Merchant Account FAQs
Link to the AccountEdge Merchant Account page
Q: What is a Merchant Account?
A: A Merchant Account is basically a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments via credit card or debit cards. This serves as an agreement between a retailer, their bank account, and a merchant account provider/processor for the settlement of these transactions. A Merchant Account can be used in conjunction with AccountEdge or Checkout Point of Sale, or it can be used as a stand-alone - entering transactions into the Virtual Terminal online.
Q: Who is the back end service provider?
A: Our Merchant Accounts are powered by ACH Direct, suppliers of merchant transaction processing services and industry leaders in providing high tech processing solutions.
Q: How do I know which Merchant Account is right for my business?
A: Essentially, credit card processing is a game of averages. What you must figure out, is what % of your dollar volume you swipe vs. what % you key-enter. When you swipe more than 80% of your credit card transactions, chances are a Card-Present Account will be best for you as you will be eligible for a rate as low as 1.79% (1.90% in Canada) on that majority of transactions. The rest of your transactions that are key-entered will be processed at 1.79% (1.90% in Canada) PLUS whatever surcharge rates you are qualified for (often equals more than 2.29% or 2.50% for Canada). The AVERAGE of all these transactions will hypothetically be lower than 2.29% (2.50% in Canada). If you do not swipe 80% or so of your transactions, then the Card Not Present Account may be best for you because ALL transactions will be processed at as low as 2.29% (2.50% in Canada).
Q: With what versions of AccountEdge does it work?
A: Current versions of AccountEdge Mac and Windows support our Merchant Accounts.
Q: How do I apply for a merchant account?
A: You can request a callback from one of our sales representatives, or call either 877-548-8516 or 800-322-6962 to have an application emailed or faxed to you.
Q: How long will it take to get approved?
A: Approval for a credit card merchant account takes an average of 3-5 business days. This average is dependent upon the amount of information filled out on the application and the documentation provided at the time the application is submitted.
Q: What credit cards will I be able to accept?
A: You’ll be able to accept: VISA, MasterCard, and Discover (handled separately for Canada). American Express is optional. For those of you who are new to accepting credit cards, American Express approves customers with their own merchant account, which ACH Direct handles setting up for you and merging with the account you setup with them.
Q: Can I accept international credit cards?
A: You will be able to accept credit cards whether they're domestic or international. However, all payments will be processed in US dollars only (Canadian dollars for Canadian merchants).
Q: What information is required to complete the application?
A: The basics are documents supporting company ownership (DBA Certificate, Corporate Resolution, etc), a voided check, and copies of bank statements over the past two months. Depending on your expected volume, you may also need to provide signed Tax Returns from the past two years as well as your most recent fiscal year end business or personal financials.
Q: Can I use my existing Merchant Account?
A: No, you will have to apply for a new merchant account in order for the service to work with AccountEdge.
Q: What type of transactions can I record?
A: You can record credit card sales, debits, voids, and refunds. All debit card sales will be processed as credit cards.
Q: What does the service cost to get started?
A: $99 Setup/Application Fee - see Merchant Account pricing
Q: Is there support?
A: Initial setup through the software can usually be handled by ACH Direct. Any further issues are handled on a case by case basis. You need AccountEdge Support for help with software features. Tech support options can be found on our website, or you can call customer service at 800.322.6962 for more details on support plans and payment options.
Q: What rate will I be charged when I accept a credit card?
A: If you use a swipe card reader to enter the credit card number, your rate (swiped rate) will be as low as 1.79% (1.90% in Canada) plus $0.25 per transaction. If you manually enter the credit card number (key entered), your rate will be as low as 2.29% (2.50% in Canada) plus $0.25 per transaction.
Q: How does the card swipe work?
A: The card swipe reader is a USB-based device that plugs into any Mac or PC that supports USB. No device drivers are required. Currently, only the card swipe reader we supply will interact properly with AccountEdge and Checkout. A card swipe reader can be purchased during the application process or by calling customer service at 800.322.6962 (currently US only).
Q: Once my application is approved, how long will it take until I can process credit card transactions in AccountEdge or Checkout?
A: Once you are approved, you are immediately ready to begin processing credit card transactions. You must enter the merchant account information provided by ACH Direct, into the product you are using, and possibly log in to the Virtual Terminal to obtain two additional codes that must be entered into the software.
Q: Why do swiped rates differ from manually entered rates?
A: Swiped rates are lower because there is less risk (you physically have the credit card in hand, and more data can be read from the card) vs. manually entering a card number, which does not prove the card is present.
Q: When do the funds show up in my bank account?
A: Funds are transferred into your bank account within 2 business days, beginning the day after the transaction is approved.
Q: How secure is the transaction?
A: We use industry standard encryption protocol to keep customer card information secure. The processing bank is responsible for fraudulent charges.
Q: Will I need to purchase additional equipment to accept credit cards?
A: No, the only equipment, aside from your computer, our software, and a web connection, is an optional credit card reader.
Q: Can I accept a debit card from a customer as a payment?
A: If you enter a card that is both a debit and a credit card when using our Merchant Account Services, the Merchant Account will process the transaction as a credit card transaction. True debit card payments where a PIN number is required can’t be processed with our Merchant Account Service.
Q: Can I print a receipt for Credit Card Payments?
A: There are 2 ways in which you can print a receipt for a credit card transaction in your accounting software: once a transaction is authorized, you will be prompted to print a receipt or you can print a receipt right through the Sales Command Center.
With Checkout, you can download our Customizable Receipt Template which will allow you to print the receipt onto 3 1/4” receipt printer paper. The software can print a receipt once payment is received or by re-opening an invoice and choosing to print.
Q: How can I find out what rate I will be charged for American Express transactions?
A: Your merchant account application will also allow you to apply for American Express accounts. While Acclivity and ACH Direct will manage the application process for you, we don't have visibility into, or influence over the specific rate(s) your business will pay.
We do know that both companies will evaluate: type of business, estimated annual volume (and historical volume), and whether you have had a previous AMEX account. Once you are approved, we will better be able to assist you in understanding the rates you will pay for each type of transaction.
Q How can I obtain credit card decal stickers?
A: You can order the stickers direct from the card associations. Below are the links where the stickers can be ordered.
American Express: https://www209.americanexpress.com/merchant/marketing-data/pages/lo...
Discover: http://www.discovernetwork.com/clientsupport/signage.html
MasterCard: http://www.mastercardbrandcenter.com/us/index.shtml
Visa: http://www.visafulfillment.com/visamerchant/main.asp?lp=1