What standards must the independent third-party web-based merchant card processing software used by Annex Brands franchisees comply with?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must use an independent 3rd party web-based merchant card processing software that integrates and automates debit and credit card processing with PostalMate POS network software from an approved merchant service provider.
The provider must be in compliance with PCI Data Security standards and supply you with compliant hardware, software updates, maintenance, and support.
Currently, this includes merchant service providers such as Cayan Genius (Cayan, LLC, 1 Federal Street Boston, MA 02110, a subsidiary of Total System Services,
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 45–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use an independent third-party web-based merchant card processing software that integrates and automates debit and credit card processing with the PostalMate POS network software from an approved merchant service provider.
The merchant service provider must comply with PCI Data Security Standards. This ensures that the provider adheres to industry-standard security protocols for handling sensitive cardholder data, reducing the risk of data breaches and fraud.
In addition to PCI compliance, the provider must supply franchisees with compliant hardware, software updates, maintenance, and support. This ensures that the franchisee's payment processing system remains secure, up-to-date, and operational. The FDD mentions approved merchant service providers such as Cayan Genius, SignaPay, and OpenEdge aka Global Payments Integrated.