Understanding Card Payments

Last weekend, I stopped by a local coffee shop to catch up with a friend. As we got ready to order, we noticed a sign taped to the counter that read, "No Amex." My friend mentioned, "Why do all these little shops seem to have a problem with Amex?" That kicked off a conversation where I tried to explain why. That chat turned into this article - a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when you swipe a card, explained for those who aren’t nerds about fintech and payments.