Some Important Tips To Compare Merchant Accounts And Improve Business Cash Flow

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.

Regardless of the type of business, the availability of merchant accounts will definitely improve your cash flow in several ways. Below are some benefits for using merchant accounts:

- Having credit card facilities means customers can purchase right 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.

- You will have to institute measures to protect your business from credit card fraud.

- You may need to revise your policies and procedures surrounding charge-backs and refunds to minimize damages.

- If you accept credit cards on your website, make sure you're using fraud protection measures to minimize fraud, theft and scams.

Setting Up 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.

An example of fees could include initial start -up costs, monthly equipment lease fees, transaction fees, processing fees and even sales volume costs. Ask your merchant account provider to supply you with a written list of all fees so you can compare with other lenders accurately.

Important Merchant Account Fees and Charges

Most providers will charge some form of application fee. This can vary from $0 up to $100 and sometimes more depending on your lender.

You will also need to pay for your software, which will have an initial cost of around $80-$100. Once the software is installed, you'll then have to pay the licensing lease on the software, which could be anywhere between $20-$50 per month. Once again it depends on your lender.

In addition, you will incur transaction fees that can range from $.20-$.50 per transaction. While this doesn't sound necessarily high, this can really add up if you process a large number of transactions.

Other fees to query with your chosen merchant account provider are statement fees, charge back fees, close-out fees, minimum usage fees, annual fees and account keeping fees.