A Good Credit Card Processing Service?

It's hard to determine which credit card processing solution is best for your business with so many choices available. Below are the criteria Top Ten Reviews used to rank credit card processing services:

Average Approval Rating - This criterion, usually evaluated by percentage of approved applicants, refers to its approval rate, the processing speed and the fee to apply. An accommodating service will have a high approval rate and process your application quickly and without a fee.

Cost per Month - A low monthly cost helps keep overhead costs down. A competitive credit card processing company will require a low monthly fee with clear communication about ongoing fees and costs. Our ratings are based on 500 transactions per month with one statement, charge back and gateway fee.

Start-Up Cost - Credit card processing companies shouldn't charge you too much to set up a merchant account and a payment gateway.

Account Setup Time - A competent service will expedite your application and get you in business as quickly as possible, some can approve the application and set-up an account within a days time.

Customer Service - Accessible customer service answers inquires 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service should offer many avenues of contact including telephone, email or instant messaging and help should be quick to respond and provide useful information. Internet Based Features - Most companies offer more than one type of virtual terminal as well as an online merchant account and payment gateway.

POS/ Swipers Features - A variety of Point of Sale options and swipers (card readers) should be available through the service. This is especially important if you are a retail business or operate from remote sales locations.

With a good credit card processing service, you can increase your sales and flexibility and give your customers many payment options

Credit Card Processing without a Merchant Account

Credit Card processing without a merchant account is a feasible option for website owners.. If your business is to grow and succeed, it is essential to accept online credit cards.

Benefits of accepting online credit cards.

1. It has been proven that sales increase dramatically when you accept online credit cards.

2. Up to 75% of online purchases are made on impulse and customers spend up to 50% more when using their credit cards.

3. Above all, if you accept online credit cards you build credibility in the eyes of your customers as they assume only established businesses will accept cards.

However, it is not necessary to have your own internet merchant account to be able to accept credit card payments on your website. Most small businesses do not need their own online merchant account.

How to get free online credit cards

Getting your own internet merchant account is more difficult than obtaining an offline merchant account because the card is not present at payment nor is the signature obtained. Sometimes, small and new companies face extra difficulties.

Nevertheless, these problems can be overcome by getting a Third Party Processing company to accept online credit card payments on behalf of you or your company.

How Third Party Processors operate

The payments your customers make are processed through the third party’s own merchant account, and you the retailer is paid (minus a commission) by the third party processor. This allows you to sell online without the necessity of having your own internet merchant account.

However, the Third Party Processor makes its profit by charging a processing fee. Usually, third party processor charges are a little more on a transaction compared with having your own online merchant account. Though set-up fees are usually free or minimal.

So, there you have it. You can accept online credit cards on your website through a Third Party Processor without needing your own merchant account. Credit card processing without a merchant account is definitely an option.

(c) John Lynch

For a review of online merchant accounts and third party processors Got to: http://www.merchant-account-service.com/third_party_processors.html