This case study illustrates how universal tokenization addresses common payment processing challenges, based on typical client scenarios and industry-validated outcomes.
Managing multiple payment processors creates serious operational challenges. You're dealing with proprietary tokenization schemes, inconsistent authorization rates, and a PCI compliance burden that grows every quarter.
One organization recently faced exactly this challenge. They were processing payments through multiple gateways—each with their own tokenization system—while watching their authorization rates fluctuate wildly between processors. Their PCI audit requirements had ballooned to hundreds of internal controls, and switching between payment providers had become nearly impossible due to vendor lock-in.
Here's how this could be solved with universal tokenization, and what you can learn from this approach.
This organization was running payments through three different processors: Repay, Wells Fargo, and Payliance. Each processor used their own proprietary tokenization scheme, creating immediate problems.
The company couldn't easily switch processors or negotiate better rates because their tokens were locked to specific vendors. When they saw a 41% authorization rate with one processor and 48% with another for the same card data, they knew something had to change.
The compliance burden was equally frustrating. Because their systems initially received 16-digit card numbers in clear text—even though they didn't store them—their entire infrastructure fell within PCI scope. This meant managing hundreds of compliance requirements in-house, with associated costs and complexity.
Meanwhile, managing recurring payments and card updates across multiple disparate systems lacked any unified approach. Each processor handled account updates differently, creating operational inefficiencies and customer experience issues.
A universal tokenization platform could act as middleware between their systems and payment processors. This approach would centralize all payment card data in a single, secure vault while maintaining complete flexibility in processor selection.
The system would use iframe JavaScript for primary card data capture on their online platforms and agent interfaces. Sensitive card data would never touch their internal systems in clear text, potentially reducing their PCI DSS scope.
The implementation could move the organization from hundreds of PCI requirements to approximately 30. That's a potential 90% reduction in scope that translates directly to cost savings and reduced audit complexity.
All tokenized card data would live in a PCI DSS-compliant vault that the organization owns and controls. This would provide complete independence from specific payment gateways, enabling true payment flexibility.
The universal tokens would work with any payment processor through a transparent gateway API. This means they could send the same token to Repay, Wells Fargo, or Payliance using each processor's existing API schemas—no re-tokenization required.
The transparent gateway functionality would allow seamless switching between processors and competitive negotiation. More importantly, it would enable dynamic routing to optimize authorization rates across different gateways.
The organization could route transactions based on performance data. If Wells Fargo is performing better for Visa cards on a particular day, they could route those transactions accordingly without any token management overhead.
The development team would integrate the tokenization platform's JavaScript library and APIs into their existing Loan Management System. The process would require dedicated development resources but typically proves straightforward with proper API documentation.
The implementation would include support for Network Tokens from Visa and Mastercard, preparing for upcoming payment landscape changes expected between 2027-2030. This includes support for Visa Flexible Credential and advanced features like displaying card art.
Integrated BIN lookup capabilities would identify card types (credit/debit) at the point of entry, allowing for real-time scripting and validation. This helps filter out problematic payment methods before they reach the authorization stage.
Before: Hundreds of PCI DSS requirements managed in-house
After: Approximately 30 requirements, minimal scope
Expected Impact: Up to 90% reduction in compliance complexity and associated costs
Before: Inconsistent rates between 41-48% across processors
After: Potential 5-15% average increase through dynamic routing, plus 1-3% additional improvement with Network Tokens
Expected Impact: Significantly more approved transactions and increased revenue
Before: Processing rates between 0.94% and 1.17%
After: Potential negotiated rates around 0.75-0.79% with new agreements
Expected Impact: Average 15-25% reduction in processing costs, with additional 10 basis point savings on Visa transactions through Network Tokens
Before: Manual card updates across multiple systems
After: Centralized, automated account updates through direct card network integration
Expected Impact: Reduced operational overhead and improved customer experience
Organizations should conduct a thorough analysis of current transaction volumes and card-on-file counts to optimize pricing negotiations. Understanding your actual usage patterns is crucial for getting the best contract terms.
Having committed internal development resources proves essential for smooth integration. Teams typically integrate the JavaScript library and APIs while maintaining existing system functionality.
Working closely with tokenization providers and Integrity Payments Group enables strategic recommendations and data insights that maximize implementation value.
Understanding PCI scope reduction potential is crucial for building the business case. The compliance savings alone often justify the investment, with performance improvements providing additional value.
While APIs typically prove straightforward, integrating with existing systems requires careful planning. Having dedicated development resources and clear project management makes the difference.
Tracking authorization rates, processing costs, and compliance metrics before and after implementation provides clear ROI validation and helps optimize ongoing performance.
Universal tokenization delivers more than technical benefits. It fundamentally changes how organizations approach payment processing.
Companies are no longer locked into any single processor. They can negotiate aggressively, optimize for performance, and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. That's a competitive advantage that compounds over time.
The compliance simplification proves equally valuable. Reducing PCI scope by up to 90% frees internal resources to focus on business growth rather than audit preparation.
As Debra LeJeune of Integrity Payments Group notes, "Universal tokenization isn't just about technology—it's about business flexibility. When you control your own payment data, you control your destiny in the payments ecosystem."
If you're facing similar challenges with multiple processors, compliance burden, or inconsistent authorization rates, universal tokenization might be your solution. The key is approaching it strategically.
Consider your current pain points: Are you locked into specific processors? Struggling with PCI compliance scope? Seeing inconsistent performance across gateways? Universal tokenization addresses all these issues while positioning you for future payment innovations.
The implementation requires commitment—both financial and technical resources. But organizations that make this investment typically see ROI within 12-18 months through compliance savings, improved authorization rates, and processing cost optimization.
Ready to explore universal tokenization for your organization? Contact Integrity Payments Group to discuss your specific requirements and develop an implementation strategy that maximizes your business value while minimizing disruption to current operations.
We'll help you assess your current payment infrastructure, identify optimization opportunities, and create a roadmap for universal tokenization that aligns with your business objectives and technical capabilities.