Contact Us > FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a merchant Account?
A merchant account is a merchant’s agreement with an acquirer (also know as a payment processor) in order to accept credit cards and directly deposit the funds into the merchant’s business checking account.
How long does it take to get a merchant account?
Final approval and set up usually takes only 48 hours. It’s easy!
What if I’m a new business, can I get a merchant account?
Yes, we can setup new and existing businesses.
What type of bank account will I need?
We will deposit directly into the checking account of your choice. If you are registered in your state as anything other than a sole proprietor, we will need a business check. If you are registered in your state as a sole proprietor a personal check can be used.
Why does it cost me to accept credit cards as payment?
Credit card issuers charge all merchant service providers the same rates for accepting the cards they offer. It covers their services of authorization, payment forwarding, and branding.
What is a Payment Gateway?
A gateway is a secure portal that connects to your shopping cart and transmits the credit card information to the payment processor for authorization and settlement. All Internet merchants require a secure payment gateway to process transactions.
Does your gateway have recurring billing?
Yes, recurring billing comes with our gateway at no extra charge.
How will I know how to setup my gateway?
After you are approved, a technical support staff person can walk you through the easy setup process. You are also given instructions on how to setup your new gateway if you choose to do it yourself.
Does your payment gateway offer fraud protection to help avoid chargeback’s?
We utilize AVS, CVV2, IP Frequency check, and Negative Database check to limit your exposure to fraudulent transactions.
What is a Virtual Terminal?
A Virtual Terminal is an Internet based interface that allows you to key enter transactions taken by phone or by mail, with extensive reporting and functionality to help manage your transactions.
What credit cards will I be able to accept?
We can set you up to be able to take all major credit and debit cards, including Visa/MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners and JCB. Please inform your merchant account specialist which card types you would like to accept.
Why do American Express and Discover send me separate statements?
American Express and Discover are independent companies that handle all their own issuing and payment processing.
Is there detailed reporting available?
Yes, monthly you will receive a statement showing detailed transaction information. Also, there is very detailed daily, weekly, monthly, and annually reporting available through your gateway/virtual terminal.
How do I receive payment from credit cards?
All funds are wire-transferred directly into your business checking account within approximately 48 hours using the Federal Reserve.
Do you have a solution for a low volume merchant?
Yes, contact our merchant account specialists for the details.
What if my credit is not very good?
It is usually not a problem. We approve 99% of our merchants. We are not locked into just one processing bank, so we have several different banking relationships we can use to get you approved.
What if I need help with my terminal or gateway? Is there support?
Yes. You will have access to free customer service and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What setup fees do you charge for Internet transactions?
There are no setup fees or application fees. It will not cost you a penny to get started!
Do you have long-term leases for equipment?
No. Our goal is to provide you with top-notch service and credit card processing, not big profit margins on your equipment. We provide you with POS terminals at wholesale pricing so that you can spend your money on things like advertising to make your company grow.
Can I integrate my financial software with this merchant account to make managing my business easier?
Yes! Our payment gateway is easily integrated with a simple import and export feature and can be used with MonsterBooks and QuickBooks.
How will my company name appear on my customers credit bill?
Your DBA (doing business as) name will appear on their credit bill along with the telephone number you provide. Please note: There are up to 25 characters available on a customer’s bill.
What is a chargeback?
A chargeback happens when a customer calls their credit card issuer directly to dispute a charge. Please note this is not a refund or a return but a disputed charge.
Can I accept International Cards?
Yes, you can accept international cards but please be aware there is more risk in taking these types of transactions. Because address verification is not available outside the US, cardholder information cannot be verified.
What if I don’t live in the United States?
In order to setup a merchant account in the United States, you would need to have a U.S. residence, social security number and U.S. bank account.
What if I live outside the United States, can I get a merchant account that will fit my needs?
Yes, we offer merchant accounts for customers who live all over the world.
What is PCI Compliance?
This is aSet of criteria, which Visa and MasterCard put in place in 2004 to safeguard cardholder information.
Can I use one merchant account for several different businesses?
No, Visa and MasterCard requires each separate business to have it’s own separate merchant account.
If I have a friend that has a merchant account can I use theirs instead of getting my own?
No, this is against the Visa/MasterCard rules and regulations called “Factoring” or “Laundering”.