AI for Merchant Services Agents: A Beginner’s Guide

Why This Guide Matters for Referral Agents

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how the payments industry operates. Business owners are hearing about AI on the news and in their networks, which means they may ask about it when you speak with them. Referral agents who know the basics of AI can have more confident conversations and show that AdaptMS is ahead of the curve.

 

What Is AI in Simple Terms?

AI is technology that allows computers to learn from patterns in data and make predictions or decisions without being given exact step-by-step instructions. Machine learning is a type of AI that improves as it sees more data. Automation means using software to perform repetitive tasks. AI is different because it can adapt as it processes more information.

 

How AI Is Used in the Payments Industry

AI is no longer a future idea. It is already being used across the payments industry:

Fraud Detection

AI systems look at thousands of transactions at once. They compare new transactions to past patterns and quickly flag anything unusual. This reduces fraud for merchants and cardholders.

Smart Transaction Routing

Payment gateways use AI to choose the best route for each transaction. This lowers the chance of a decline and can increase approval rates.

Merchant Onboarding and Underwriting

When a new merchant applies for payment processing, AI can speed up the review of documents, credit checks, and risk assessments. This helps AdaptMS deliver quotes and approvals faster.

How AdaptMS Uses AI Behind the Scenes

AdaptMS integrates advanced tools to simplify life for referral agents:

  • Automated tools review merchant statements to spot high rates of chargebacks (when customers dispute charges)
  • Data insights help the inside sales team prepare more competitive quotes
  • AI speeds up the document review process during underwriting

You do not need to operate these tools yourself. AdaptMS handles this for you.

What This Means for Referral Agents

Referral agents do not need to be AI experts. Instead, basic awareness gives you talking points:

  • “AI tools help reduce fraud for merchants.”
  • “Faster document review means quicker quotes and approvals.”
  • “AdaptMS uses smart technology behind the scenes so you can focus on building relationships.”

Business owners like to know that their payments partner is modern and forward-thinking.

The Referral Agent Workflow: Where You Fit In

Your role remains simple and clear:

  1. Talk with business owners and confirm they are open to a merchant services quote.
  2. Collect their 2 or 3 most recent merchant account statements.
  3. Enter their information and upload the statements into the AdaptMS portal.

From there, the AdaptMS inside sales team takes over. They handle analysis, quoting, paperwork, and closing. AI is part of their toolkit to make this faster and more accurate.

Next Steps: Learn, Ask Questions, Get Started

AI is becoming part of everyday business conversations. Knowing a few basics makes you a better referral agent and a more valuable resource to business owners.

If you are ready to start connecting with local businesses and earning referral income, join AdaptMS as a referral partner today. Visit our website to sign up and get access to training, tools, and support.