Get a MOTO Merchant Account with TailoredPay
Choose TailoredPay as your MOTO merchant account provider. Secure manual payments, fast approvals, stable processing, phone order support, and reliable results.
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What does MOTO stand for, and what are MOTO transactions?
MOTO stands for Mail Order/Telephone Order.
MOTO transactions are card payments where the customer is not physically present, and the card is not inserted, tapped, or swiped. Instead, the customer shares their card details remotely, usually over the phone or through a paper order form, and the business enters the information manually into a payment system.
What counts as a MOTO transaction
Common examples include:
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A customer calls a hotel or restaurant and pays by giving card details over the phone
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A clinic takes payment during a booking call
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A catalog order placed using a printed form and mailed in
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A B2B client provides card details to pay an invoice remotely
In all these cases, the merchant manually types in the card number, expiry date, and CVV.
How MOTO is different from regular card payments
MOTO payments are considered card-not-present transactions. Because the cardholder is not there to verify the purchase with chip, PIN, or contactless methods, the risk of fraud is higher. For that reason:
- Processing fees are often higher
- Chargeback risk is higher
- Extra fraud checks may be required
- Some providers treat MOTO as a higher-risk activity
Why businesses still use MOTO
Despite the added risk, many companies rely on it. It is common in industries where customers prefer to book or pay by phone, such as travel, medical services, home services, consulting, and hospitality. It is also useful for taking quick payments from repeat clients who already trust the business.
For payment providers and acquiring banks, MOTO activity is evaluated carefully since the merchant takes the card details without the physical card present.
What makes MOTO transactions high risk
MOTO, short for mail order and telephone order, transactions are considered high risk because payments are taken without a physical card present and without the customer completing checkout themselves.
No physical card verification
Since the card is not swiped, tapped, or inserted, there is no direct confirmation that the cardholder is present. This increases the chance of unauthorized use when you process moto payments.
Higher fraud exposure
MOTO payments rely on manually entered card details. Fraudsters may use stolen card information more easily in card-not-present environments.
Limited authentication methods because of card-not-present transactions
Many in-person protections, such as chip verification and PIN entry, are not available. This makes it harder to confirm the identity of the customer when you process payments.
Increased chargeback rates
Customers may not recognize charges taken over the phone or through manual entry. This often leads to disputes and chargebacks.
Manual data entry errors
Since staff enter card details by hand, mistakes in numbers, billing data, or amounts can lead to failed payments and customer complaints.
Because of these factors, payment providers see MOTO transactions as higher risk than standard in person payments and apply stricter monitoring and approval standards.
How TailoredPay helps you accept moto payments
TailoredPay supports businesses that rely on mail order and telephone order transactions with payment setups built for card-not-present environments. Instead of treating MOTO activity as unusual, TailoredPay structures accounts around how these payments are actually taken.
Reliable approval for MOTO payment processing
Many providers restrict manual entry transactions. TailoredPay works with partners that understand MOTO payments and approve them from the start.
Secure processing for card-not-present transactions
TailoredPay supports secure handling of manually entered card details, helping protect sensitive payment data while transactions are processed.
Reduced fraud and dispute exposure for your merchant account
MOTO transactions carry a higher fraud risk. TailoredPay helps businesses set up clear billing practices and verification steps that lower chargeback rates.
Flexible ways to accept credit card payments
Businesses can accept payments over the phone, through mail orders, or by entering card details into a secure system, making it easier to serve customers who cannot pay online.
Stable credit card processing as volume grows
As call-based or remote sales increase, TailoredPay provides a setup designed to handle higher MOTO volume without sudden limits or interruptions.
TailoredPay gives businesses a dependable way to accept MOTO payments, protect cash flow, and continue serving customers who prefer phone or manual ordering.
Get approved for a merchant account in less than 24 hours
Frequently asked questions
What is needed to start accepting MOTO payments?
To begin, you will need a business bank account, a payment processor that supports manual entry, and access to MOTO merchant services.
Are there different payment methods available for MOTO transactions?
Yes. Businesses can accept various payment methods through phone or mail orders, including credit cards and recurring payments when approved.
Why do MOTO payments cost more than standard transactions?
MOTO payments cost more because they carry a higher fraud risk. Higher processing fees and monthly fees may apply to support secure handling and risk controls.
How do businesses keep payment information secure?
MOTO merchant services use secure systems and procedures to protect payment information and customer data during manual entry and processing.
Is PCI compliance required for MOTO transactions?
Yes. PCI compliance is essential when handling card details manually to ensure secure transactions and proper protection of customer data.
Can businesses set up recurring payments with MOTO billing?
Yes. Many businesses use MOTO setups for recurring payments, such as subscriptions or scheduled billing taken over the phone.
Do all payment processors support MOTO transactions?
No. Not every payment processor supports manual entry payments. Businesses often need providers experienced in MOTO merchant services and high-risk environments.
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