ISO
Independent Sales OrganizationNetworks & roles
A third-party organisation contracted by an acquirer to sell merchant services. ISOs are common in the US market and are typically authorised to negotiate pricing and contracts on behalf of the acquirer they represent. Not to be confused with ISO 18245 (the MCC standard).
In practice.
An ISO resells acquiring services under a sponsor bank and often manages pricing and support for its portfolio. The practical question when dealing with one is where underwriting and settlement actually sit, because service quality and risk decisions ultimately come from the sponsor acquirer behind the ISO.
Related terms: Acquirer · Introducer · PSP
Networks & roles