History of the MAG

The Merchant Advisory Group was established in 2005 by a group of large merchants whose bank card acquirer was Chase Merchant Services. For the first two years, the MAG established committees that worked on issues related to charge back processing, debit forms of payment, fraud, data security and similar operating issues related to card acceptance. Members gained valuable information by using each other as a resource for data and experience sharing. Best practices were shared in all areas of payments acceptance. The group also began the process of establishing relationships with the major card companies as an entity. The MAG met on multiple occasions with Leaders from the major brands, including the CEO of Visa. The MAG provided a strong merchant voice in establishing reasonable requirements and timelines for PCI.

In 2007, the MAG recognized the need to gain independence from a single acquirer and provide membership opportunities to all Merchants. In early 2008, the MAG incorporated as a 501(c)(6) corporation, elected a Board of Directors, and began operating as an independent organization.