C-TAP is the abbreviation of Common Terminal Acquirer Protocol. The C-TAP specifications describe: - The exchange of information with payment cards of various technology and how these cards are recognised
- The detailed flow for various types of transaction processing
- The association of a recognised card with an acquirer that will authorise and settle the transaction
- The data exchange with this processor
- The message and information processing requirement at the acquirers’ host system
| In more detail, the C-TAP specifications indicate: - Storage and management of card recognition criteria and multiple sets of instructions delivered by individual acquirers having a relationship with the merchant
- The sequence of interactions with EMV smart cards on top of the EMV Level 1 and Level 2 specifications, as well as the reading of ISO tracks on magstripe cards
- The support of the various CVM (Cardholder Verification Method) as instructed by the issuer of the card in combination with the directions delivered by the acquirer: clear text or encrypted PIN verified by the smart card, encryption and on-line verification of a PIN, signature or no CVM
- The support of various modes of operation: on-line, semi-on-line and off-line
A range of solutions to guarantee message integrity and data protection | 
