Privacy policy

Last updated: September 16, 2026

This privacy policy explains what information CardWatch ("we," "us," "this site") collects from visitors, how it's used, and the choices available to you. CardWatch is an independent editorial site and is not affiliated with CardConnect, Fiserv, or their affiliates; this policy covers only our own site, not theirs.

1. Information we collect

We aim to collect as little personal information as necessary to run this site. Depending on how you use the site, we may collect:

Information you provide directly — such as your name and email address if you use the contact form, or subscribe to updates.
Usage data — such as pages viewed, time on page, referring pages, browser type, and approximate location derived from IP address, typically collected through standard web analytics.
Cookies and similar technologies — small files used to remember basic preferences and to understand aggregate site usage. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; doing so may affect some site functionality.

2. How we use information

To operate, maintain and improve the content and layout of this site.
To respond to messages sent through the contact page.
To understand, in aggregate, which topics and guides are most useful to readers.
To detect and prevent spam, abuse, or security issues.

We do not sell personal information, and we do not share it with CardConnect, Fiserv, or any merchant-services provider — this site has no data-sharing relationship with the company it writes about.

3. Cookies

Cookies used on this site are limited to what's needed for basic functionality and aggregate analytics. We do not use cookies to build advertising profiles or to track you across unrelated third-party sites.

4. Third-party links

This site links to CardConnect's official site and to other third-party resources for reference. Once you follow an outbound link, that site's own privacy policy applies — we have no control over, and no responsibility for, how third-party sites handle your data.

5. Data retention

Contact form submissions are retained only as long as needed to respond to and resolve the inquiry, after which they are deleted or anonymized. Aggregate, non-identifying usage statistics may be retained longer to track trends over time.

6. Your choices

You can decline non-essential cookies through your browser settings.
You can request that we delete personal information you've submitted via the contact form by reaching out through the contact page.
You can ask what personal information, if any, we hold about you.

7. Children's privacy

This site is intended for a general business and consumer audience and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in how the site operates. Material changes will be reflected in the "last updated" date at the top of this page.

9. Contact

Questions about this policy or how your data is handled can be sent through our contact page.