FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Merchant Account?
A merchant account is a commercial bank account established by contractual agreement between your business and the banks we represent. A merchant account enables your business to accept credit card payments from your customers.

Can I choose my bank?
Yes, you can choose any bank in the United States that accepts electronic deposits.

Why does my business need to accept credit cards from my customers?
By accepting major credit cards you can increase your credibility, customer convenience, and best of all, your sales. Statistics say accepting credit cards can increase sales by 30% to 100%!

How do I apply for a merchant account?
To apply, go to our one-minute online application or call us at 1-800-577-5977.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?
In most instances within five working days your company will be able to accept credit cards from your customers. If you need faster service we can accommodate an expedited application for a rush fee. Call for details.

What credit cards will my business be able to accept?
We will support the application process for all 4 major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. A separate application and approval is required for other cards such as JCB.

What type of equipment should my business use to process credit cards and checks?
We offer your business three options for processing credit card and check orders:
* Secure, real-time credit card and check processing for your website (see Gateways page).
* Software for PC's and Mac's for your Mail/Phone order business
* Swipe terminals and supplies for retail merchants. We have the software or terminals(s) your business will require at competitive lease and purchase prices.

Will my business be able to purchase or lease the software and/or equipment I need?
Yes, Merchant Support Network offers both leasing and purchasing options to your business.

Will my business receive a statement on the transactions processed?
Yes, you will receive a comprehensive statement monthly, detailing your credit card daily deposit totals.

How will my business receive payment for each transaction?
The funds are direct deposited into the business checking account of your choice. Most accounts deposit in 2 business days.

How is the lease payment determined?
The lease payment is based on the value of the equipment you are leasing, the terms you select (number of months), and your personal credit. Leasing is an attractive alternative when you want to preserve working capital, have a tax deductible business expense, and receive your account and equipment with only your first months' payment.

Are my funds guaranteed?
Any customer has the right to dispute a credit card charge from the card's issuing bank. If a charge is challenged, a retrieval request will be sent to the merchant asking for proof that a sale had been made by the customer. A merchant should take due diligence to protect against someone trying to order merchandise with stolen cards by becoming familiar with the process.

What is Address Verification Service?
AVS is a service that is built into the authorization process to help prevent fraudulent transactions. The numerical portion of a consumer's address is sent along with the transaction data and is matched against the address that is registered with the consumer's credit card from their issuer's bank. A response code is sent back with the approval (or decline) message that indicates a match or not. Currently, a match or mismatch is simply reported back to the merchant and does NOT result in a transaction decline. The merchant then has the option to contact their customer to confirm the correct address before they ship any goods.

What types of businesses use our Merchant Accounts?
A variety of businesses including award winning companies from discount and charitable companies to gift basket, jewelry, travel, eBooks, ecommerce shopping cart suppliers, firewall and other computer hardware. See examples of a variety of our exceptionally successful merchant clients.