Initial Steps needed for Credit Card Processing

Setting up a merchant account is easy and straightforward. A merchant account is a kind of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments by credit or debit card and, in some cases, by Automated Clearing House or ACH payments. Application for a merchant account is made through a merchant account service provider, and you will be given all the support you need to make the process quick and easy.

What is the process?

First, it is important to make sure that you select a reputable merchant account services provider, and complete the application form they provide. No matter what type of business you run, or even if you have a bad credit history or no credit history there are options available to you.

You will need to present certain documentation with your application, including:

Corporations and LLC’s

• A legal entity has to be set up for your business, such as an LLC, C-Corp, etc.
• EIN Number – the Employer Identification Number is what the IRS uses to identify your company (available for free online from the IRS, here.)
• Business checking account – to allow the merchant services company to deposit funds

Sole Proprietors

• Sole proprietors can open a merchant account in their personal capacity using a social security number as their tax ID number.

Once you have submitted your application, the vetting process seldom takes more than one business day. If you your application is approved, you can be processing credit card payments almost immediately.

If you run a reputable business, but there are currently some obstacles in your way that are preventing you from opening a merchant account, there is usually a way around it. For more information about the initial steps to get a merchant account for retail credit card processing or to sign up for a merchant account, please call (888) 924-2743 or go to Charge.com.