EU-based merchant account + AVS?

Planning to expand into Western Europe...

[internetlab]

I currently have a US-based merchant account. I get about 1% of my orders from Western Europe -- but I get about 10% of my traffic from EU nations. These visitors *should* be converting, so I'm taking this step in the hopes of turning these visitors into buyers.

I want to set up an EU-based merchant account so I can accept online payments in Euros, Pounds Sterling, etc. Please sticky me suggestions for an EU-based merchant acct provider!

I also want address verification on Western European orders, but, according to my research, no nation outside the USA requires credit card companies to comply with AVS guidelines. Can anyone offer suggestions for ways to detect potential fraud from nations/credit cards that don't offer AVS support?

[Corey Bryant]

You should be able to accept credit cards from them on your website.

Depending on the issuing bank - AVS might not be possible. Usually AVS is done on the number in the address (123) in 123 Main St and the ZIP code

-Corey

[evaddnomaid]

Take a toolbox approach to preventing fraud. There is no single "sliver bullet" that will completely eliminated the problem, but you can reduce it significantly. Consider using Web Services to verify (European) addresses and detect fraud in general. Web Serivces are a cheap, easy, and effective solution:

[informationweek.com...]

[chodges84]

I use Worldpay here in the UK and they always check AVS details.

I'm sure they would through out the rest of Western Europe as well.

[topguy29]

I use LinkPoint gateway and I process orders from all over the world. Have you contacted your merchant account provider to see why you cannot?

[john82]

chronopay seems ideal solution for Merchants located anywhere within the European Union. They use best-in-class fraud screening system, with feature-rich virtual terminal application and quick account approval and set up.

[flyerguy]

Firstgate is already well-known in Europe (to the general public, not webmasters) and they support micropayments. Most of their clients are newspapers charging access for articles, but they support larger amounts as well.