What is a merchant account? A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments via debit or credit cards. It’s essential for businesses that wish to process credit or debit card transactions. The merchant account acts as an intermediary between the business’s bank account and the payment processor, facilitating the transfer of funds from the customer’s card issuer to the business’s bank account.
How a Merchant Account Works
When a customer makes a purchase using a credit or debit card, the payment is processed through the merchant account. The funds from the transaction are initially deposited into the merchant account and then typically transferred to the business bank account after a specified period, usually a few days.
Banks or specialized merchant service providers often provide merchant accounts. To set up a merchant account, a business must apply and undergo a verification process, which may include credit checks and assessments of the business’s financial stability and risk profile. Once approved, the company is assigned a merchant identification number (MID), which is used to identify transactions processed through the account.
How to Choose a Merchant Account Provider
Merchant accounts also involve transaction fees, monthly fees, and sometimes setup or termination fees. These fees can vary depending on the volume of transactions processed, the types of cards accepted, and the risk associated with the business’s industry or clientele.
Here are some tips for distinguishing among merchant account providers.
Identify your business needs.
Understand your business requirements, including the types of payments you want to accept (credit card and debit card payments; online payments, etc.), your expected transaction volume, average transaction size, and any specific industry requirements or regulations. Understand other technology that you may require, such as a payment gateway.
Research each payment service provider.
Look for merchant account providers that cater to businesses similar to yours in size, industry, and payment processing needs. You can find providers through online research and recommendations from other companies, industry associations, or your bank.
Compare fees and pricing.
Merchant services providers typically charge various fees, including the per transaction fee, monthly fees, setup fees, and termination fees. Compare the fee structures of different providers to understand the total cost of using their services. See if there’s a monthly minimum fee. Pay attention to any hidden merchant account fees or contractual terms.
Check for compatibility.
Ensure that the provider supports the payment methods and processing platforms you need for your business, whether in-person card terminals, online transactions, mobile payments, or recurring billing.
Evaluate security and compliance.
Security is critical when handling sensitive payment information. Check if the provider adheres to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance and offers encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection/prevention features.
Consider customer support.
Look for a provider that offers reliable customer support, preferably with 24/7 availability. You’ll want assistance whenever you encounter technical issues, billing inquiries or need help with account setup.
Read reviews and testimonials.
Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge other businesses’ experiences with the provider. Pay attention to feedback regarding reliability, customer service, transparency, and overall satisfaction.
Understand contract terms.
Carefully review the contract terms, including the agreement’s length, any early termination fees, reserve requirements, and any other terms that may affect your business’s ability to switch providers or manage costs.
By following these steps, you can effectively evaluate and select a merchant services provider that meets your business’s payment processing needs while minimizing costs and maximizing reliability and customer support.
For more information on merchant account services, contact an agent at CardConnect. With CardConnect, you’ll have a dedicated account manager, some of the lowest credit card processing fees, and free POS hardware options.
Key Takeaways
- The merchant account acts as an intermediary between the business’s bank account and the payment processor, facilitating the transfer of funds from the customer’s card issuer to the business’s bank account.
- Banks or specialized merchant service providers often provide merchant accounts.
- Carefully consider your options and read reviews when selecting a merchant service provider.
