your Acquiring journey

Acquiring is a process that involves several steps to ensure that electronic payments are processed securely and efficiently. When a customer makes a purchase using a card, the acquirer captures the payment data through a terminal, validates it with the card network, obtains authorization from the issuing bank, and finally transfers the funds to the merchant.

The process begins with payment acceptance, where the transaction data is captured by payment terminals. Next comes authorization, where the transaction is validated. After that, settlement confirms the payment amounts, and finally, financial clearing transfers the funds to the merchant’s account, completing the process safely and efficiently.

An acquiring service enables physical and online businesses to accept electronic payments. While credit, debit, and prepaid cards are the most common payment methods, acquirers also process other types of transactions. In this context, frictionless payments are a major innovation in the acquiring industry.

In recent years, the acquiring market has evolved significantly due to new regulations and technological advancements. These changes have opened the door for new players to enter the market. A key factor driving growth is the rise of the Acquiring as a Service (AaaS) model.

An acquirer is a company responsible for managing the entire payment process, from transaction initiation to completion, between the consumer and the merchant. This typically begins at the point of sale, using a card machine or another capture method provided by the acquirer.

To operate legally, acquirers must be authorized by the Central Bank. They primarily serve commercial establishments by enabling the acceptance of electronic payments.

To become an acquirer, it is necessary, among other requirements, to obtain authorization from the Central Bank and sign agreements with card networks, complying with all acquiring market regulations. A more accessible path is through the Acquiring as a Service (AaaS) model, which offers ready-made, scalable solutions. This allows companies to offer acquiring services without building their own infrastructure.

An acquiring company facilitates payments for merchants, enabling them to accept cards and other payment methods. It may also work with sub-acquirers, who act as intermediaries between the merchant and the acquirer. The acquirer is responsible for providing payment terminals, such as card machines, which can be sold or rented to merchants. Ultimately, the acquirer processes and settles transactions, ensuring that funds are correctly transferred to the merchant’s account.

In the Acquiring as a Service (AaaS) model, companies don’t need to build their own payment processing infrastructure. Instead, they rely on specialized providers — such as Dock — that offer the tools and services required for acquiring operations.

The provider handles regulatory compliance, licensing, integration with card networks, and provides a robust tech platform to ensure secure, efficient transactions. Click here to contact our sales team and learn more about Dock’s AaaS!

Several businesses can benefit from an acquiring solution, from physical and digital retailers to banks and franchises that want to expand their services. With the Acquiring as a Service model, companies in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and e-commerce can offer faster payments and improve customer experience.

Acting as an acquirer can be highly profitable. In addition to processing transactions between merchants, banks, and card networks, acquirers generate revenue from transaction fees, equipment rentals, and interest on advance payments. With a high volume of operations, this business model offers substantial revenue potential and strengthens a company’s position in the financial ecosystem.

In digital acquiring, the payment process begins when a customer makes an online purchase via a website or app. The acquirer collects and validates the transaction data, confirms its authenticity with the card network, and once approved, processes the payment and transfers the amount to the merchant.

In physical transactions, the process typically involves capturing data via card machines at the point of sale.

The payment gateway is the technology that connects merchants, customers, and banks, ensuring that purchase information is processed securely. The acquirer, on the other hand, is the company responsible for finalizing the transaction, authorizing, and settling the payment. While the gateway facilitates communication between the parties, the acquirer completes the financial transaction.

The main difference is in operational control. Acquirers work directly with card networks and set fees and conditions. Sub-acquirers operate under an acquirer’s infrastructure and do not have full autonomy. Becoming an acquirer allows for greater customization and new revenue opportunities.

Yes, to accept credit or debit card payments in e-commerce, it is essential to rely on an acquirer. This company acts as an intermediary between the merchant, banks, and card networks, processing transactions securely and efficiently. Another fundamental point is that having an efficient and robust acquiring service helps prevent fraud and ensures the correct transfer of funds.

Payments can be captured in two ways: physical and online. In the physical model, the customer pays in person using a terminal, such as card machines, common in stores and restaurants. The online capture model occurs in purchases made over the internet, without direct contact between buyer and seller, used in e-commerces and apps, with options such as card, boleto, and digital wallets. Each format serves different consumer profiles, ensuring more convenience for both sides of the transaction.

A payment link, or checkout link, is a simple way to accept payments. This personalized URL redirects the customer to a secure page to complete the purchase and can be shared via WhatsApp, email, or social media. In addition to the link format, it can appear as a purchase button on websites or as a QR Code.

Yes, Pix can be integrated into acquiring solutions, expanding payment options for customers. With the integration, it is possible to accept Pix payments both in physical stores and online, as well as to use it in payment links. This innovation provides more convenience for buyers and more efficiency for sellers, improving user experience and increasing conversion rates.