Monday, June 27, 2011

FREE - Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts



While merchant accounts and accepting credit cards may not require a degree from M.I.T, it can be very tricky.  There are many terms, policies, and procedures that can make the application process anywhere from a bit daunting to an outright nightmare.  Upon approval, the activation process can be complicated as well.  Desktop Terminal?  Pin Debit?  Payment Gateway?  API?  There are many choices available and again, confusion is not that uncommon.  Finally, keeping the account working.   Not getting terminated.  What to do and what NEVER to do.  Again...there is a lot to know.

PayByWeb is here to help make the process more simple.  Announcing PayByWeb's "Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts", a FREE book that you can download anytime from our website.   The guide features
  • Tips to Getting Approved
  • Glossary of Merchant Account Terms
  • Things you should NEVER do
  • How to avoid your merchant account ending up in the Security Department
  • What is the Terminated Merchant File
  • Frequently Asked Questions, and much more!
We go in-depth and in simple language explain the world of merchant accounts, from top to bottom.  Regardless of where you setup your merchant account or process credit cards, you will find the Free "Guide To Understanding Merchant Accounts" an invaluable tool. 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Wireless Terminals for FREE

Accepting Credit Cards On The Go is Finally Affordable

Mobile and other portable credit card terminals have been around for many years.  But, have they been affordable?  To many, not really.  Expensive hardware, leases, long term contracts, and high fees have priced credit card acceptance away from the front desk, out of the ball park.  However, much of that has changed. 

Today, more and more merchants need to be able to accept credit cards while on the road or at off-site locations.  There are many wireless/mobile credit card terminals on the market.  You can expect to pay anywhere from $199 - $1000 for a wireless credit card terminal.   Some terminals have integrated printers while some have printers optional.  Monthly wireless service fees vary but are generally around $20 per month.   Many credit card processors are now offering shorter term contracts.  Some have no contracts at all.

One of the most popular, and fastest growing segment in this industry, is the short-term or single event usage account.  This merchant account offers great flexibility for fundraisers.  For example, a school PTA or other group is holding a one night fundraiser and wants to accept credit cards.  Now they can.  Many charitable groups holding silent auctions or other fundraisers can sign up, rent the terminal, process their transactions, and return the terminal once their event is over.  These types of services are finally being offered to a large group of merchants who until very recently, were stuck accepting cash and personal checks.  Statistics have proven that buyers are apt to spend more money on a credit card than by check and who carries cash anymore? 

PayByWeb makes the process simple by providing a FREE wireless credit card terminal to all new merchants applying for a wireless/mobile merchant account.  Rates are 1.74% plus .25 per transaction.  Merchants with short term events needing credit card acceptance can rent the terminals at a very low cost. As the demand for mobile and wireless technology increases, merchant account providers must keep up and offer the solutions to supply that demand, while keeping those merchants happy. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

The Future of Credit Card Processing is Mobility

Processing transactions electronically is not just for online and traditional businesses anymore. There is a new movement in technology that now allows retailers the ability to process electronic payments on the go. Mobile merchant accounts are now providing an increased convenience for consumers and higher sales for businesses that incorporate such mobility. Such technology has now introduced devices such as the Square, which allows a merchant to process payments directly through an iPhone or iPad. There are several advantages for mobile merchant accounts. First, a device such as the Square does not require any merchant account setup. Another advantage for the mobile merchant is that utilizing mobile merchant accounts will ultimately replace the need for credit card terminals.

Before a business can accept credit cards, your business must be licensed through the appropriate agencies. Transferring payments on the go is particularly proposed for small businesses. Mobile payments are moveable, flexible and have radically lower setup costs than more traditional merchant account services. Once your business is established and licensed, establishing a merchant account, payment gateway, and a mobile device will be required to accept credit card payments.

A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments by debit or credit cards. A merchant account also serves as an agreement between a retailer, a merchant bank and payment processor for the settlement of credit card and/or debit card transactions. This type of account provides convenience for your customers and allows your business to accept electronic transactions from the either a brick and mortar storefront or e-business. Moreover, offers credit card transactions from your mobile phone or tablet. Merchant service providers are in abundance, and it will take some research to determine which company best suits your business needs. Another option is to apply for an account through your bank; however, this isn’t always the most cost-effective method.

Merchant accounts can be provided by a mobile credit card processing service and process your electronic transactions. With some banks, they will actually outsource the electronic processing. Extra fees will apply to merchant accounts for each transaction, thus you will want to research these companies and do the math to find the best rates that meet your specific business demands. Once this established, setting up a payment gateway follows.

A payment gateway is an e-commerce application service provider service that authorizes payments for e-businesses, online retailers, or traditional brick and mortar companies. It is the equivalent of a physical point of sale terminal located in most retail outlets. Payment gateways protect credit card details by encrypting sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, to make certain that information is transferred securely between the customer and the merchant and also between merchant and the payment processor. Every retailer requires a merchant account, however, only e-commerce and mobile commerce businesses have to establish a payment gateway. Today’s standard is that mobile electronic transaction services employ an integrated payment gateway or are partnered with online payment gateway companies such as Authorize.net or the very popular PayPal. This demonstrates how electronic transactions have become a transparent part of online transactions.

There are several advantages to utilizing mobile electronic payments. First, if you already have a smartphone or tablet, you already have most the equipment in the palm of your hand. If not, these devices are so common, that you can purchase a smartphone or ipad at low costs. There are also Mobile Commerce solutions that are compatible with almost any phone that has web and Java ME applications. Also, not all mCommerce services require Java to be functional. Secondly, incorporating your business mobile phone for processing credit cards is countless. The savings in equipment and instant credit card processing alone should give you reason for optimism. Thirdly, no matter if you’re working an event at the fair or a trade show, all your transactions can be processed instantly from the palm of your hand.


Another savings is that a portable card reader is no longer required. Just key-in the credit card numbers. Transactions are immediate and you can get the advantage of lower transaction fees since the verification of the card is instant. With the combination of Bluetooth card readers for swiping credit cards and Bluetooth printers for printing receipts, your business is more portable than the terminals of the past. Not to mention the fact that you are saving your money by reducing costs.

Establish a mobile merchant account that allows your business to accept credit cards on the go. It is the future of credit card processing and the future is now.