No matter what size your business may be or the industry in which you operate, there
are a number of positive aspects to being able to accept credit cards as a form
of payment. In addition to giving your customers or clients another payment
option, you also introduce your business to a new segment of clientèle – always
a good thing!
Moreover, paying with credit cards into today’s virtual, cashless society helps
you ensure timely, guaranteed payment that can be transferred into your account
with little to no effort on your part. You can also offer customers various
incentives for paying with credit cards, including prepaid programs and special
gift card offers. Many credit card companies will offer their own incentives,
a powerful duo when combined with your product/service offers.
What (Who?) are your choices for credit card processors?
When choosing credit card merchant account services, there are a number
of options from which to choose. Here are a few to consider:
- Independent Sales Organizations (ISO): ISO services are organizations
that represent banks. Each ISO acts as a "middle man" and will have an agreement
with a bank to sell services to them. ISO services are usually allowed to
mark up fees when they sign up merchants which is how they make a profit - ISO services
are very popular and are widely used.
- Your bank: You can use the bank in which you do regular
business as a potential merchant account provider. Keep in mind that most
banks do not do this type of processing themselves, but are able to farm it out
to a third party entity. In fact, in many cases, your bank may offer merchant
account services in conjunction with a business account package. When you
approach a bank to do general business services, ask if this service is included
when opening your account. You may wish to consider a registered credit card
broker since they are typically less expensive and provide expertise in that important
area of your business.
- Credit card associations: Each brand, Visa, MasterCard, Discover
and American Express handles credit card merchant account services differently.
For example, Visa, MasterCard and Discover will require you to have an established
account through another intermediary organization before offering you credit card
processing for your business. Conversely, American Express will work with
you directly to set up an account. However, this may be a viable option for
a major business (monthly volumes in excess of 250 million) looking to establish
a processing relationship.
- International merchant account company: Also known as an
offshore merchant account, this may be the riskiest option. Most businesses
that opt to have credit card processing done through an international merchant account
provider are usually those with little or poor credit history, odd location, business
type or another reason that doesn’t allow them access to companies located in the
United States. Keep in mind that most of these companies are not regulated
in the same manner as those in the United States, making them a risky investment
for your merchant account provider choice.
- Registered credit card broker: These also are known as independent
sales organizations and usually represent several ISO processors at any given time.
Similar to banks, they do not actually process the transactions themselves, but
set up accounts with those that do. These are usually more specialized expensive
services and offer the smaller merchant an advocate which larger merchants are accustomed.
All organizations are required to be registered with VISA MasterCard and are sponsored
by ISOs. This may be a viable option for the small to mid size merchant that
wants personalized service.
A excellent source for establishing a credit card processing relationship is Resource
Nation’s Price Comparison Service.