How do I Start Accepting Credit Cards?

Congratulations on deciding to accept credit card payments! Your business will never reach its full potential if you still think cash is king.

Before you can accept credit card payments, you must find a reliable merchant service provider so that your transactions can be processed. Look for a merchant service provider that explains what you can expect from a card payment system, how the whole process works, and also guides you on which options will work best for your type of business.

Make sure that the merchant service provider you choose offers cutting-edge software and equipment and takes ongoing data security very seriously. There is also no need for you to pay setup fees, contract fees or cancellation fees either if you choose wisely. Very important as well is to select a merchant service provider that has an established track record in the card payment industry because that means that they are experienced and confident in what they offer you.

Once you have made your decision all that is left to do is to apply for a merchant account so that you can start accepting card payments.

What happens next?

Once your merchant account has been approved, you will be set up to accept credit card payments. Depending on the type of business you run, you will be equipped with either a credit card machine, or a card reader for your Smartphone or tablet, or if you sell online a web-based virtual credit card terminal and a payment gateway that integrates with your shopping cart application.

If this all sound confusing, hang in there because you will be trained in how to use the system when it’s installed. Hopefully, you will choose a merchant service provider that provides 24/7/365 live technical support just in case you get stuck or need some assistance. In the right hands, everything will be a breeze.

How do I know that I will be paid for customer purchases?

Once you have processed the transaction, you will immediately be advised via your processing system whether the payment is approved or declined. Approved transactions are deposited into your merchant account, and are available for withdraw typically within one to three days.

But it’s not just left up to you to keep records of your daily sales. Your merchant service provider keeps a record of every card transaction, whether approved or declined, and you have access to these reports online. So you can track all card payment transactions from approval to deposit in your banking account. Also, you can keep track of declined transactions. These reports can easily be integrated into your accounting system, so it’s actually a lot easier to manage payment transactions made by credit or debit card than it is to manage cash payments.

For more information about accepting credit cards, or to sign up for a merchant account, please call (888) 924-2743 or go to Charge.com.