Learn These Important Comparisons About Merchant Accounts to Improve Business Cash Flow

By David Montana

Merchant accounts are contracts between an acquiring bank that extends lines of credit to a merchant, and that allow businesses to accept payment for goods or services via credit cards.

It should be known that customers are much more likely to buy from businesses that accept credit cards. Statistics show that businesses with merchant accounts will see sales numbers increase immediately. According to statistics, the average cash sale is $9, while the average credit card sale is approximately $40.

No matter what type of business you own, the availability of merchant accounts can help your cash flow in several ways. Here are some of the benefits for using merchant accounts:

- Having credit card facilities means you can offer customers the option to purchase on the spot.

- Merchant account processing fees are often lower than check transaction fees.

- Issues about debt collection will become the bank's problem, not yours.

While there are some definite benefits to having a merchant account facility for your business transactional needs, there are also some drawbacks to think about.

- Its important that you protect your business from credit card fraud.

- You may need to examine and possibly revise your policies concerning charge-backs and refunds to minimize damages.

- If your business accepts credit cards on your website, be sure to use fraud protection measures to lower the risk of fraud, theft and scams.

Instituting Merchant Accounts

Setting up a merchant account can be relatively simple. You will need to set up a bank account for your company for the proceeds of any credit card purchases to be credited to. You will also need to lease processing equipment and software that will facilitate transactions.

If you're going to be processing credit cards through your company's website, you'll need to register with a payment gateway like CyberCash or VirtualNet. Make sure that the merchant account software you'll be using is compatible with your online payment gateway.

Importance Of Comparing Merchant Accounts

Before you call your bank to get a merchant account, take the time to compare the options and offerings of several different banking institutions, in addition to merchant account providers. Fees and charges often vary greatly, so its very important to check what you'll be charged and what fees are likely for each transaction.

For instance, fees might include initial start-up costs, equipment monthly lease fees, sales volume costs, transaction and processing fees. When looking at potential merchant account providers, be sure to ask for a written list of all the fees you're likely to incur so that you can accurately compare them with other vendors.

Merchant Account Charges and Fees

Different providers may charge some type of application fee. This can range from $0 up to $100, sometimes more depending on your lender.

You may also need to purchase your software, which can range in cost around $100, or more. Once this software is installed, its possible you may have to pay a licensing lease on the software, which can range from $20-$50/month. Again, this depends on your lender or merchant account provider.

In addition to these, you will also incur transaction fees that can vary between $.20-.50 per transaction. While they don't sound necessarily high, remember if you process a large number of transactions, this can add up.

Other fees you want to make sure you ask any potential merchant account vendor include charge back fees, statement fees, minimum usage fees, annual fees, account keeping fees and close out fees.