Course description

The card payment industry is an interesting space, but it can be difficult sometimes to get the right information in order to build a mental picture of how all the pieces interact. Unlike other deep, technical courses you may have seen on our platform, this course was really designed to help you get your bearings.

This introductory course was designed for technical staff, their managers and executives who are new to the card payment space.




If you're looking for training for your company, check out our corporate clients page.

All the video lessons come with English and Spanish closed captions/subtitles, which have been automatically translated into the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Tamil, Turkish, Ukrainian and Urdu.

Stay in touch with our newsletter

Do you want to get on the right track to becoming an expert?


Learning outcomes for students:

  • Understand the big picture, who all the players are and what information they expect

  • Get a high-level view of technical concepts used in card payment, like cryptography

  • Get familiar with the technology used for card payment

  • Understand the complexity of processing transactions on a global scale

  • Get a glimpse of what certification and compliance are

Reviews from our alumni

  • Great introduction to Card Payments

    Rory Moore

    [Mainframe Developer at Standard Bank South Africa] The course gave an exceptional introduction to Card Payments. The material is relevant and well presente...

    Read More

    [Mainframe Developer at Standard Bank South Africa] The course gave an exceptional introduction to Card Payments. The material is relevant and well presented, I was able to gain a lot of insight in a short amount of time.

    Read Less

  • Fundamental of card payments

    Kumari Rashmi

    [Manager at National Payments Corporation Of India (NPCI)] Excellent course content in a simple language

    [Manager at National Payments Corporation Of India (NPCI)] Excellent course content in a simple language

    Read Less

  • Splendid Course

    Eniitan Akinola

    [Project Manager at ARCA Payments] I think that, for someone who is new to the payments industry, this course is an excellent crash course for all there is ...

    Read More

    [Project Manager at ARCA Payments] I think that, for someone who is new to the payments industry, this course is an excellent crash course for all there is to know. The videos were bite sized for easy assimilation and the course content stayed on course. All key elements of the payment chain were mentioned and explained in more than superficial detail. The instructors deserve many accolades.

    Read Less

  • Fundamentals of Card Payment

    Victor Simon

    [General Manager at HUMMER DRINKS LTD] It was a wonderful eye opener for me on how complicated, yet simple and interesting the normal day to day transaction...

    Read More

    [General Manager at HUMMER DRINKS LTD] It was a wonderful eye opener for me on how complicated, yet simple and interesting the normal day to day transactions of our lives are captured, processed and delivered. This course has added a great layer of knowledge to me and has enriched my CV. I say a big kudos to the team at PayTech Academy for putting the program together and enriching lives by so doing.

    Read Less

  • Very Apt and Useful Content

    Olusola Ayodele

    [Information Security Engineer at ARCA Network] I found the content to be very useful and relevant. The mode of presentation really broke things down and ma...

    Read More

    [Information Security Engineer at ARCA Network] I found the content to be very useful and relevant. The mode of presentation really broke things down and made it very easy to understand. Audio and Visual representation were clear and understandable. It was definitely worth the time i put in.

    Read Less

  • Fundamentals of Card Payment

    David Habadah

    [Business Application Support at Eprocess S.A] Simply insightful, up to current card payment trend.

    [Business Application Support at Eprocess S.A] Simply insightful, up to current card payment trend.

    Read Less

  • Learned a lot!

    Ime Foluke Oderinde

    [IT Auditor and Risk Officer at Swift Network] I loved the course! It like the way complex concepts were simplified!

    [IT Auditor and Risk Officer at Swift Network] I loved the course! It like the way complex concepts were simplified!

    Read Less

  • Excellent Course!

    Ankit Deshmukh

    [Assistant Manager at NPCI - Switching Technology] Course will take through the basics of card payments. Since, I have been in payments domain since 1 year...

    Read More

    [Assistant Manager at NPCI - Switching Technology] Course will take through the basics of card payments. Since, I have been in payments domain since 1 year, 70% of the things I knew already. Overall good course for beginners.

    Read Less

  • Knowlegeable

    Ajay Nagpal

    [Senior Quality Analyst at Omni Integration] Informative

    [Senior Quality Analyst at Omni Integration] Informative

    Read Less

  • Review of fundamentals of Card Payment

    Sultan Sanusi

    [Product Specialist at TigerLogic Solutions Ltd] One of the things I learnt in the course is the use of the HSM in the payment processing process. I have be...

    Read More

    [Product Specialist at TigerLogic Solutions Ltd] One of the things I learnt in the course is the use of the HSM in the payment processing process. I have been acquainted with this devices for a while, but seeing the high-level, big picture application of the HSM gives me a greater appreciation for its role is the card payment eco-system.

    Read Less

  • Great course

    Marutla Mafokwane

    [BankservAfrica] Very informative and world class content

    [BankservAfrica] Very informative and world class content

    Read Less

  • Good Introduction

    Charl Theron

    [Product Developer at Traderoot] This is an excellent introduction for anyone who is new to the payment industry.

    [Product Developer at Traderoot] This is an excellent introduction for anyone who is new to the payment industry.

    Read Less
Watch Intro Video

Course presentation

Let the instructor tell you all about the course!

Spread the cost!

Don’t want to pay the whole course fee up-front? No issues, you can also purchase it with 3 monthly installments.

Contact us about a payment plan!

Course curriculum

  • 1
    01. The big picture
    • Course material
    • 01-01. The actors FREE PREVIEW
    • 01-02. Transaction stages
    • 01-03. Complexity of chip-based transactions
    • 01-04. Cryptography
    • 01-05. Message switching and routing
    • Chapter 1 Quiz
  • 2
    02. The technology
  • 3
    03. Global processing

FinTech courses from our partner

[FinTech_ai-in-fintech]

AI in FinTech

[FinTech_ai-in-fintech]

Familiarize yourself with basic concepts of AI and ML, and appreciate how they are being used in the Financial Services industry.
[FinTech_robo-advisors-101]

Intro to Robo-Advisors

[FinTech_robo-advisors-101]

This introductory course is for anyone who wants to learn about automated investment advice.
[FinTech_insurtech-101]

Intro to InsurTech

[FinTech_insurtech-101]

Get familiar with the evolving InsurTech landscape and its potential, how to think about these changes, and where you can get involved.
[FinTech_crowdfunding-101]

Intro to Crowdfunding

[FinTech_crowdfunding-101]

Learn the basics of equity and debt crowdfunding, and a roadmap for implementing a crowdfunding campaign.
[FinTech_intro-to-startups]

Intro to Startups

[FinTech_intro-to-startups]

Do you want to build a startup? Can you run a startup? Here's your chance to learn what it takes.
[FinTech_alternative-lending-em]

Alternative Lending: Emerging Markets

[FinTech_alternative-lending-em]

Learn about the alternative lending landscape in emerging markets.
[FinTech_stablecoin-101]

Intro to Stablecoin

[FinTech_stablecoin-101]

Stablecoins build off of the foundation Bitcoin created but go a step further by solving the problem of price volatility.

They already learned with us

  • StandardBank
  • NPCI
  • ARCA Network
  • FNB
  • NIBSS
  • ACS
  • First American
  • Nedbank
  • Union Bank

Free trial

Want to see if you like it first? There's a free trial that includes 3 lessons, you'll learn something new for sure!

Try it out now!

Instructor

Hervé Zenner

Card payment expert


I have a passion for helping people reach their full potential. As a strong believer of the concept of sustainable leadership, I can feel the pain of employees who cannot perform at their best because of the difficulty of knowledge transfer. In my previous role in product marketing for a very complex payment simulator, I was faced with bridging this knowledge gap on a regular basis. The payment industry is one where the barrier to entry is high, and it should not be this way because it hinders growth for everyone.

My most prized accomplishment in my career is the development of a formalized payment education program for South Africa, which has seen over a hundred students with IT backgrounds turned into payment experts able to proficiently operate our payment simulator. This was made possible thanks to many other education experiences, technical or process-oriented.

Because I am an INTJ in the Myers-Briggs model, you can be sure that the content of my courses is fully thought-out and takes into consideration all aspects needed to reach the targets. I am really good at putting myself in my students’ shoes, to find the path that will take them from where they are to where they want to be.


Want to know more about my credentials?

During my 10 years of strong, technical experience in the card payment industry, I worked in development and QA for the two leading chip card manufacturers, Gemalto and Oberthur. I also held a position of security analyst for EMV products in a lab, which provided a deep understanding of the internal working of payment cards.

My longest position was with Acquirer Systems, a small company which created the best, and most complete, payment simulator on the market (it now belongs to UL). During that time, I held just about every position that there is to fill in a small company, doing software development, QA, customer support, then moving to consulting, pre-sales and education. I built a complete library of deep, technical knowledge in all aspects of card payment transactions, from the card in your pocket to the authorization by the banks.

I am also fully qualified for the positions I have held until now, and fully prepared for the challenges of the future. I hold an MSc in engineering from a French college, and an Executive MBA from Trinity College Dublin.

More reviews from our alumni

  • Course review

    Salah Eldin Ehab

    [Key management and Certification Specialist at Network International] Great knowledge from experienced instructor I recommend this course for every one...

    Read More

    [Key management and Certification Specialist at Network International] Great knowledge from experienced instructor I recommend this course for every one who is taking part in this career

    Read Less

  • Excellent Starter Course

    Sean Oshaughnessy

    This course gives a clear and concise overview of card payments processing. It's a great starter point for newcomers to the payments world and for people lo...

    Read More

    This course gives a clear and concise overview of card payments processing. It's a great starter point for newcomers to the payments world and for people looking for an overall understanding of payments processing. Sean O'Shaughnessy. SagePay

    Read Less

  • Fundamentals of Card Payment

    Victor Simon

    [General Manager at HUMMER DRINKS LTD] It was a wonderful eye opener for me on how complicated, yet simple and interesting the normal day to day transaction...

    Read More

    [General Manager at HUMMER DRINKS LTD] It was a wonderful eye opener for me on how complicated, yet simple and interesting the normal day to day transactions of our lives are captured, processed and delivered. This course has added a great layer of knowledge to me and has enriched my CV. I say a big kudos to the team at PayTech Academy for putting the program together and enriching lives by so doing.

    Read Less

  • Fantastic and insightful course

    Omotayo Oduntan

    [ARCA Payments Network] Fantastic and insightful course that's very easy to understand and deploy

    [ARCA Payments Network] Fantastic and insightful course that's very easy to understand and deploy

    Read Less

  • Review Comments

    Victor Oiwoh

    The course content was well packaged and awesomely delivered. I recommend it for anyone venturing into payments for the first time and existing payments prof...

    Read More

    The course content was well packaged and awesomely delivered. I recommend it for anyone venturing into payments for the first time and existing payments professionals to refresh their knowledge.

    Read Less

  • Impressive

    Abdul Adejoh

    [Head, EMV card Issuance at EPayPlus Limited] I was impressed with the organisation and presentation of the course. I certainly look forward to more courses ...

    Read More

    [Head, EMV card Issuance at EPayPlus Limited] I was impressed with the organisation and presentation of the course. I certainly look forward to more courses from you. Cheers.

    Read Less

  • Very Informative

    Gbenga Olufemi Olonisakin

    [Test Analyst at FNB] I found this course to be very informative as it gives you the information required to start digging deep into the payments world. The...

    Read More

    [Test Analyst at FNB] I found this course to be very informative as it gives you the information required to start digging deep into the payments world. The videos are also very insightful and the quizzes at the end of each chapter ensures that you grasp the knowledge associated with each chapter. Definitely a course that anyone novice in payment should consider.

    Read Less

  • Useful general background course

    Tim Littlefair

    [Senior Software Engineer at Vix Technology] Relevant to my needs as a peripheral member of a team working on EMV L1 and L2 certifications working with highl...

    Read More

    [Senior Software Engineer at Vix Technology] Relevant to my needs as a peripheral member of a team working on EMV L1 and L2 certifications working with highly knowledgable subject matter specialists in the area.

    Read Less

  • Clear foundation of the transaction payment cycle

    Ruthie Bowler

    [Senior Project Manager at Vix Technology] Insightful look at the processes and actors involved in the payment transaction cycle between third parties

    [Senior Project Manager at Vix Technology] Insightful look at the processes and actors involved in the payment transaction cycle between third parties

    Read Less

  • Comprehensive training

    Walter Senekal

    [Senior Developer at Altech Card Solutions] This is very informative, I learned a lot in this course.I would highly recommend it to anybody working in the EM...

    Read More

    [Senior Developer at Altech Card Solutions] This is very informative, I learned a lot in this course.I would highly recommend it to anybody working in the EMV card space,Even if you have been working with EMV for long, you might still learn something new.

    Read Less

  • Fantastic entry level course!

    Kirsty Richmond

    [Product Specialist at iVeri Payment Technologies] This course is very useful for any one who is beginning their career in the payments world. It is clear an...

    Read More

    [Product Specialist at iVeri Payment Technologies] This course is very useful for any one who is beginning their career in the payments world. It is clear and concise, and explains the fundamentals of payments in a way that everyone can understand. Thank you, Paytech Academy for another well presented and informative course!

    Read Less

  • The title is apt as it is fundamentals of card payments

    Mary Wilson

    [Analyst at TymeDigital] The course is great for the fundamentals of Card Payments. This is a must for people that are starting in the Card Payment industry ...

    Read More

    [Analyst at TymeDigital] The course is great for the fundamentals of Card Payments. This is a must for people that are starting in the Card Payment industry as it give an overview of the card and processing of the card payment.

    Read Less

  • Fundamentals of Card Payment

    Stefanus Spiegel

    Highly informative and resourceful yet goal and skill orientated. I can't wait for another course!

    Highly informative and resourceful yet goal and skill orientated. I can't wait for another course!

    Read Less

  • Fundamentals of card Payment

    Abayomi Fagbayi

    [E- Payment Specialist at NIBSS] This is an interesting topic to build on. Fundamentals of card Payment gives an overview of what happens in every card trans...

    Read More

    [E- Payment Specialist at NIBSS] This is an interesting topic to build on. Fundamentals of card Payment gives an overview of what happens in every card transaction type.Its the basic knowledge needed for every payment expert. Kudos to PayTech Academy team!

    Read Less

  • Read Less

  • Awesome course

    Kevin Macharia

    [Software Developer at Tracom Services Limited] The explanation was very simplified such that the complicated stuff seemed very simple. I definitely recomme...

    Read More

    [Software Developer at Tracom Services Limited] The explanation was very simplified such that the complicated stuff seemed very simple. I definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to know more about card payments

    Read Less

  • Fundamentals of card Payment

    Lewis Kabocho

    [System Administrator at Tracom Services Limited] Nice, clear and simplified. Helped me understand some of the terminologies I keep hearing being thrown aro...

    Read More

    [System Administrator at Tracom Services Limited] Nice, clear and simplified. Helped me understand some of the terminologies I keep hearing being thrown around at work.

    Read Less

  • Review for Fundamentals of Card Payment

    Christian Okwaranowai

    [Information Systems Auditor at NIBSS] The course helped me to learn a few new things about card payment. I recommend it for anyone seeking a basic understan...

    Read More

    [Information Systems Auditor at NIBSS] The course helped me to learn a few new things about card payment. I recommend it for anyone seeking a basic understanding of card payment process.

    Read Less

A building block towards innovation

This course could be part of your strategy to bring the innovation spark to your company. Check out our article on "paving the way to innovation with employee development" in our Blog to know more. You can also catch a free replay of the webinar we did on the topic.
Watch the webinar replay
A building block towards innovation

Got a question for us?

We're here to help, so don't hesitate to contact us with any questions that you might have

Contact the team!

Related topics