subject: What Are Credit Card Processing Merchant Services? [print this page] The processing of finding the best credit card merchant service for your business can be a challenge. Your goal is to get the best rates and features that will efficiently process your orders and help your company grow. To be completely confident with your choice, you must first develop a thorough understanding of what credit card processing merchants are.
The processing process starts with a consumer presenting you with a credit or debit card. Once the card is swiped, your credit card merchant service will seek authorization from the cardholder's issuing bank. The bank will then verify whether funds are available and then issue an approved or declined message.
It is the business's responsibility to batch all their credit card transactions and send them to their Credit Card Processor at the end of each business day. The Credit Card Processor will then credit the amount to your bank account.
Most Credit Card Processing Merchant Services charge a fee. The fee is usually a percentage plus a set dollar amount per transaction. For example, if the fee is 3% + $0.30 per transaction, the total fee for a $20 transaction would be $0.90. They charge this fee because they are ensuring your safety as well as the privacy and safety of the consumer.
Credit Card processing merchants offer a variety of additional services and features. This makes it important to not only look at the price, but to also consider features that will be beneficial to your operation.
Your card payment terminal can be customized all the way down to its colors, and you can have your company logo displayed on the interface. Many merchant services supply flexible devices that are easily expandable as your business grows because some point down the road you may want to add advanced features to speed up the checkout process.
Some Credit Card Processing Merchant Services have hidden fees as well as cancellation fees. It is important to thoroughly review and understand your contract before signing. It is also important to understand the cost of your equipment. Some Credit Card Processors require that you purchase your terminals upfront, while others allow you to lease them. There are pros and cons to both approaches depending on your needs.
Credit Card Processing Merchant Services are vital for every business because of changing markets. Credit card processing merchants safely handle your consumers sensitive information and they also safeguard your business. You must choose one that offers the features you need at competitive fees.
