Credit card merchant account is something provided by a Merchant Account Provider or bank that allows you to accept credit cards in your business. A credit card merchant account can be setup for any business type. Your business type and credit rating will determine what rates and fees you will incur with your credit card merchant account. Internet and mail order/telephone order (MO/TO) merchants will find that processing fees will be higher than for a retail establishment. The reason is because it is believed the level of fraud is considered much lower in retail then it is when a card is not present to be swiped. Non-US based businesses interested in a merchant account should consider using a 3rd party processor. Rates for a non-US merchant account are quite high.
If your business is both run via the Internet and by retail storefront, you will need two credit card merchant accounts. Why? It all goes back to processing rate and fee differences.
If you’re interested in what fees are associated with maintaining a credit card merchant account visit our credit card acceptance guide.
If you’re interested in a personal recommendation, View our Featured Merchant Account Provider page for a reputible credit card merchant account provider for your business.