What is a MOTO payment? Taking card payments by phone or mail
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
MOTO stands for mail order and telephone order. A MOTO payment is when a customer gives their card details over the phone or in writing, and the business keys them in to take the payment.
How a MOTO payment works
- The customer reads out or writes down their card number, expiry date and security code.
- The business types the details into a virtual terminal or card machine.
- The payment is sent for approval without the customer being present.
- The business sends a receipt, and must not store the security code afterwards.
Why the risk is higher
Because the customer is not there to insert their card or complete an extra check such as 3D Secure, MOTO payments are more open to fraud. If a real cardholder disputes the payment, the business usually bears the chargeback.
Keeping card details safe
Card details heard or written down must be handled under the PCI DSS security standard: never write them on paper you keep, never store the security code, and limit who can hear or see them.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay does not provide card machines or virtual terminals. SendPay platforms include payment links and invoicing under your own brand, powered by licensed partners, so customers can enter their own card details securely. SendPay tells you in writing which licences apply to your platform before you pay.
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.