If you though the super-sonic transport jet that used to get people to Paris in the time it takes for a power lunch, then you'll appreciate the speed at which merchant services are handled these days.

Though how to be a credit card processor use continues to increase around the world, few cardholders have a clue about what happens when their card is used at their favorite department store, or when they shop online.

The short answer is that quite a bit of activity is going on in a very short amount of time.

Indeed, the speed at which the process happens makes it hard to comprehend how many steps are in place and covered to make sure all parties are protected while business is getting done.