Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Card Processing  

What do I need to accept credit cards at my business?

You don't need anything special to accept credit cards at your business. A good payment processing company approves 98% of applications for U.S. businesses. While there are a few types businesses that a good payment processing company does not approve, they should approve retailers, service businesses, mail order, telephone order, Internet, home-based businesses and multi-level marketing businesses.


Which cards can I accept besides Visa and MasterCard?

A good payment processing company allows merchants to process Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, and JCB credit cards. In addition, retail merchants can accept debit/ATM cards issued by Interlink, Maestro, Pulse, Star and NYCE card system members.

What's the difference between a credit card and a debit card?

A credit card is a card that lets a consumer access funds in a credit line set aside for that user. When the purchase is made, and settlement occurs, funds are drawn from the credit line and deposited to the merchant's account.

On the other hand, a debit card is a payment card whose funds are withdrawn directly from the cardholder's checking account. With an on-line debit card, the customer must enter a PIN to authorize payment at the time of sale (and the funds are settled through a debit network). In the case of off-line debit cards (generally with Visa or MasterCard logos) the customer signs a receipt, as would be the case in a credit card transaction. In this case, the funds are transferred after batch settlement.

Is it really worth it to accept credit cards?

Well, each business must decide for itself. However, merchants around the world rely on credit card acceptance to:

- Increase sales: In general, your customers can and will spend more with a credit card than with cash or checks.

- Increase credibility: Consumers recognize that a business that accepts credit cards is a legitimate business, one in whom the credit card associations have "endorsed" by allowing them to participate in the credit card system.

- Better customer service: Accepting a credit card is easy and fast, usually more efficient than virtually any other type of payment acceptance.

For the cost of a merchant account with a good payment processing company, you can afford this additional credibility and increased sales. A good payment processing company does not charge a minimum fee, nor charge you anything when you do not process transactions in a month.

What is a payment gateway?

Secure Payment Gateway companies help other Processors conduct secure business on the internet using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.
-They provide a system that passes credit card data, authorization requests, and authorization responses over the internet using encryption technology.

-The transaction information is sent by the Payment Gateway secure server via leased line to the credit card network where the validity of the card is checked and the availability of funds on that account is verified. An authorization code is returned via leased line to the Payment Gateway; the authorization is encrypted by the Payment Gateway and transmitted in encrypted form to the web server of the merchant, which triggers fulfillment of the order.

-Rather than try and create their own Secure Web System, many Banks and Bank/Processor alliances will use a Secure Payment Gateway Provider to perform this task for them.

Some payment processing companies have their own Secure Payment Gateway for the Internet. That way there would be no gateway fees, only the cost of the merchant account itself.

Will my business name appear on my customers credit card statement?

Yes, your business name will most likely appear on your customer's credit card or debit checking account statement. That is why it is so important to be sure you have the legal name of your business be the same as the name you advertise to your clients.

Recommended Credit Card Processing Websites

Visa USA - Visa is the nation’s leading payment brand and the Visa USA  has information about Visa, Visa credit and debit cards, and more.

Accepting Visa - Information from Visa about accepting credit cards, technology, and marketing programs for businesses today.

MasterCard - MasterCard provides one of the main payment cards brands. MasterCard serves consumers, financial institutions, and businesses in over 200 countries worldwide.

American Express - offers individuals online access to its worldwide network of Card, Financial, and Travel services, including financial advice, retirement planning, air and hotel reservations and more.

Reviewed Credit Card Processing Sites on the Internet

InfoMerchant - Credit Card Processing - www.infomerchant.net/
Provides merchant account services and CC terminals, and gives Help with Credit Card Processing, Tutorials, Guides, and an FAQ about Payment Processing Services and POS terminals.

ECHO Credit Card Processing - Features Credit Card Processing, Merchant Accounts and Check Payment Processing Services.  ECHO's credit card processing lets you accept credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, AMEX or Discover. With their credit card merchant services you can use your choice of POS terminals, Internet merchant accounts, PC software, or credit card processing by fax or Touch-Tone telephone.