A merchant account lets your business accept credit card payments online, over the phone, or in person. Setting up a merchant account is much like opening a business bank account — and once it's live, you're set up to accept payments right away.
1. Shopping for a Merchant Account. The following will help narrow your search. How are you going to accept credit cards? (In-Store, Online, Over Phone) Is your business or product low, medium or high risk? (Determine with Google Search) Do you need equipment or software. i.e. POS (point of sale), online store or shopping cart, mobile equipment or service.
2. Search for a merchant account provider based on your needs.
3. Evaluate the merchant account providers & compare fees. Here is list of most common application: Annual, Monthly, PCI, Discount Rate, Per Transaction, Batch. Terminal Fees: Standard Terminal, Gateway or Virtual (Free, Purchase, Lease)(Payment Gateway for online orders) (Virtual Terminal for Phone or Keyed Orders)Then most important. Run the numbers. How much is it going to cost you it you process $2500 a month with average ticket size of $45. Try 2 or 3 different scenarios. This will help you determine total fees and pick the pricing structure best for your needs.
4. Apply for Account, by completing an application. Depending on business, product, transaction and risk types different or additional documents can be requested.
5. Underwriting: Same Day to 2 Weeks (Many Variables) Most 2-7 Days (It also depends on you and how quickly you fulfill any requests for documents or questions.
6. Approval, Setup and Install.
Decide how you will take payments (in store, online or by phone), choose a provider that fits your business and risk level, compare fees, submit an application with your business documents, and wait for underwriting approval. Once approved, your account is configured and your terminal or payment gateway is installed.
You get a merchant account by applying through an acquiring bank or a payment processor or ISO that works with one. The provider reviews your business type, processing needs and documents, then approves and boards your account.
Document preparation varies by business and risk level, but providers commonly ask for business formation details, a business bank account for deposits, identification for owners, and sometimes processing statements. High-risk businesses can be asked for more.
Yes. Many providers specialize in high-risk businesses. Expect more underwriting questions and compare reserve and pricing terms carefully. See our high-risk merchant account solutions for options.
Underwriting can take from the same day to two weeks, and most applications finish within two to seven days. Responding quickly to document requests speeds approval.
A merchant account is the account that receives your card payments. A payment gateway securely passes online card data from your website to the processor. Online sellers usually need both. Learn more about credit card processing fees before you compare providers.
Every merchant's processing setup is different, so the right answer depends on your industry, sales channels, average ticket size and chargeback history. CARDZ3N's payments specialists review those details with you and match your business with the right sponsor bank, gateway and risk tools, whether you sell online, in store, by invoice or on a recurring subscription.
We work with merchants across the USA, Canada, the UK and the EU, including high-risk, B2B and fast-growing businesses that traditional processors often turn away. If you would like a second opinion on your current rates, contract terms or approval options, contact our team for a free, no-obligation processing review.
Joshua Benedetti is the CEO of CARDZ3N, a Las Vegas-based merchant services provider specializing in high-risk payment processing and B2B payment technology.
Joshua Benedetti on LinkedInCARDZ3N Inc is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and provides merchant services to businesses that traditional processors turn away. Backed by top-tier sponsor banks and processors, CARDZ3N combines institutional stability with the speed of a specialized team that understands high-risk industries. Services include high-risk account underwriting and placement, gateway solutions across the major gateway platforms, POS integrations, ACH and check processing, chargeback prevention through ChargebackZ3N, and business lending and working capital. Its AerospacePay division serves OEMs, MROs, FBOs, and repair stations with B2B and B2G payment processing. CARDZ3N serves merchants in the USA, Canada, the UK, and the EU.
Start protecting your revenue from chargebacks today — schedule your complimentary consultation with CARDZ3N’s dispute management specialists.
