Frequently Asked Questions about Merchant Services
What credit cards can I accept?
How long does it take to set up a merchant account?
I want to begin accepting payments with credit cards. What kind of hardware do I need?
I already have a credit card terminal; can I just reprogram it to work with you?
What is the difference between online debit and offline debit?
We support all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diner’s Club, Discover, JCB and POS/ATM debit cards. We also support private label cards, including gift cards and loyalty programs. If you service fleet accounts, we highly recommend you consider Voyager and Wright Express. All of these accounts can be setup by us, quickly and at no charge. Of course, all of our accounts are Visa MasterCard Interchange.
Your merchant services account can accept debit cards through us for debit networks throughout the United States.
Monthly fees are automatically debited from your business checking account the first week of each month for the previous month’s fees. You’ll understand those fees before you start processing.
Visa MasterCard Interchange is the most economical method to process. If you have been processing with a three or four tiered system (e.g. Qualified, Mid Qualified and Non Qualified rates), you should see an immediate cost reduction. You pay the cost of the card type, which is clearly posted and updated on the internet by Visa and MasterCard, along with a very modest margin. We carefully explain your monthly fees before you sign any agreement.
How long does it take to set up a merchant account?
Most often, it is the same day. However, the time it takes to establish a merchant account depends on several factors including: completeness of the application submitted, accuracy of the information provided and any required additional paperwork.
I want to begin accepting payments with credit cards. What kind of hardware do I need?
Many factors determine the kind of hardware you will need, including: type of merchant account you want to establish (e.g., ecommerce, retail or direct market), the type of industry you’re in, how many transactions you have a day, type of transactions you’ll be processing, how many locations your business has, etc. Once we have all of this information, we will be better able to advise you on the type of equipment you’ll need to be able to process credit cards. To get started, call us today at 877.577.3779.
I already have a credit card terminal; can I just reprogram it to work with you?
In many cases, you may be able to use the equipment you already own as long as the terminal equipment is PCI compliant.
What are debit cards?
Debit cards at the point of sale are an alternative payment method. When goods or services are purchased with an ATM Debit Card, the funds are removed from the customer’s checking account. In addition to the standard ATM cards, many banks also issue the Visa Check Card and/or MasterCard’s Master Money Card – both of which can be used in either an online or offline debit arena.
What is the difference between online debit and offline debit?
The difference between these two debit choices is whether a PIN (personal identification number) is used at the point of sale. When a PIN is used the transaction becomes “online” and funds are immediately withdrawn from the cardholder’s available funds. When an offline debit transaction occurs, funds are not withdrawn until the transaction processes – usually 2-4 days after the sale. Debit card transactions are the fastest growing point-of-sale payment method today. The acceptance of this payment method continues to remain popular because customers and merchants both appreciate the convenience and ease of using debit cards to purchase merchandise and services.