New Podcast Episodes Twice
a Month on Thursdays
Welcome to “The Payments Guy” — your ultimate guide to navigating the convoluted world of payments.
Join in every other Thursday as we tackle the toughest questions and challenges in the payments space. From learning how to minimize the impact of disputes and chargebacks to exploring alternative payment solutions and ancillary services, The Payments Guy offers practical advice and professional solutions.
New Podcast Episodes Twice a Month on Thursdays
Welcome to “The Payments Guy” — your ultimate guide to navigating the convoluted world of payments.
Join in every other Thursday as we tackle the toughest questions and challenges in the payments space. From learning how to minimize the impact of disputes and chargebacks to exploring alternative payment solutions and ancillary services, The Payments Guy offers practical advice and professional solutions.
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You can have a professional website, documented quality control, and products clearly labeled for research use only — and still get declined for a merchant account.In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank Sena explains why research peptide companies face challenges getting approved for payment processing, what underwriters actually evaluate,[...]
If you run an MLM or direct selling company, payment processors classify you as high-risk before you process a single transaction — and most founders don't find out why until their account is frozen or terminated.In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank Sena breaks down exactly how payment processors[...]
Your Stripe, Square, or PayPal account can be terminated with little warning — and when it happens, your funds may be held for 90 to 180 days.In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank Sena breaks down why payment aggregators terminate merchant accounts, what happens to your money afterward, and[...]
Banks decide whether your business is "high-risk" before a single human being reads your application — and most owners don't find out until their account is terminated. In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank Sena explains exactly how banks measure risk, what factors land you in that bucket, and[...]
Your chargeback ratio is the one number that can permanently shut you out of credit card processing — not just with one bank, but across the entire industry. In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank Sena breaks down exactly what chargebacks are, the thresholds Visa and Mastercard enforce right[...]
Most travel merchants are operating with a financial time bomb they don’t even know is ticking. In this episode of the Payments Guy, Frank breaks down why the travel industry is one of the highest-risk categories in payments, how banks evaluate future-delivery risk, and the practical moves that keep your[...]
Most CBD brands don’t lose sales because of bad marketing, they lose them because their payment processor shuts them down without warning. In this episode, Frank exposes the hidden traps that quietly cripple CBD merchants, and reveals the exact steps that keep your business protected. If you’re selling CBD online,[...]
In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank breaks down one of the most intimidating challenges merchants face: being placed on the MATCH list. You might be wondering: is this a business death sentence? If you’ve ever had your merchant account shut down or been told you’re “high-risk,” this conversation[...]
PayPal is an easy-to-use payment processor, but that convenience comes with a cost. In this episode, Frank covers PayPal account terminations and real payment alternatives for high-risk merchants. As thousands of online businesses lose access to PayPal every month, Frank explains exactly how PayPal’s approval system works, why so many[...]
Are chargebacks really the biggest threat to a merchant account? Not anymore. In under 10 minutes, Frank breaks down everything business owners need to know about Visa’s new Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP)—a major policy shift that’s already impacting how merchants are evaluated. With thresholds tightening and acquiring banks under[...]
It’s one of the most frustrating things in business: your customer has money, their card works, and they’re ready to buy—but the payment gets declined. In this episode of The Payments Guy, Frank peels back the curtain on why good payments fail, and how you can stop losing money on[...]
Ever feel like your merchant account application disappeared into a black hole? On today’s episode of The Payment Guy, Frank pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on behind the scenes during underwriting. What are banks actually looking for, and how can you position your business to get approved[...]- In this episode, Frank covers how high-risk merchants can speed up merchant account approvals by understanding exactly what underwriters are looking for. He breaks down the key documentation you’ll need, common mistakes that delay approvals, and how to present your business as low-risk from day one. In this episode, these questions[...]
Do you ever feel like you need a dictionary to read your merchant account statement? Are hidden fees, confusing charges, or shady contract terms making you second-guess your payment processor? In this episode, Frank breaks down the most essential payment processing terms every business owner should understand. From interchange fees[...]- In this episode, Frank covers the essential payment processing terms high-risk merchants need to understand to avoid hidden fees, bad pricing models, and costly mistakes. From interchange rates to chargebacks, PCI compliance to flat-rate pricing, Frank simplifies the jargon so you can make smarter decisions, reduce your costs, and protect[...]
Did you know that some businesses are considered "high risk" by payment processors, making them more likely to face sudden account shutdowns and frozen funds? In this episode of The Payment Guy, Frank shares why certain industries are labeled high-risk, the pitfalls of popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal,[...]- In this episode, Frank covers why Stripe, Square, and PayPal aren’t built for high-risk merchants—and what to do instead. He breaks down how to know if your business is considered high-risk, why popular platforms shut down accounts, and how to get matched with a processor that actually understands your industry.[...]
Imagine waking up to find your business unable to process payments, your merchant account frozen, your funds held indefinitely. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d think. In today’s episode of The Payment Guy, Frank breaks down the key reasons why merchant accounts get flagged, frozen, or even terminated, and[...]- In this episode, Frank covers how high-risk merchants can avoid account freezes, terminations, and funding holds. He explains what triggers risk teams—like chargebacks, sudden volume spikes, or unapproved business changes—and shares how to stay in good standing with your processor through proactive communication, proper documentation, and smart redundancy with multiple[...]
Did you know that failing to achieve PCI compliance can not only lead to costly fines but also erode customer trust? In this episode, we break down PCI compliance in simple, empowering terms. Discover what PCI compliance is, why it matters, and how you can protect your business from unnecessary[...]- Did you know that failing to achieve PCI compliance can not only lead to costly fines but also erode customer trust? In this episode, we break down PCI compliance in simple, empowering terms. Discover what PCI compliance is, why it matters, and how you can protect your business from unnecessary[...]
Did you know that merchant reserves can significantly impact your cash flow and payment processing experience? In this episode, we dive into the world of reserves—what they are, the different types, and why banks may require them for your merchant account. We also share effective strategies to improve your reserve[...]- Did you know that merchant reserves can significantly impact your cash flow and payment processing experience? In this episode, we dive into the world of reserves—what they are, the different types, and why banks may require them for your merchant account. We also share effective strategies to improve your reserve[...]
Did you know that navigating the world of merchant fees can be complex, with various charges impacting your bottom line? In this episode, we break down the key fees associated with payment processing, including the merchant discount rate, chargeback fees, and refund fees. We also discuss essential contract terms like[...]- Did you know that navigating the world of merchant fees can be complex, with various charges impacting your bottom line? In this episode, we break down the key fees associated with payment processing, including the merchant discount rate, chargeback fees, and refund fees. We also discuss essential contract terms like[...]
Did you know that Stripe, Square, and PayPal are popular payment solutions, but they might not be the best fit for every business? In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of these household names in the finance world. Join us as we discuss whether these platforms are[...]- Did you know that Stripe, Square, and PayPal are popular payment solutions, but they might not be the best fit for every business? In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of these household names in the finance world. Join us as we discuss whether these platforms are[...]
Did you know that working with a payment consultant can significantly enhance your ability to navigate bank relationships and maintain your payment processing capabilities? In this episode, join Jason Selby, payments consultant and founder of Runaway Payments, as he discusses how partnering with a consultant can help merchants thrive in[...]- Did you know that working with a payment consultant can significantly enhance your ability to navigate bank relationships and maintain your payment processing capabilities? In this episode, join Jason Selby, payments consultant and founder of Runaway Payments, as he discusses how partnering with a consultant can help merchants thrive in[...]
Did you know that too many chargebacks could lead to higher processing fees or even losing your ability to accept payments? In this episode, join Frank as he dives into a challenge that just about every merchant faces at one point or another—chargebacks. You'll learn about the seriousness of chargebacks,[...]- Did you know that too many chargebacks could lead to higher processing fees or even losing your ability to accept payments? In this episode, join Frank as he dives into a challenge that just about every merchant faces at one point or another—chargebacks. You'll learn about the seriousness of chargebacks,[...]
Did you know that every time a customer swipes their card, there are up to six different players working behind the scenes to ensure the payment goes through? In this episode, join Frank as he unpacks the complex world of payment processing by shedding light on who’s really behind your[...]- Did you know that every time a customer swipes their card, there are up to six different players working behind the scenes to ensure the payment goes through? In this episode, join Frank as he unpacks the complex world of payment processing by shedding light on who’s really behind your[...]
Overwhelmed by the underwriting process as a business owner looking to set up a merchant account? In this episode, join Frank as he does a deep dive into the often misunderstood topic in the world of payments, the underwriting process. He’ll cover what happens during the underwriting process, how to[...]- Welcome to the first episode of “The Payments Guy”! Kicking things off with some basics, in this episode Frank will be going over the role of a payments broker, the pros and cons of working with one, and when merchants should consider using a broker. If your business is brand[...]
- Overwhelmed by the underwriting process as a business owner looking to set up a merchant account? In this episode, join Frank as he does a deep dive into the often misunderstood topic in the world of payments, the underwriting process. He’ll cover what happens during the underwriting process, how to[...]
Welcome to the first episode of “The Payments Guy”! Kicking things off with some basics, in this episode Frank will be going over the role of a payments broker, the pros and cons of working with one, and when merchants should consider using a broker. If your business is brand[...]
Welcome to “The Payments Guy” hosted by Frank Cena— your ultimate guide to navigating the convoluted world of payments. In this short introductory episode, you’ll get to know more behind the vision for this podcast. If you’re a business owner, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by payments and[...]
Meet Frank Sena
Meet Frank Sena, aka The Payments Guy—a seasoned Merchant Payment Specialist with nearly a decade of experience at PayDiverse. With a background in tech, advertising, and merchant services, Frank previously helped merchants grow their businesses and acquire new customers on Amazon Local’s platform during his role at Amazon.
Since founding PayDiverse, Frank is a self-taught payments expert, working to tackle high-risk merchant challenges and ensuring long-term success through strategic partnerships with reliable merchant banks and payments solutions.
Frank has embraced life as a digital nomad for the past 6 years, continuing his journey as a true citizen of the world. Currently based in New York and Miami, Frank is passionate about helping businesses make smart payments decisions and thrive. Outside of work, he loves fitness and travel – with South Africa, Portugal, and Indonesia being his favorite countries to live in.
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