Payment systems · Card technology
From the issuer–acquirer relationship to card personalization, from EMV to PCI certification — notes on what I've learned in the field.
Three core layers of the payments ecosystem
How does a POS terminal know a card can be trusted? A look at EMV PKI, the CA–Issuer–ICC certificate chain, how certificates are prepared during personalization, and the differences between SDA, DDA and CDA.
How does a blank chip card become your bank card? Data preparation, chip personalization, key management and physical production.
What happens behind the scenes when you pay by card? A look at issuer and acquirer roles, the authorization–clearing–settlement flow, and how ISO 8583 and EMV fit in.