02 July 2009

Finding the Best Merchant Account for Online Credit Card Payments

To find the best merchant account that would accept credit card payments online for you business you should consider merchant account factors like the account’s fees and contract, services, and customer service or support.

When it comes to having an online business, accepting credit card payments are very essential. It practically gives convenience to the consumers as well as it gives tons of benefits to the retailer. In order to accept credit card payments, retailers need a merchant account.

The only way to find the best merchant account for your online business is to select the best merchant account provider. You may have to conduct thorough research to find the account that best suits your business’ needs. If you know what characteristics that you need to look for in a merchant account, everything wouldn’t be too hard for you. Below are 3 basic aspects in finding a merchant account that you must put into consideration:

Fees and contract

Fees or rates are very deceiving when looking for the best merchant account. Some providers may be offering low rates but account holders later on find out that they are bombarded with huge fees because of some unknown or ‘hidden’ charges. Before acquiring for a merchant account, it is your right as an applicant to know and understand all the underlying fees and charges associated with having a merchant account. It is also the account provider’s responsibility to explain all of these to you.

A merchant account with a long-term contract is likely to have higher termination fees.  With such, some account providers will only provide you with substandard customer service. It is best to read the terms, conditions and policies first before signing the contract and ask from other known account holders if they have experienced this kind of situation.

You must be well aware of the loads of fees in having a merchant account starting from the start up fees, the monthly minimum fees, statement fees to the transactions or assessment fees and annual fees. Ask the agent assisting you what these fees are for.  Find a merchant account provider that will suit your budget with excellent service.

Merchant account services

Finding an account provider that will give you the best merchant account services will definitely make your business prosper. Choose a merchant account that will let you accept a variety of credit cards, not just Visa or MasterCard, and that will provide excellent services for credit card processing.

Venturing into the world of online business means you are reaching beyond local or domestic customers and that you are ready to cater international customers. Choose a merchant account that will accept different currencies without the hassle of currency conversions.

International customers prefer ‘one-click buy’ or using a shopping cart in online web stores. Find a merchant account that is compatible with these kinds of website scripts. It would be very convenient to you and your customers.

Customer service and support

Choose a merchant account that has 24/7 customer service. They will help you in whatever problems you might experience with your account whether it’s from the services, sales or technical problems.

Considering all these factors will definitely help you find the best merchant account that suits not only your business’ needs but your interests as well.

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