This very simple site explains how to find an inexpensive merchant account and related payment processing issues in clear, accurate terms.

So what is the first step?

STOP!

You must ...

• STOP assuming you need a merchant account
• STOP assuming you will get the best deal online
• STOP assuming you will get unbiased advice

... and ...

• START getting the facts right

Here are the basic steps to getting an inexpensive merchant account:

#1 Do you need one?

If you are selling online and just starting out, you probably don't need a merchant account of your own.

Merchant accounts come with a variety of fees that can easily gobble up your earnings. If you are selling a higher volume, these fees aren't a concern.

If you are selling a lower volume, or lower priced goods, you should consider a third-party processor. Someone else, like Paypal, owns the merchant account and allows you to use it. There are, of course, pros and cons to consider closely. Here is an article that discusses this further.

#2 Go local

If you do need your own merchant account, go to your local banker first.

If you are selling offline from a traditional storefront, have higher volume or simply prefer having your own merchant account, the place to start is local banks, preferably one you and/or your business has a relationship with.

You won't see this advice much online and that is too bad. While banks have their drawbacks, they put a face on your account, offering you a place to start if you have questions or problems (and you will have questions and problems).

#3 Go online

3. Compare merchant account providers online to see who gives you a better deal.

Don't just stop at the local bank. If they offer you a merchant account, see if you can find a better offer online. If you need merchant services your bank can't provide, or can't get approved for one, go shopping online.

Each merchant account service will evaluate your business differently and may offer you a better deal. You may lose the personalized service of a bank, but you may not mind. Again, there are plenty of pros and cons to either route and it depends to some extend on the type of account (online, retail, mobile, etc.) you are considering.

The advice here is for any merchant, from newbies to those who have been around the block a few times.

Yes, you can find an inexpensive merchant account that is right for your business! (and yes, inexpensive IS a relative term.)

---------

If you are...

... starting a business and want to accept payments (like credit cards) on your website and/or at your storefront...

... looking to enable your existing business to accept real-time payments...

... overpaying or unhappy with your current payment processing services...

...then this site will help you find an inexpensive merchant account by doing what Mama always told you to do...

SHOP AROUND.

Really. It's a simple dogma you'll see preached over and over on this site.

Get to know all things about merchant accounts and payment processing. Learn what banks, merchant account providers and third-party processors are all about. Talk to other merchants. Read reviews and recommendations.

Shop, compare, learn.

This site will help by breaking down the various options and showing you how to compare them and find an inexpensive merchant account option that works for you.

I have thrown together a list of some of my favorite online payment processing services I call the Cream of the Crop. Consider it only a starting point. In fact, if this is all greek to you, start with the basics.

I have also written and collected several articles on key aspects of payment processing and how to find an inexpensive merchant account that I think you'll find helpful. Use the links at left or below to learn more.

And I'm always writing (In fact, if there's a specific issue you'd like to see addressed on the site, please don't hesitate to contact me).

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the site. Who knows? You might even learn something (... no promises!)

Best wishes,
Joshua B.
joshua(at)how-to-get-an-inexpensive-merchant-account.com

---

• Please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Get Traffic, Get Sales! If you sell anything, you must have a presence online. But you need to learn how to draw warm, willing-to-buy visitors to your site. That is what Get Traffic, Get Sales! is all about: A monthly must-have newsletter chock-full of real, meaningful tips.

Email Name Then Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Get Traffic, Get Sales!

• Please subscribe to my Affordable Merchant Account Mini-Blog. This RSS feed is a small blog about the industry which will also let you know whenever any new or changed articles appear here at 'How to get an inexpensive merchant account.' It keeps you up-to-date with other special postings and points out some critical tips that plenty of merchant seem to forget.
  
  

---

OK, enough chatter. Let's get to it...

How To Know When A Merchant Account is Inexpensive And When It Is Not Finding a merchant account for your business that claims to be inexpensive is easy. Finding one that really is ... is not.

The Final Word on Inexpensive Merchant Accounts Welcome to the blog of "How To Get An Inexpensive Merchant Account." Here you'll find site updates and the latest industry news.

Search The Site Can't remember where it was on the site? Now you can find it, easy as 1,2,3.

Demystifying the Merchant Account for Business Do you know how to choose a merchant account for business? Step 1, understand how it works.

Compare Internet Merchant Account Providers A no-frills approach to compare internet merchant account providers and find an affordable option for your business

Yes, Ecommerce Internet Merchant Accounts That Are Inexpensive Do Exist Ecommerce internet merchant accounts can be obtained two affordable ways: merchant account providers and third-party processors

Finding Merchant Accounts For Your Business That Are Inexpensive Merchant accounts for your business that are inexpensive? Here's what you must know before you shop around.

An Inexpensive Mobile Merchant Account or Wireless Merchant Account Is Possible It may seem like a mobile merchant account is just too risky to be affordable. In fact, there are inexpensive options.

A MOTO Merchant Account Can Be Affordable If You Shop Around Can a MOTO merchant account be inexpensive? It has plenty of strikes against it, but that doesn't mean there aren't deals out there.

Finding A Foreign Merchant Account For Your Business A foreign merchant account will vary greatly from place to place, but the wrong one will cripple your business so choose carefully.

Stop! Don't Fill Out A Merchant Account Application Online And Make A Big Mistake You can fill out a merchant account application online ... AFTER learning to avoid the critical 5 mistakes merchants make

Limit Your Chargeback Rate With These Simple Steps The dreaded chargeback. Too many can affect your merchant account status and cripple your business. Here's what you must know.

Merchant Account Providers: How to Choose the Right One For Your Business Why Banks or ISOs? Why Merchant Account Providers? Why ask why? We'll tell you ... why.

Breaking Down the Merchant Account Rate, One Outrageous Fee at a Time Merchant account rate and fees can be the make-it-or-break-it factor in choosing a merchant account. Take a closer look.

The Real Scoop on Merchant Account Payment Gateway Company Decisions Want to know how to choose a merchant account payment gateway company? There is one circumstance where it really matters. Find out.

Make Any Site Sell If you've got something to sell online, this free 200-page manual will tell you how to do it

Contact Us Contact us at affordable merchant account

Merchant Account Resources Great resources for small business owners.