Build trust, reduce disputes, and stay payment-ready.
At She Spark Media, we believe your website should do more than look good—it should work hard for your business. That means making sure it’s aligned with e-commerce best practices and credit card network standards. Whether you’re launching a product, offering services, or building a boutique brand, your site needs to communicate clearly, protect customer data, and reduce friction at checkout.
We’ve created this checklist to help you keep your site in compliance, avoid payment disruptions, and deliver a smooth, trustworthy experience for your customers. Bookmark this page—you’ll want to refer back as you grow.
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What We Look For
These are the essentials for meeting card network requirements and building buyer confidence:
1. Clear Product or Service Descriptions
Go beyond a product name. Include photos, materials, sizes, features, and any relevant details. The more informed your customer is, the fewer surprises (and disputes) down the road.
2. Display of Purchase Currency
Always list the currency alongside your pricing—not just symbols. Especially important for international customers.
3. Customer Service Contact Info
Offer multiple ways to connect. Include an email address, phone number, or live chat—not just a contact form. Make it easy for customers to reach you directly.
4. Fulfillment & Refund Policies
Outline your:
• Refund policy (when/how refunds are issued)
• Shipping/delivery details (methods, timeframes, destinations)
• Return process (conditions, timelines, instructions)
• Cancellation terms (for services or subscriptions)
Transparency here protects both you and your customer.
5. Any Legal or Export Restrictions
Selling products with restrictions? List them clearly. This avoids confusion and demonstrates compliance.
6. Privacy Policy
Be upfront about how you collect, use, and protect customer data. With global privacy laws tightening, a clear privacy policy is a non-negotiable.
7. Business Address
If applicable, list your physical location. It adds credibility and builds customer trust.
8. Promotion & Discount Terms
Running a promo? Share the fine print. Conditions, expiration dates, and eligibility should be visible where the offer is presented.
9. Secure Checkout Experience
Use HTTPS. Maintain PCI compliance. Clearly explain that customer payment information is secure. Stripe has more security guidelines here.
10. Credit Card Logos at Checkout
Reduce friction. Let customers know which cards you accept by displaying brand logos on your payment page.
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Why It Matters
Following this checklist not only helps you stay compliant with card networks (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover)—it also improves the customer experience, builds trust, and reduces the risk of chargebacks or disputes.
You can reference the Stripe Shop Terms of Use under the Creative Commons License, and tailor them to your business as needed.
If you’re unsure whether your current site meets the standard—or want expert support to get there—we’ve got you. Let’s talk.
