Spotlight on Merchant Services: Accept Credit Card Payments Now

Merchant services is a broad term that covers a whole list of products and services, including credit card processing. Businesses that want to accept credit card payments need to first establish a merchant account with a merchant services provider like Merchant Express®. Once that first step is taken, they can start processing payment card transactions almost immediately.

A merchant services provider is a company that provides a full menu of transaction processing solutions and products to merchants. Besides various types of merchant accounts (POS, Internet, wireless, mobile) for credit and debit card processing, a full-service provider also offers check conversion services, electronic benefits transfer (EBT), gift and loyalty card programs, point-of-sale systems and a payment gateway for online processing like Transaction Express™ from Merchant Express. Additionally, merchants should expect state-of-the-art, PCI-compliant secure processing technology and free 24/7 customer service and support at competitive rates.

While credit card processing is a business expense (like rent, utilities and payroll), it also can be a positive factor in growing your business and your bottom line. When your customers shop with a credit card, they tend to spend more, buy higher-quality goods and services and make more impulse buys due to the freedom offered by their credit line. In fact, many customers expect to pay with plastic, preferring its convenience over cash, so they specifically look for merchants who accept payment cards. Seeing those logos in your store window or on your website legitimizes your business in their eyes.

Accepting credit cards is also a convenience for merchants. Once a transaction has been approved, your credit card processor will deposit the funds in your bank account within days. No more billing or collection process, and no more waiting for checks to clear.

Let’s face it: In today’s marketplace, practically every business accepts credit and debit cards. In this environment, not accepting them is a non-starter if you want to be competitive and grow your business. And speaking of expansion, new credit card processing technology makes it easy to do so. If you have a mobile workforce, mobile credit card processing or wireless credit card processing can streamline your operation by enabling you to accept payment wherever and whenever the sales arise. And expansion to doing business online is easily supported by adding online credit card processing to your repertoire.

Electronic payment processing is a competitive field these days, which means you’re likely to find merchant services that meet your requirements and fit your budget. Well-qualified merchants can be set up to accept credit cards in as little as 24 hours with Merchant Express, so why wait? Contact us today and find out how a merchant account can open new revenue streams for your business.