Merchant accounts are contractual agreements between a participating bank who extends a line of credit to a merchant. This allows businesses to accept payment for goods and/or services from credit cards.

You should know that customers are far more likely to buy from businesses that offer the option to pay with credit cards. Statistics prove that vendors using merchant accounts will see an immediate increase in the number of sales. While the average cash sale is around $9, the average credit card sale is closer to $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.

- Processing fees for merchant accounts can be lower than check transaction fees.

- Debt collection problems becomes an issue for the bank, not you.

While there are obvious benefits to having merchant account facilities in your business, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

- You will have to institute measures to 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.

Comparing Merchant Accounts

Before calling your own bank to ask about merchant accounts, its a good idea to compare the offerings of several different banking institutions, as well as merchant account providers. Fees and charges can vary greatly, so its important to check what are the charges and fees likely per 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 Fees and Charges

Different providers may charge some type of application fee. This can range from $0 up to $100, 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 ask about with any potential merchant account provider are charge back fees, minimum usage fees, statement fees, annual fees, close-out fees and account keeping fees.

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