Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Merchant Account Services

Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton

Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.

A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.

At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.

There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.

Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Merchant Account Services

Merchant Credit Card Account Applications
By Shane Penrod

Since a personal credit card provides us with the means to make
life easier and more enjoyable, can you imagine what a merchant
credit card account can do for your business? This type of
account is more than just a line of credit. It is an entire
service package that offers support to help your company
flourish and grow. Of course, as with any other type of credit
account, it is important to use it responsibly. The first step
toward obtaining this type of financial and technical support is
to submit an application.

Finding a merchant credit card account company is not hard at
all. You just have to check with bankers in your area to see if
they provide this service and are willing to work with you.
Barring that route, you can do an online Internet search to find
merchant account providers who are accepting new clients. There
are plenty of banks and professional lenders who are looking for
entrepreneurs to work with. They often will take a chance on new
business owners if they think you have the potential to become a
trusted client. But first you will need to pass muster by
demonstrating your company’s capabilities in a few distinct
areas. One is that you have a solid credit history and are not
in bankruptcy. A copy of your company’s credit history should be
adequate proof for this requirement. A second criterion is that
your business has enough income to meet the new expenses of a
merchant account. Bank statements or an annual report should
help with this concern. Another thing the lender will want to
know is the type of business you are doing. If you traffic in
pornography, are engaged in telemarketing, or have left a trail
linking your company to some unsavory dealings, the underwriter
may decline your application. Conditions can vary; so ask about
the eligibility requirements before applying.

The next step toward applying for a merchant credit card
account is to submit the application. Some lenders provide an
online form that you can submit electronically, although you may
be charged a fee for this privilege. Other loan agents will let
you download a print application that you can complete in ink
and mail by U.S. post. Either way, you will probably receive a
response to your application within a few days by e-mail or in a
letter. If your application is accepted, you can immediately
begin to use your credit line and service package to set up a
credit card processing system. Working with an account
associate, you can arrange to install a credit card processor at
your store’s checkout area. Or you can buy a wireless model for
several hundred dollars and take it with you on the road when
you service computers or appliances, or make deliveries to homes
or businesses. Discuss the applications of your new merchant
account with the loan officer to clarify limits and equipment
options for your company’s use.

You won’t be able to enjoy the use of merchant services until
you apply for them, so ask your preferred lender about the
application process for a merchant credit card account.

About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com Specializing in allowing
merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from
national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant
account rates and fees, please go to
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Friday, July 27, 2007

Merchant Account Services

Internet Merchant Accounts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton

An Internet merchant account can help you use and accept all modes of payment, such as credit, debit, and EBT. Today, many people use credit cards and electronic checks to pay for goods. People use them everywhere, especially online. In other words, to conduct a transaction on the World Wide Web, one does need to have a credit card or a bank account.

If you are a business proprietor then you cannot operate on the Internet unless you accept these forms of payment. You need to set up a certain infrastructure to be able to accept these various forms of payments, which is where an Internet merchant account comes into play.

Processing all forms of payment is good for business since it increases a merchant's consumer base. An Internet merchant account not only allows the business owner to accept major credit cards and personal checks, but also allows them to process the payments in a risk-free, secure way. In an electronic environment, the customer can key in his or her personal and financial information via the secure network and the web pages would direct him or her through the entire sales process. The customer knows that that all the information is secure and the merchant knows that the funds will be placed in the business account shortly.

The business owner can purchase various types of “Buy it” buttons from the merchant account gateway. Once the customer clicks on the button to purchase an item, the customer is automatically shifted to the section for payment methods. Such an account can also computes taxes for each item sold as per the requirement for domestic and foreign rates for United States Mail, FedEx, and UPS.

Payment methods, tax calculations, and shipping preferences are few of the steps in the purchasing transaction that are handled automatically and quickly. By assisting the consumer and making the payment environment easy and safe to use, the merchant has provided exceptional customer service. [http://www.e-highriskmerchantaccounts.com]High Risk Merchant Accounts provides detailed information about high risk merchant accounts, high risk offshore merchant accounts and more. High Risk Merchant Accounts is affiliated with [http://www.i-backgroundchecks.com]Background Checks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Internet-Merchant-Accounts&id=131762

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Merchant Account Services

Merchant Account - Credit Card Processing for Your Business
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson]Jimmy Wilson

Merchant Accounts allow you to conduct business online or offline with confidence to both you and your customers. Your merchant account is designed to make your business transactions a smooth exchange of goods and/or services for a payment method of credit cards, debit cards, online payment centers, faxes, or over the phone transactions.

Credit Card Processing can be much easier to set up for your online business, unless you choose to go through conventional means as you would for a brick and mortar business. If you need actual credit card processing terminals for the card swipe method, you can apply for that card processing separately.

A Merchant Account allows you the freedom of accepting credit card purchases and you don't have to wonder if the customer's account is in good standing, before you make the transaction. This is a must have in today's economy. More and more online customers are choosing to bank and purchase online, so in order to be conduct your business successfully, a merchant account is essential.

A merchant account provider gives you everything you need to get started accepting credit cards... with a payment gateway, usually with set-up fees and percentage rates per transaction charges. You need to check around for the best merchant account providers and see what they charge for set-up and processing your credit card transactions.

As you expand your merchant account, you may see a need for a credit card terminal, phone order processing, and/or a wireless credit card processor. This should also be a consideration for anticipated expansion to your business when shopping initially for a merchant account provider.
A Discount Merchant Account Provider is where you will find your best deals. With any business just starting out, the merchant account provider should grow with your business and when the time is right for your business to expand, you can rest assured your initial merchant account provider can make the necessary changes with you.

A good way to know a merchant account provider is reputable, check with the Better Business Bureau Online for feedback about the merchant account provider's scoring and if they have a high or low record of complaints. Obviously, all merchant account holders have had some bad dealings with dissatisfied customers, but the percentage rate will reflect whether they have too many to consider normal or average. Other questions you should ask:

_______________________________________________________

- What kind of merchant businesses do you accept?

- What if I have less than perfect credit?

- What credit cards will my merchant account be able to accept?

- Do I need a business license?

- What is the merchant discount rate?

- What is the Address Verification System?

- Will I receive a merchant account statement?

- How will I receive my money?

- How do I apply for a merchant account?

- How long does the approval process take?

- Is there a service phone number that I can call if I need help?

_______________________________________________________

For more information about opening a merchant account http://wealthsmith.com/merchant-account-credit-card-processing.htm

Jim has found a total package merchant account set-up ideal for entrepreneurs wanting to get started with a great opportunity. http://wealthsmith.com/merchant-account-credit-card-processing.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Account---Credit-Card-Processing-for-Your-Business&id=388597

Monday, July 23, 2007

Merchant Accounts Services

Merchant Account Fees: Are They Worth It?
By Debbie Dragon

Merchant account services are the services that allow you to
accept credit cards as payments, both online and off, and help
you handle the credit card transaction processing. Without
merchant accounts, your customers would have to pay with cash or
check- and believe it or not, most customers will spend more if
they can swipe their card and worry about the bill later.

The Cost of Accepting Credit Cards

Merchant accounts can be costly. There are numerous providers
of merchant accounts that are reputable and offer good value for
their service- but there are even more providers of merchant
accounts that charge excessive fees and have hidden expenses
that you were not aware of when agreeing to use their service to
accept credit cards online.

Fees range from per transaction fees (usually a percentage or a
few cents on each card processed) to monthly or annual
maintenance fees that can range from a few dollars to a few
hundred dollars.

Online Businesses Need Merchant Accounts

Online merchant accounts are crucial to having a successful
online business venture. Consider it from the eyes of a
customer: if you were on a website, looking to buy a widget,
would you want to take the time to mail a check or money order,
or do you plan on making a purchase right then with your debit
or credit card? Most people don’t want to take the time to
write and mail a check or money order for an online purchase-
not having the ability to accept credit or debit cards will
severely hurt your business as an online merchant.

As the merchant, credit and debit cards make your life easier,
as well. You get your money much faster than waiting for a
customer to write and mail a check or money order; and you don’t
have to wait for the payment to clear the bank before you can
mail out their purchase. Credit card payments offer you payment
within a day or two of the customer putting in the card details.

Deciding if a Merchant Account is Worth the Fees

So are the fees that are paid for merchant accounts worth the
value the accounts provide your business? It all depends on the
type of business you are operating and the volume of sales you
process on a given month, as well as the merchant account
provider you choose to go with. Merchant account providers are
not a one-size-fits-all solution for every business, and you
really need to do a little research before selecting a provider.

Consider the per transaction fee, the application fee, monthly
maintenance fee, set up fee, and any annual membership charges
you must pay. Do you have to purchase or lease any special
equipment? Is the software for processing online credit card
payments included in the service, or is that an additional fee?

Once you have that information for a few different merchant
account providers, you can determine what you believe your
credit card sales will be each month. This may be difficult to
do, but make your best estimate based on your current level of
sales and the idea that people typically spend more with a
credit card than they do with cash.

Determine what fees you’ll pay on your estimated amount of
sales each month, and see if it makes sense to pay for a
merchant account. As mentioned previously, if your plan is to
operate an online business- you really need a way to accept
credit card payments online in order to become successful.

About the Author: This article has been provided courtesy of
Creditor Web, http://www.creditorweb.com .

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Friday, July 20, 2007

Merchant Account Services

Internet Merchant Credit Card Accounts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller]Seth Miller

Internet merchant credit card accounts are those accounts in which payments made through credit cards can be transferred to a specified account by customers making online purchases. These accounts are operated on behalf of the merchants by a third party.

A large number of Internet merchant account providers provide these services. Internet merchant accounts accept all kinds of online payments, including payments made via credit cards, or the electronic transfer of money from one merchant account to another. Internet merchant credit card accounts accept only credit card payments.

The requirements for such accounts emerged after online business started expanding. Over the last few years, online business has come of age. In an online transaction there is no human contact, so there is a need to have a mechanism where cash can change hands even when sellers and buyers sit thousands of miles apart. The nature of online transactions has made Internet merchant accounts a necessity for an online business.

An Internet merchant credit card account is easy to open and operate. The account provider also provides round-the-clock technical service. It also give you a unique user ID and password which ensures that only authorized persons have access to the account, in which online payments made through credit cards are transferred.

Always try to choose an Internet merchant credit card account provider who enjoys credibility in the market and provides speedy credit card sales processing facilities. It should be comfortable handling all the major brands of credit cards. And look at the costs associated with operating this kind of account. The costs could vary depending on which account provider you have hired and which "package" of services you have selected. Choose one which suits your business requirements without making a heavy dent on your profit. [http://www.e-InternetMerchantAccounts.com]Internet Merchant Accounts provides detailed information on Internet Merchant Accounts, Free Internet Merchant Accounts, Ecommerce Internet Merchant Accounts, Internet Merchant Credit Card Accounts and more. Internet Merchant Accounts is affiliated with [http://www.e-CommerceMerchantAccounts.com]International Ecommerce Merchant Accounts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller http://EzineArticles.com/?Internet-Merchant-Credit-Card-Accounts&id=254697

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Merchant Account Services

Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton

Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.

A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.

At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.

There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.

Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177