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![*]()
Getting an Internet merchant account
![*]() Getting an Internet merchant account is very
easy these days. What you need to get started is just a website.
Everything you need is integrated into the application you
will fill out and submit online. It takes not more than 10
minutes to fill out the online application. Be sure your browser
works with SSL (most do) and that cookies are enabled. Ensure
your online merchant application is secure and uses SSL encryption
technology. Merchant accounts are activated 24 hours after
approval.
When you are filling out the online application, you will
be asked if you want to accept Amex and Discover. You simply
select the appropriate check boxes. Because Amex and Discover
accounts are set up outside of Visa/MasterCard, we will submit
a separate application to those organizations in your behalf.
When a shopper places an order, he or she will receive email
notification that an order has been placed and their credit
card has been approved. You (the merchant) will also receive
email notification that you have received an order. You will
obviously want to know how you will get paid for credit card
transactions. Funds are electronically deposited into your
business checking account within 48-72 hours of processing
the sale.
Statements are usually sent on a monthly basis. You are usually
activated for Visa and MasterCard when you fill out the Online
Application. We will set-up other card types for you when
you mark that on your application. What you need is a U.S.
checking account. As long as you have a U.S. checking account,
you can still acquire a merchant account and sign up through
Online Application.
To complete the Online Application, you will submit information
about your business as well as information on the business
owner. The application is an industry standard credit card
acceptance application (Tax ID - for US Corporations only,
Social Security Number/Social Insurance Number and Checking
Account and Routing numbers). You will receive a confirmation
email within seconds after submitting your online application.
The underwriting department confirms that the application
is in compliance with Visa/MasterCard regulations. Once your
application is approved, you will receive your start-up information,
by email, the next day.
A payment gateway manages the actual verification and processing
of online credit card payments. To get your payment gateway
set-up (once your application is completed), you will be assigned
a Gateway ID. You are thus ready to process your orders in
real-time!
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