Creating a merchant account is a key step for businesses looking to sell their products or services online. A merchant account enables you to accept payments from customers via credit or debit cards, making it easier to run and grow your business. With more consumers choosing to shop online, having a merchant account can help you tap into this growing market and reach a wider audience.
In this guide, we will go through the process of creating a merchant account step by step. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the process and will be well on your way to setting up a merchant account.
A merchant account. What is it?
A merchant account is a type of a bank account that allows a business to accept and process electronic payments from customers, typically through credit or debit card transactions. The payment is then deposited into the merchant’s account, minus any processing fees or charges, and after that, the money can be transferred directly to the bank account of the seller.
Benefits of a merchant account
A merchant account post can provide several benefits to a business, including:
The ability to sell goods and services online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and make payments convenient, easy, and quick leads to an increase of sales.
According to research by American Consumer Credit Counseling, more than 80% of people prefer to pay for purchases with bank cards rather than cash. Thus, by offering convenient and preferred payment options, a merchant account can help to improve customer satisfaction and build customer loyalty.
The owner of a merchant account sees all the information about the payments made, can control the dynamics of sales, and generate reports directly in the account.
A merchant account helps ensure that transactions are safe and compliant with
modern online payment security requirements (Verified by Visa, Mastercard SecureCode, and two-factor identification) and reduces the risk of fraud with an anti-fraud system.
6 essential steps for opening a merchant account
Step 1: Determine your business needs
Firstly, before you start the process of creating a merchant account, it’s essential to determine your business needs. Consider factors such as the type of company you run, the volume of sales you expect, and the kinds of payments you want to accept. This will help you choose the right payment processor that works with your business parameters and merchant account that best suits your wishes.
Step 2: Choose a payment processor
A payment processor is a company that facilitates the transfer of funds from your customer’s bank to your own. Selecting the right payment processor is critical to the success of your business, so it’s essential to research and compare different payment processors. Look for payment processors that offer competitive fees, reliable support, and a user-friendly interface. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of opening a merchant account with UniversePAY right now.
Step 3: Apply for a merchant account
Once you have decided on a payment processor, the next step is to apply for a merchant account. The application process is straightforward, and the payment processor will provide you with an application form to fill out. You will need to provide the necessary documentation, including the company structure description, owner and director information, financial statements, estimated volumes of transactions, etc.
Please note that, based on the type and risk level of your business, additional documents and information may be required. To ensure a smooth process and avoid common mistakes, such as incorrect registration, wrong director or owner names, or outdated documents, it is recommended to seek assistance from experts. Our team can not only help you select the best merchant account for your business, but also guide you through the registration process efficiently. Send us an email at info@universepay.eu to find out the details.
Step 4: Undergo a review process
After you have submitted your application, the payment processor will review it and perform a background check to assess the risk of doing business with you. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, the payment processor will evaluate your credit history, financial stability, and the type of business you run.
Step 5: Configure payment processing
Next, when your merchant account has been approved, you can set up payment processing for your website or online store. You will need to integrate the payment processor’s payment gateway into your website, allowing customers to make secure payments. This process is usually straightforward, and the payment processor will provide you with the necessary documentation and support to get started.
Step 6: Start accepting payments
Finally, once everything is set up, you can start accepting payments from customers. You’ll be able to track transactions and access reports to monitor the success of your business. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your customers’ payment information is secure and protected.
Conclusion
To summarize, having a merchant account is vital for companies that want to conduct online sales. By partnering with a reliable payment processor as UniversePAY and setting up a merchant account, businesses can effortlessly process payments from customers, thereby expanding their reach and growth potential. Whether you’re a new business or seeking to enhance your online presence, investing in a merchant account is crucial for staying ahead in today’s digital world.