Which process typically involves extensive paperwork in traditional methods?

The process of boarding new merchant relationships typically involves extensive paperwork due to the numerous requirements that need to be fulfilled to establish a formal business relationship with a financial institution or payment processor. This process usually includes the collection of various documents such as business licenses, tax identification numbers, and bank statements. Additionally, merchants often need to complete applications and agreements that detail their business model, the types of transactions they will be processing, and compliance with regulatory standards.

This level of documentation is necessary to assess the risk associated with the merchant and to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and other regulatory requirements. By establishing a comprehensive merchant profile through this paperwork, payment processors can make informed decisions about approving the relationship and determining the appropriate fees and terms for the merchant.

In contrast, processes like processing customer refunds or issuing new payment cards typically involve more straightforward procedures with established protocols that do not require as much documentation. Conducting transaction disputes, while it may have some procedural steps, usually relies on transaction records and evidence rather than extensive paperwork to establish a merchant relationship.