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Frequently Asked Questions



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What is a merchant account?

A merchant account is a commercial bank account established by contractual agreement between your business and the banks we represent. A merchant account enables your business to accept credit card payments from your customers.

What is shopping cart technology?

Basically, shopping cart technology converts a website from being just informational to being commerce-enabled. You can list products for sale on your website without adding complicated programming or scripts. The shopping cart technology that we provide is user-friendly and is as easy to build as 1-2-3.

Why does my business need to accept credit cards from my customers?
How does it benefit me?

By accepting major credit cards, you can increase your sales by offering customers the convenience of using methods of payment other than cash. Statistics indicate that accepting credit cards can increase sales by 30% -- 100%

What credit cards will I be able to accept?

We will apply for your business to accept all 5 major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

What is a discount rate?

Every bank charges a discount rate. The discount rate is the percentage of each transaction that the processing company charges to handle the transaction for you.

What is a per transaction fee?

The per transaction fee is a nominal amount charged on each transaction, which is associated with the processing of each transaction through the payment gateway and the merchant account.

What is a chargeback?

A chargeback occurs when a cardholder informs the credit card company that the charge was not authorized or that goods were not delivered as promised.

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What is a chargeback reserve?

This is the specific amount of money that is withheld from your account to cover chargeback exposure. The Clearing Bank with which you place your Credit Card deposits establishes and maintains this reserve.

Do I need a bank account?

Yes. You will need a business banking account where your funds can be transferred through via an ACH transaction.

How long will it take to process my application?

Once we have received your application and other supporting documentation complete with your signature, the approval process takes between 1 -- 3 days. Once approved, we will immediately inform you of your acceptance and deliver the terminal equipment or software.

Will my business be able to purchase or lease the software and/or
equipment I need?

Yes, we offer both leasing options or purchasing options to your business. We offer an optional warranty program on credit card processing equipment and software with a 24-hour replacement policy while you are processing with us. We offer immediate upgrades to our secure-online processing program, to make sure you are always processing credit card and other non-cash transactions with state-of the-art technology.

How is the lease payment determined?

The lease payment is based on the type of credit card terminal, printer, or software you choose and the number of months you select, i.e., 12, 24, 36, or 48 months. Leasing is an attractive alternative when you want to preserve working capital, have a tax deductible business expense, and a low down payment. At the end of the lease you may continue month-to-month, buy-out the lease at fair market value, or terminate the lease.

What kind of businesses do you accept?

We accept retail, professional, businesses trade shows, mail order, and telephone order businesses.

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What if I have less than perfect credit?

We have multiple sources that accept differing levels of risk, so even with bad credit, we work hard to find you a way to accept Credit Cards. If you do happen to be declined, we will gladly return your application fee, so you have nothing to lose.

Are there any monthly fees for accepting American Express or Discover Card?

Other than the discount rate and normal transaction charges, there are no additional monthly fees of any kind for accepting American Express or Discover Card.

Do I need a business license?

You need to have documentation showing you have registered your name -- such as a business license, trade name registration, dba certificate, etc.

Is there a site inspection?

Yes. You will need to provide information for a physical location if you have a traditional business, or give us your URL for your website.

Will I receive a statement?

Yes. A statement is mailed out every month with the information on all of your account deposits, your total sales volume, and your charges for the month. There is a nominal fee for this service.

How will I get my money?

Once the transaction has been approved, your customer's charges are deposited directly from our credit card processor to your bank account. Transaction deposits range from 24-72 hours from the date of transaction.

What if I already have my own software or terminal?

If you already have your own credit card processing software or terminal, chances are very good that we have a program that will run with your existing terminal.
Is there a service phone number that I can call if I need help?
Yes. Customer Service may be reached at (800)-277-6980.

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