---
title: How Payment Processing Works
description: "In this replay episode of the Merchant Sales Podcast, James Shepherd revisits one of our foundational conversations: What is payment processing?"
image: https://www.ccsalespro.com/hubfs/featured%20image-2.png
---
# How Payment Processing Works
In this replay episode of the Merchant Sales Podcast, James Shepherd revisits one of our foundational conversations: What is payment processing?
[ James Shepherd ](https://www.ccsalespro.com/podcast/author/james-shepherd)
May 15, 2026
---
In this replay episode of the Merchant Sales Podcast, James Shepherd revisits one of our foundational conversations: **What is payment processing?** James delivers a straightforward, easy-to-understand explanation of how credit card processing works, covering the basics of authorization and settlement, along with the roles of processors, acquirers, and merchant accounts.
Whether you're new to payments or just need a refresher, this episode is a great starting point for understanding the moving parts behind every transaction and how they connect to merchant sales. **To hear this week’s latest edition of Today in Payments with Patti Murphy, be sure to tune into the audio version of the podcast.**
[Merchant Sales Podcast](https://soundcloud.com/merchant-sales-podcast) · [How Payment Processing Works](https://soundcloud.com/merchant-sales-podcast/how-payment-processing-works)
[](https://www.ccsalespro.com/2026) [](https://fullstackpayments.com/download-app?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ixTBkRdnNdK04oCUWDi0LV5zrtP-pTLxi4WQfzzPQYBJJnri3hmdrkID4kxlR5uYYjdCuOgEgaofCtMmq3v3Yk1xpmw&_hsmi=362963412&utm_content=362963412&utm_source=hs_email) [](https://www.ccsalespro.com/how-to-sell-merchant-services-in-6-steps) [.jpg "GetIsoAmp.com")](https://getisoamp.com/index.php/request-demo/)
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