A new driveway can be a major property upgrade that offers curb appeal, longevity, and improved resale value. With an experienced concrete contractor in Tulsa, concrete driveways can provide these benefits and more.

5 Reasons To Consider a Concrete Driveway From an Experienced Concrete Contractor in Tulsa

1. Longevity

Factors like maintenance, climate, and usage will all impact how long a driveway lasts. With that being said, many driveways made with a high-quality material like concrete last for decades. On average, you can expect a driveway to last 30 years when it’s made with concrete.

This is a major factor for homeowners who are deciding between concrete and asphalt as their primary options. Asphalt typically has a lower initial cost. However, concrete lasts longer, so costs less over time.

2. Resale Value

Homebuyers love to see something new, high-quality, and that they won’t have to replace for a long time. A driveway that won’t need to be replaced for thirty years is similar to hearing that a property has a new roof. These kinds of upgrades offer value when the property is put back on the market.

3. Curb Appeal

Standard, light gray concrete looks great with a lot of homes. An experienced contractor can also add touches like coloring to make it a little darker or stamped concrete for a unique texture. You can also create the same look in the backyard, around the pool deck, or to create walkways. These little touches can add a lot of style to the property.

4. High Load-Bearing Capacity

Concrete is a strong, non-flexible material. So, when heavy vehicles drive on it, it doesn’t bend and develop ruts in the road. A quality contractor typically pours the concrete for a home property at four inches thick. This makes it so the driveway has the capacity to regularly withstand 8,000 pounds of pressure: enough for normal vehicles.

See also Concrete Driveway Maintenance: Tips for a Long Life

Of course, one of the benefits of concrete for home projects is that it’s very customizable. A great Tulsa Concrete Contractor will be able to create driveways with varying load-bearing capacities or even decorative touches. If you have specific concerns, talk to your contractor. They can create a thicker driveway if you regularly have heavier equipment driving on your property.

5. Low Maintenance

Depending on the weather and usage, concrete will need to be sealed every three to five years. This will require a sealant and a roller brush. A professional can do this for you, but it’s possible to do on your own.

For comparison, an asphalt driveway needs to be resealed every one to three years. This varies largely based on the weather. If it’s a very hot and humid Tulsa summer, which it often is, the asphalt often requires more maintenance.

Like any home improvement project, your driveway requires some careful consideration when it comes to budget, quality, and style. How long you plan to live on the property and how much maintenance you’re willing to do may impact your decision. Concrete can be a great way to save yourself time and the headache of replacing the driveway for several decades.

David

Lately, we have received inquiries such as, “Who is responsible for underwriting: the gateway, the payment processor, or the acquirer?” or “Why do some gateways inquire about existing acquiring partner or merchant bank relationships others do not?” To address these questions, we must clearly understand the different entities in the payment processing industry, how they vary, and the types of relationships they have with each other.

As a result, we have opted to write an article that will distinctly delineate the role of each entity and elucidate how acquiring banks, payment processors, and payment gateway providers are interconnected.

Acquirer and payment processor

There are instances where the connection between acquirers and processors is “one-to-one,” as is evident in the case of Vantiv. While Vantiv’s acquirer is Fifth Third Bank, many regard Vantiv as both the processor and the acquirer. However, this perception will likely shift with Vantiv’s procurement by WorldPay. Conversely, some processors, such as First Data and TSYS, have collaborated with numerous acquiring banks.

The processor is the technical branch of the acquirer, providing the necessary technology to authorize transactions and obtain information on transaction settlements. Essentially, processors manage the technological aspect of merchant services, including the transfer of funds. However, they do not bear financial liability for this process. Instead, this liability and associated risks rest with acquiring banks, just like we have said many times before, based on why it is crucial to have a bank partnership. 

The risk departments in the acquiring banks will determine whether or not to issue merchant accounts or underwrite merchant applications. In addition, acquirers handle the physical transfer of funds to merchants through bank accounts associated with these merchants. As a result, acquiring banks serves as the gateway into the banking system for processors, which is why they bear financial responsibility.

If the merchant decides to authorize transactions using a processor, the funds must be returned to the merchant. The processor must be integrated into a banking system to transfer the corresponding amount to the merchant’s bank account. The acquirer is technically part of the banking system, and, as a result, there is always an acquiring bank supporting a processor.

Payment gateway, payment facilitator, and acquiring bank

Payment gateways enable merchants and payment facilitators to access multiple processors through a simplified technical interface. However, it is a common misconception that gateways carry out underwriting and assume liability and risk, such as with popular gateways like PayPal or Stripe.

Certain companies find it advantageous to conceal the providers of acquiring and processing services beneath their brands. With modern onboarding methods and processing technologies, it can appear as though payment gateway providers perform underwriting and onboarding tasks and assume associated risks. Although a significant payment gateway firm can become an all-in-one acquirer and processor by integrating directly with Visa and/or MC, a third-party entity typically provides the acquiring services for the gateway.

Usually, the terms of the partnership between the gateway and the acquirer are determined by a specific business arrangement between the two parties. Acquirers cannot uncommonly offer services at more competitive rates to payment facilitators and gateway providers in exchange for them taking on a more significant risk on behalf of the merchants they service.

When a gateway is permitted to offer merchant accounts at a low price to applicants and receive an increased share of residual revenue, for example, it may be required to assume 100% responsibility for credit card chargebacks received by a merchant if the gateway is permitted to offer merchant accounts at such a low price.

The acquiring bank usually assumes a merchant’s risks related to chargebacks, another reason the acquirer’s risk department decides to underwrite a merchant. However, we are witnessing the emergence of several payment facilitators in the modern market, which is an exciting development. Besides payment facilitation, they can even provide gateway services. As a result of the particular arrangement between PayFac and an acquirer, in some cases, the risk of underwriting can be assumed by PayFac due to that arrangement. It is possible to find a lot of information about the role of payment facilitators in merchant services in the article devoted to this topic.

Findings

Each processor has established a partnership with an acquiring company. The acquiring bank assumes risks and liabilities associated with underwriting. Typically, acquirers perform the following functions.

The acquirer’s risk department underwrites prospective merchants.

An acquirer from their portfolio funds a merchant’s (and a payment facilitator’s) bank account.

Sometimes, gateway providers and PayFacs are willing to assume certain risks in return for a better-acquiring agreement (a higher residual revenue share).

Our team is always available to provide you with assistance and support. Contact us today to learn more about our products/services or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

David

Are there any plus points on owning student credit cards? Building a good credit score before graduation is easier with a student credit card. If you manage your credit card well, you can obtain credit at competitive terms in the future. Cashback and discounts are just some of the perks you can get with this type of credit card.

Students can obtain student credit cards from many financial institutions, but they must complete all the paperwork and documents first. It is very easy and free to get a credit card. It takes less than a day for your documents to be approved once you upload them. As soon as you are approved for your Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank SuperCard, you will need to book the credit card, which you will receive in a few days. In the meantime, you can shop online using the virtual card.

Is It Possible to Get a Credit Card as a Student?

There are even credit cards designed specifically for those studying at colleges or universities. College students can obtain student credit cards through their schools. The credit card is open to students over the age of 18 who do not have an income limit. There are lower interest rates on these free credit cards for students, and they have a five-year validity period.

What is the Process for Getting a Student Credit Card Approved?

You are approved for a loan if you are enrolled in school and breathing. There are very lax approval procedures for student cards, but the credit limits will not be significant. In a year or so, you may receive an increased spending limit if you maintain a good record of paying your statements.

Good Reasons to Get Yours Now

• Establishes a Relationship With Your Credit Card Company Early On

Having a new relationship in college is the perfect time to start one? Eventually, it will pay off to get to know your credit card company during your adolescent years. After all, one day, you’ll graduate and want a credit card with a higher limit or a more advantageous feature. It may help your future application if you have a track record of good credit card behavior dating back to your college days.

• Improves Credit Habits

As soon as you receive student credit cards, you should remember that this passport to the adult world comes with adult responsibilities. Your first experience with budgeting and scheduling bill payments is likely the student credit card bills you receive while in college, except for possibly your cell phone bill. To make at least the minimum payment due on your credit card, you will need to plan for your payment due date and budget accordingly.

• Become a Rewards Member or Earn Cashback

Credit cards are good for college students because they may offer cashback, rewards, or points. The perks of student credit cards are available as soon as you meet the redemption conditions, unlike other student card benefits.

• Ensure You Are Prepared in Case of an Emergency

Students with credit cards may be reassured that their parents will be able to cover the costs of what they need in times of crisis or emergency. Students may use their credit cards to pay for flights home, medical or dental expenses outside their health insurance, or rent a car. Students and parents of students attending colleges far from home may find this kind of free credit card particularly reassuring.

• Tracking of Credit Scores

You should monitor your credit score as part of your credit management education. Using this tool, you can track how your spending, credit card payments, and activity affect your credit score. Today’s college expenses can be paid for with a credit card in various ways. Students can use it to establish lifelong good financial habits, earn rewards and cash back, and provide peace of mind in emergencies.

David