Merchant Identification Number (MID)

Merchant identification number (MID) is generated by a credit card processor and assigned to a specific merchant client for use in all dealings between the two, including electronic payments processing, adjustments and chargebacks.

A merchant account is the business arrangement between a merchant and a credit card processor that allows the merchant to accept payment cards. This includes credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards, EBT, gift cards and other forms of electronic payment.

Before accepting credit cards, debit cards and other types of payment cards, the merchant must first complete and submit the MID Request form to obtain a Merchant ID. The PCI Compliance Committee (PCICC) prior to assigning a new MID to merchant will review & approve the form.

CSUF has strict guidelines for all merchants who operate on behalf of CSU, Fullerton (see CSUF Business Standard, Section-University Merchant Requirements ), in compliance with PCI requirements. The committee may assess the merchant's business operation against PCI requirements to determine whether their environment is PCI compliant.

MID merchants are required to provide proof of PCI compliance to PCICC, annually. Annual PCI training will be required for Program administrator and staff.

Under no circumstance should a department contact a credit card processor directly to obtain access to credit card privileges for CSUF business needs.