Our sales representatives will introduce you to ELAPP™, our complete merchant boarding solution.  ELAPP efficiently eliminates application errors and significantly reduces the time it takes to board with Merchant Account.

The choice is yours — whether to have a Merchant Account representative key in the application information for you —or do it yourself following the simple, step-by-step instructions.  Either way, you will experience the benefits of working with a premier merchant services provider and our technologically advanced merchant boarding processes.

Merchants reap the advantages of Merchant Account’s industry-leading service statistics:

• 97% of applications receive same-day approval
• 90% of applications are ready for download within 24 hours
• Card acceptance readiness within 48 hours 100% of the time!
• Our exclusive technology makes approval possible in some cases, in just seconds!

We maintain customer service levels of excellence and continue to strive to exceed our monthly performance goals. You will speed through the boarding process and be able to accept credit cards faster than you might have ever thought possible!

During the boarding process, every merchant goes through a brief, but thorough, underwriting process to ensure that both the business and principal are good fits. Once an account is up and running, the risk side takes over to look out for our merchants and partners. Every transaction is run through our fraud system and checked against your merchant profile and historical data for any red flags. Suspicious transactions are investigated to protect your business and our investment from potential losses.

Once you are on board with Merchant Account, you’ll have the advantage of customized transaction processing solutions, tailored to the unique needs of your business. We have served over 500,000 businesses with secure processing solutions and always keep you informed about data security and compliance.

As the final step in the boarding process, you will be contacted by an experienced merchant trainer to review your welcome kit and guide you through the point-of-sale equipment functionality. This process ensures you’ll get off to a great start and make the most of your credit card processing solution. It also provides an efficient and effective way to speed up activation that, along with our automated boarding process, allows you to start reaping the benefits as quickly as possible.

Veterans of financial services and transaction processing industries comprise our senior management team — and our customer support is unrivaled. We are committed to serving your needs—not just through the sales and boarding process — but throughout the entire length of time you are one of our clients. Merchant Account is happy to serve you.

We open up the lines of communication throughout the boarding process and maintain a close, professional relationship with all of our clients. If at any time you require answers to questions about your merchant account, help is just a phone call away.  Contact your dedicated Merchant Account representative to discuss any concerns. We will help you resolve any issues you may be having.

There are a number of reasons why your merchant account could be shut down. Most of them have to do with suspected fraud and we’ve included a below.

• Increased average ticket amounts:

When you first apply for a merchant account to accept credit cards, you must declare the average monetary transaction you expect to generate. This is referred to as your average ticket size. If your business suddenly starts generating tickets in excess of your declared average ticket size, your merchant account may be closed and funds withheld.

• Sudden processing volume increase:

At the time you apply for your merchant account your expected business processing volume is also declared. If your processing volume suddenly and dramatically increases, your merchant account may be shut down. Your merchant services provider must be made aware if your business is normally affected by seasonal trends or processing volume increases due to holiday shopping. These situations would be an exception.

• Questionable chargeback ratio:

If a merchant accumulates too many chargebacks it can be a problem. A merchant account may be shut down by the provider, regardless of whether the chargebacks are won or lost. Merchant Account and other providers must hold merchants accountable to the requirements of Visa and MasterCard.  Each of these card brands require merchants to maintain a chargeback ratio no greater than 2 percent of all transactions.  It is also possible that Merchant Account would see the high number of chargebacks as an indication that the goods and services being sold are not the same as those declared on the merchant service agreement — and this would raise a red flag.

• Insufficient funds and unpaid fees:

As a merchant, you must pay your dues or risk nullifying your merchant account agreement. Businesses are charged the daily discount (a daily processing fee) on each credit card purchase. The daily discount is subtracted from the net deposit made at the merchant’s bank. Other fees and charges are withdrawn from your bank account on a monthly basis. If there are insufficient funds to cover those monthly fees and charges, the merchant account could be closed.

Merchant Account representatives will thoroughly explain all requirements and costs associated with having a merchant account for credit card processing. We practice complete transparency in our business dealings. You never have to worry about any hidden charges.

We have proved our dependability in serving over 500,000 businesses and have received an A+ ranking from the Better Business Bureau for customer service and trust. Call Merchant Account toll free at 877.305.4943. We can answer any questions you might have about merchant accounts. Ask us about our state-of-the-art credit card processing solutions that can help you grow your business.

What To Look For From Your Merchant Services Provider

When you are looking for the best merchant services provider to accept credit cards in your business, there are several factors you should take into account. Before signing on the dotted line and making a final commitment, consider the following about what to look for in a quality merchant account provider.

• Experience, reputation and ratings:

Merchant Account^® is a full service merchant services provider, providing credit card processing solutions since 1996. We have earned an A+ rating for customer service and trust from the Better Business Bureau. There is no one size fits all solution for credit card processing, so look for a provider with qualities you can trust and ask questions.

• The application and boarding process:

Our merchant account representatives build relationships with business owners that are new to accepting credit cards or who are looking for a better company and a better deal than the one they currently have. If you have any confusion about fees or competing offers, Merchant Account has representatives who will take the time and explain it all to you. We get to know your business and your individual needs to help you make the best decisions for a credit card processing solution that fits the way you do business.

Our online application processing system, ELAPP,.is the gateway to an automated boarding platform that allows Merchant Account to board merchants with great efficiently, Merchants activate quickly to begin generating revenue quickly. Built-in logic minimizes data entry and creates a hassle-free user experience.

• Rates and required fees:

Merchant Account provides competitive rates to help you work within your budget. We provide complete transparency and honesty. Unlike some other merchant services providers, we won’t offer you a low teaser rate only to raise it right after you’ve signed the merchant agreement. And we don’t tack on hidden junk fees or give you services that you don’t need and can’t use. Ask your potential provider about the products and services you will require. Make sure the contract clearly identifies them all and that you will never receive any additional charges without first being notified.

• Service and support:

Efficient and secure technology is the heart of all credit card processing. The best merchant services provider must remain current with the latest advances and offer state-of-art credit card processing products, services and solutions. Should you experience a problem, Merchant Account understands that your business depends on the accountability, reliability and availability of experienced customer service and support representatives. For that reason, our U.S.-based customer support team is always accessible — 24/7/365. We are attentive to your needs. Help is always just a toll-free phone call away.

• Fraud protections

Our merchants can take advantage of Merchant Account’s PCI compliance programs designed to help keep businesses and their customers safe from the real threats of credit card fraud and identity theft. Choosing an experienced merchant services provider can help merchants achieve and maintain PCI compliance. This affords the greatest opportunity to accept credit cards in a safer environment. PCI compliance is featured in all of the products and services Merchant Account offers.

Evaluate the competition

You may not know what you need until it’s presented to you. Evaluate the competition and see what various merchant account providers have to offer and compare them to Merchant Account. After making an honest assessment of your business operation, plans for future growth, credit card processing necessities and your budget, make your decision based on whom you trust. If the merchant services provider meets the guidelines as outlined above, chances are you have found the best one for your business. As credit card processing leaders, we’re confident that Merchant Account has what it takes to be the right merchant services provider for you.

As a leading merchant services provider, we support the healthcare industry with specialized programs, dedication, and knowledge. We know what it takes to run a medical practice and offer customized online and point-of-sale payment processing solutions helps us serve you better. Merchant Account can help you to accept credit cards and other forms of payment from your patients to take your practice to the next level.

Our industry compliant payment processing can help keep you ahead of the competition:

• IP-based and dial-up solutions
• Simple integration to existing systems ( including access to automatic and manual recurring billing features)
• Ability to accept all types of major payment cards
• ACH and check processing
• 24/7 U.S.-based healthcare trained customer support
• Proprietary and third-party payment gateway support

Many medical practices struggle to get their patients to pay their bills on time. A variety of payment options can help solve this problem. Once you accept credit cards, debit cards, checks and ACH (electronic bank account) payments) you may get paid faster. Your patients will welcome different payment options so they can choose what works best for them.

Merchant Account provides practice management software to quickly and efficiently process a wide range of payment transactions. These features are integrated into the software, so there is no need for additional equipment or phone lines. You can add recurring payment features and pre-authorization forms and automatically charge patients when a balance is due.

Merchant Account offers an experienced sales staff, first-rate support and complete online reporting available 24/7. Our merchant services and credit card processing solutions provide many benefits for medical practices…

- Precise payment processing solutions save time.

- Accepting credit cards means faster checkouts, less paperwork and improved customer service.

- Enjoy peace of mind knowing your money will be in your account faster than it takes a check to clear the bank.

- Increase your collections and cash flow.

- Improve office efficiency and functionality.

- Reduce loss due to risk or chargebacks.

Call 877.305.4943 to speak to a Merchant Account representative today. Ask how credit card processing and specialized merchant services can help to improve and grow your healthcare business.

What To Look For From Your Merchant Services Provider

When you are looking for the best merchant services provider to accept credit cards in your business, there are several factors you should take into account. Before signing on the dotted line and making a final commitment, consider the following about what to look for in a quality merchant account provider.

• Experience, reputation and ratings:

Merchant Account^® is a full service merchant services provider, providing credit card processing solutions since 1996. We have earned an A+ rating for customer service and trust from the Better Business Bureau. There is no one size fits all solution for credit card processing, so look for a provider with qualities you can trust and ask questions.

• The application and boarding process:

Our merchant account representatives build relationships with business owners that are new to accepting credit cards or who are looking for a better company and a better deal than the one they currently have. If you have any confusion about fees or competing offers, Merchant Account has representatives who will take the time and explain it all to you. We get to know your business and your individual needs to help you make the best decisions for a credit card processing solution that fits the way you do business.

Our online application processing system, ELAPP,.is the gateway to an automated boarding platform that allows Merchant Account to board merchants with great efficiently, Merchants activate quickly to begin generating revenue quickly. Built-in logic minimizes data entry and creates a hassle-free user experience.

• Rates and required fees:

Merchant Account provides competitive rates to help you work within your budget. We provide complete transparency and honesty. Unlike some other merchant services providers, we won’t offer you a low teaser rate only to raise it right after you’ve signed the merchant agreement. And we don’t tack on hidden junk fees or give you services that you don’t need and can’t use. Ask your potential provider about the products and services you will require. Make sure the contract clearly identifies them all and that you will never receive any additional charges without first being notified.

• Service and support:

Efficient and secure technology is the heart of all credit card processing. The best merchant services provider must remain current with the latest advances and offer state-of-art credit card processing products, services and solutions. Should you experience a problem, Merchant Account understands that your business depends on the accountability, reliability and availability of experienced customer service and support representatives. For that reason, our U.S.-based customer support team is always accessible — 24/7/365. We are attentive to your needs. Help is always just a toll-free phone call away.

• Fraud protections

Our merchants can take advantage of Merchant Account’s PCI compliance programs designed to help keep businesses and their customers safe from the real threats of credit card fraud and identity theft. Choosing an experienced merchant services provider can help merchants achieve and maintain PCI compliance. This affords the greatest opportunity to accept credit cards in a safer environment. PCI compliance is featured in all of the products and services Merchant Account offers.

Evaluate the competition

You may not know what you need until it’s presented to you. Evaluate the competition and see what various merchant account providers have to offer and compare them to Merchant Account. After making an honest assessment of your business operation, plans for future growth, credit card processing necessities and your budget, make your decision based on whom you trust. If the merchant services provider meets the guidelines as outlined above, chances are you have found the best one for your business. As credit card processing leaders, we’re confident that Merchant Account has what it takes to be the right merchant services provider for you.

Wireless credit card processing uses encryption and digitally secured wireless connections to securely transmit sensitive account information.

Though it’s rare, it is possible for wireless credit card transactions to be interrupted or unable to process. When this happens, merchants may use a store and forward function to obtain a card swipe and print a receipt without dialing out to obtain an authorization for the transaction.

But using store and forward can create some risks for merchants. You may think this is standard credit card processing but it’s not. No actual authorization is being made with the store and forward function.

Later, when the transaction is able to be run, you risk the possibility that the card would be declined. Always receive voice authorization before accepting the card and you can avoid putting your business at risk.

Is Wireless Credit Card Processing Truly Safe?

As part of the merchant account agreement, Merchant Account® our wireless merchants agree to only use store and forward when there is no cellular coverage available. It’s important to note that merchants must accept full responsibility for any and all loss or liability that might occur as a result.

Also be aware, merchants who experience a great deal of problems with transactions may be downgraded. This means they would pay a higher rate for transactions depending on the level of failure and risk assessed with them.

Another tip for merchants to prevent downgrading is be sure to batch all processed transactions out of the terminal every day. Both Visa® and MasterCard® have strict timelines for settling transactions through their systems. Batching even one day late can greatly increase your merchant account interchange rate.

It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to wireless credit card processing. Once you are informed it’s easy to practice secure payment processing. You can accept credit cards anywhere your business takes you.

Advanced technology is built right in to compact, lightweight and portable wireless credit card terminals. Enjoy the benefits of mobile credit card processing without any phone lines tying you down!

Contact Merchant Account today for answers to all of your questions about wireless credit card processing. We offer a variety of payment processing solutions and will help you find one that works best for your specific needs.

Any transaction that has been disputed by the card holder or issuer must be resolved by the issuer or the merchant. At times, Merchant Account® may be able to respond to a copy request on our merchant’s behalf. But we may need to send the request on to our merchant for them to respond.

Merchants are often unsure of how to fulfill this kind of request. Merchant Account helps our merchants learn about responding to copy requests and resolving chargeback problems.

We provide the help they need to easily accept credit cards and manage their merchant account.

If you receive a copy request: retrieve the ales receipt in question, make a legible copy of it, then fax or mail it to us within the specified timeframe. Merchant Account will then forward the copy to the appropriate issuer.

Upon receipt, the issuer will then send the copy to the requesting card holder. The question or issue the card holder had with the transaction is usually resolved by this means.

A chargeback is a processed credit card transaction that is reversed (charged back) to a merchant because the customer or customer’s bank finds something wrong with the transaction. They happen for a variety of reasons.

The main reason a chargeback is triggered is customer dispute. Other reasons include fraud, credit card processing errors, authorization issues and non-fulfillment of copy requests. Every chargeback is assigned a reason code — a two digit number used to indentify why a chargeback occurred. Reason codes may vary by VISA, MasterCard and Diners.

Every merchant that offers credit card processing to its customers should be concerned about chargebacks to their merchant account. When the card-issuing bank requests a merchant refund on your customer’s behalf, additional processing fees will be charged. This makes the chargeback something merchants should try hard to avoid.

Lower your risk of chargebacks by following the tips below

• Verify card logos, credit card numbers, identification, customer signature and check the expiration date.
• Call for voice authorization if the card stripe doesn’t work or if the terminal is down or cannot authorize.
• Authorize every transaction.
• Be sure your customers are familiar with your return or exchange policy.

Merchant Account forms an alliance with our merchants. We provide assistance for every aspect of the credit card processing experience. Contact a representative to learn more about credit card processing best practices that can help.

So let’s start with a little bit about the basics of secure credit card processing.

These are some commonly used terms to help you build a foundation by learning the language that is used to discuss PCI compliance.

• Data Breach: The release of secure information that may include credit card data, bank account information, social security numbers and other personal information.
• PCI SSC: (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council) An organization founded by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide, and Visa, Inc. that sets security standards for account data protection and increase awareness of PCI Security Standards.
• PCI DSS: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards
• SAQ: (Self-Assessment Questionnaire) A self-evaluation tool for a merchants and service providers to determine if they are PCI DSS compliant.
• Network Security Scan: An approved scanning vendor (ASV) performs this scan to check a merchant or service provider’s networks and web applications for any areas that might put them at risk of a data breach.

Merchant Account® powered by TransFirst® understands that PCI compliance can seem complicated but it doesn’t have to be. We offer our merchants assistance and education so they can learn to keep and maintain the necessary PCI DSS requirements. PCI compliance offers many benefits of reducing the risk of data security breach.

PCI compliance applies to any merchant that accepts credit or debit card payments. Anytime there is an exchange of sensitive information, the greatest threat is the potential loss of this information. If left unprotected, important information can be intercepted.

If a breach occurs as a result of non-compliance there are harsh consequences with damages that extend to a tarnished reputation. Just one breach can cost tens of thousands of dollars in fines, audit expenses, and card monitoring and replacement costs.

Fines for noncompliance range from $5,000 to $500,000 per month.
Merchant Account offers a PCI Compliance and Data Breach Security Program that helps merchants with the mandatory PCI security requirements. It includes:

• An online portal to complete a required self-assessment questionnaire
• Network vulnerability scanning for merchants with external-facing IP addresses
• Sample security policy resources

The Data Breach Security Program from Merchant Account helps to protect merchants from the costly fees and fines for the most common forms of data compromise. The program provides:

Up to $100,000 in coverage per location for fines/penalties charged by card associations

• Card replacement costs and related expenses
• Costs of security assessments by qualified security assessors and/or forensic audits
• Post-breach service expenses

Breaches are the result of a wide range of problems, including hackers breaking into email servers, lost laptops and other mobile devices, identity theft and other compromises of sensitive data. It’s important to keep your customers’ personal information safe and protect your business to prevent losses.

Industry experts report that small and mid-sized businesses are targeted more often by hackers. Regardless, PCI compliance should become a top priority for every merchant in order to accept credit cards in a secure business environment.

Merchant Account provides state-of-the-art secure technology and best-in-class support. We know that you have questions and we’re here to help! Contact a Merchant Account representative at 877.305.4943 so we can simplify the process of growing and protecting your business with PCI compliant credit card processing solutions.

Many qualifications were considered in tallying the votes — customer reviews in particular. Top-performing eateries received acknowledgement and appreciation. Some of the words of praise were for:

- Large servings

- Friendly service

- The food is always great.

- The prices are a real bargain.

- I always feeling full and satisfied after eating.

- The nicest people work there.

- It offers a great atmosphere.

Two restaurants tied for second place and the third runner up ranked very well, but lacked a key quality that patrons would demand in order to consider it worthy of being “the best” local spot for lunch: None of them accepted credit cards as an alternative payment option.

The participating voting readers have since requested: “Please start to accept credit cards!”

It would be a good business decision to heed their customers’ advice if these second and third place restaurants want to increase their local popularity and gain more business. Customers who tend to carry credit cards and not much cash are compelled to dine at a competitor’s restaurant that offers the convenience of accepting credit cards.

By not accepting credit cards, even though the runner-up restaurants received praise for their delicious food, great service and bargain prices, they still fared much worse in the list of the best local spots for a quick lunch. That’s no surprise when you consider that cash and check payment transactions tend to take much longer than credit card transactions.

The Best Spots Accept Credit Cards, Do You?

It’s clear that in the case of the “best local spots for a quick lunch” that credit card processing would have a positive impact. Incorporating a policy of accepting credit cards as an alternative payment method to cash and checks at their eateries makes the most sense — after all, their customers have openly asked them to do so and the customer is always right!

Merchant Account® provides merchant services to businesses of every size — large, medium or small, with a variety of options for secure credit card processing solutions that fit their unique business needs. Since its inception in 1996, Merchant Account has proudly provided credit card processing solutions to more than 500,000 businesses.

All of our merchant account payment solutions are customizable and provide state-of-the-art technology, with first-class customer support and budget-friendly pricing. Restaurants can benefit from Merchant Account’s variety of point of sale (POS) solutions and connectivity methods that have the ability to: improve cash flow, improve customer service and employee productivity, and reduce the number of returned checks for non-sufficient funds.

Be a winner! Call 877.305.4943 for answers to all of your questions about credit card processing. Merchant Account can provide the merchant services you need to help you easily accept credit cards, please your current customer base and expand your business.

Once approved, Merchant Account – powered by TransFirst®, provides the necessary technology, information, and services that fit your budget and are most compatible with the particular needs of your business. Experienced Merchant Account representatives will get to know your business inside and out to make thoughtful recommendations based on your particular requirements. We can bring you on board quickly and help you begin to reap the rewards of credit card processing with fast approval, no setup fees, and free support 24/7.

Merchant Account Safety Should Be Top Priority

One option for merchants and retailers is to process credit card transactions safely and securely through a virtual terminal established on any Internet-connected desktop or laptop computer or tablet. Merchant Account’s payment gateway, Transaction Express™ (a remotely-hosted software application) provides access to the virtual terminal that enables merchants to accept credit cards which eliminates the need to purchase a separate point-of-sale terminal.

Payment gateways are very secure because they use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption technology to protect sensitive cardholder and credit card data. Transaction Express can also be seamlessly integrated into e-commerce websites providing e-commerce businesses with real-time processing of major credit cards and signature debit cards. Other popular features of our payment gateway are the recurring payments option, customizable reporting function and the ability to manage merchant and customer emails.

If you do your business on-the-go, you can start accepting credit cards anywhere your business takes you using PayFox®: the mobile app that turns your iPhone3G, 3GS or 4 into a mobile credit card terminal. The required accompanying USB cardreader lets you swipe your customer’s card instead of manually entering card number information and benefit from lower card-present swiping rates. For mobile credit card processing, swiping cards through the cardreader also saves time and avoids errors that can be made with manually keyed entries.

Verizon’s annual Data Breach Investigations Report for 2011 indicates that end-user devices such as laptops, ATMs and smartphones, were most often targeted for information theft. With the growing number of smartphone owners and increasing popularity of mobile apps and mobile credit card processing, Verizon’s head of the data breach investigations team said he would not be surprised if smartphones make up the majority of end-user devices targeted for data theft in 2012.

To reiterate: while a smartphone offers the convenience of an additional connection to the Internet, it also essentially acts as another computer and as such is another outlet where your information can be compromised. Merchant Account is committed to keeping you and your customers safe from credit card fraud and identity theft. Ask us about our proactive approach to secure processing.

Here’s How To Stay Safe

Avoid falling victim to this type of Internet crime with these few crucial steps:

• Update your computer and mobile device with the newest versions of anti-virus software
• Do not click on any embedded links if you have any doubts about an email sender’s authenticity – delete the email
• Keep in mind that banks never request any personal information via email
• Never share passwords or account information
• Be attentive to your account balances and check them often because the faster you catch and report any type of fraudulent activity, the more likely you will be to get reimbursed for any missing funds
• Merchants must achieve and maintain PCI compliance to offer the best defense against data security breaches

An experienced Merchant Account representative can provide answers to all of your questions regarding the best payment processing solution to fit your business’ unique needs. Safe Merchant accounts that allow you to accept credit cards can help you grow your business with scalable merchant service solutions.