A merchant account is setup between a merchant, a bank, and a credit card processing company. It is not a bank account. A merchant account is an agreement that allows the merchant to accept credit cards for payment. After a transaction has been approved and settled, the credit card processor deposits the funds directly into the merchant's bank account. This deposit usually takes place within 1 or 2 business days. The bank account can be at whatever bank the merchant chooses. A traditional retail merchant with a physical location has a lower discount rate because most of the transactions take place face-to-face and consumer's credit card is swiped. These are called "card present" transactions and are considered less risky than "card not present" transactions. Due to less risk to the credit card processor, a "card present" merchant can expect lower rates than an Internet merchant account where the card is not swiped.

A credit card terminal is required for a retail merchant account. Please check out our equipment section.

There's more to accepting credit cards than just giving customers another way to pay.

Our application process makes it easy to apply. You can submit an application online, by fax, or by meeting with a sales consultant at your business location. Your application will be approved almost immediately and your account will be activated.