Last Updated: March 1, 2025
1. Introduction
Gulf Coast Payment Processing ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of our merchants, partners, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our payment processing services.
By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
- Business Information: Legal business name, address, EIN, business type, and ownership details provided during merchant application.
- Personal Identification: Name, government-issued ID, date of birth for authorized signers and owners.
- Financial Information: Bank account and routing numbers for deposit purposes, processing history and statements.
- Contact Information: Email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses.
- Transaction Data: Payment card transaction records, amounts, dates, and merchant category codes.
- Website Usage Data: IP addresses, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our site via cookies and analytics tools.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process and settle payment card transactions on your behalf
- Underwrite and manage your merchant account
- Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
- Comply with legal, regulatory, and card network requirements
- Detect, prevent, and investigate fraud and security incidents
- Send account statements, notifications, and service updates
- Improve our website and services
4. Cardholder Data
Gulf Coast Payment Processing maintains PCI DSS compliance and does not store full primary account numbers (PANs), CVV/CVC codes, or magnetic stripe data beyond what is required to complete a transaction. All cardholder data is handled in accordance with PCI DSS standards and applicable card network rules.
5. Sharing of Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:
- Card Networks and Banks: Visa, Mastercard, acquiring banks, and issuing banks as required to process transactions.
- Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist in operating our platform, subject to confidentiality agreements.
- Regulatory Bodies: Government agencies, law enforcement, or regulators when required by law or legal process.
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to confidentiality obligations.
6. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including SSL/TLS encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features of the site may not function properly as a result. We do not use cookies to collect payment card data.
8. Data Retention
We retain merchant account information for a minimum of five years following account closure, as required by card network rules and applicable law. Transaction records may be retained for up to seven years. You may request deletion of certain personal data, subject to our legal and regulatory obligations.
9. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of certain data (subject to legal requirements)
- Opt out of marketing communications at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@gulfcoastpaymentprocessing.com.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are intended for businesses and individuals 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify active merchants of material changes via email. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Gulf Coast Payment Processing
Email: hello@gulfcoastpaymentprocessing.com
Phone: (800) 555-0199
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm CT