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Finding the best online merchant account providerThe best online merchant account provider ... That's what you want, and that's what you deserve. But it won't just land in your lap. You'll have to do a little research, a little shopping and a little comparing.
Of
course, a
little here and a little there can add up to a lot of time! This list
is meant to get you heading down the road to finding the best online
merchant account provider. A
starting point, if you will. Another year, another "Cream of the Crop" list! One thing stays the same though, year after year... Reliability is KING! It is the most important quality when looking for the best online merchant account provider. Think about it. Who cares how cheap your transaction fees are or how low you chargeback rate is if your payment processing service is down and you can't accept payments?! Of course, price is an issue (though not to the extent we tend to make it). However, in this market, competition ensures that prices -- in general -- are similar across the board. "So why even bother shopping around?"Why not take the first one you like? Because, in a nutshell, each merchant account provider you deal with, from the local bank to the largest independent sales organization, will evaluate risk differently and consequently offer you differing price quotes.That's why I make a list, and why you should too. By getting price quotes from several different services, you will, at the very least, know that you are paying a reasonable price wherever you go. And you may even find a bargain! After all, isn't that why you shop? To get a feel for what a good price to pay would be? How do you know what a good deal is until you explore the market? Well if you do that for a toaster or a curling iron, then for Pete's sake, why wouldn't you do it for a credit card processing service? Simple? Sure. Important? Absolutely! To aid you in your shopping for the best online merchant account, I've ensured that all the services on the list allow you to apply for a price/package quote at no cost and with no obligation and (gasp!) will ensure that a living, breathing representative will contact you in 1-2 business days. Caution (part 1)Make sure you are only applying to be reviewed and talk to a rep and NOT ACTUALLY LOCKING YOURSELF INTO A CONTRACT! Believe me, I've heard a horror story or two. Either make sure that what you are filling out says "no obligation" or find their customer service number (it should be extremely easy to find) and call them for a price quote. If you're not absolutely sure, and you can't find a number, move on. That's a sure sign this isn't the place where you will find your best online merchant account.Caution (part 2)Do not apply with any service that requires up-front payment just to apply and be very wary of those with large start-up costs. Why? There are just too many fine services out there that will allow you to get a price quote and/or apply for free (and too many unscrupulous ones that look for up-front payments... and then disappear).Obviously, there are many more payment processing services out there, but this year's "Cream of the Crop" list, like every year, is devoted to the best online merchant account providers that have been in business for years and have demonstrated the greatest durability, which results in ongoing reliability. Please see each services website for more information (as any good shopper would do). It is a good idea to print out the Merchant Account Fees article and have it with you as you are comparing fees and services. And finally, when you apply with and then speak with representatives of these services, have this mindset: YOU are interviewing THEM. There are many services out there vying for your business in a very competitive market, so get the service you deserve! Cream of the CropThree critical points:
(and any merchant account you apply for should as well)
Top recommendationsCharge.com
Yahoo Small Business (Comparison chart)
Cardservice International
Also worth considering ...Remember, this is only a starting point. I can only recommend services I have researched. You have to do some digging yourself and find the best online merchant account provider for your business. If you haven't already, use the search box below to scour the web for more merchant account providers. | Homepage | Best online merchant account provider | |
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What is inexpensive?!An inexpensive merchant account is...
Competitive pricing:*internet/mail/phone2.25% discount rate 25 cent transaction fee Retail (face-to-face) 1.85% discount rate 25 cent transaction fee Gateway fee $17 month Statement/service fee $10 month If you are considering several merchant accounts and the prices are in this range, stop using price to compare. It's time to compare service, support, features, etc. Look beyond price.
*These rates are taken from Charge.com.
Thank you thank you thank you!This site is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks for keeping me from makeing [sic] a big mistake! James Adair, |
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2008. How-to-get-an-inexpensive-merchant-account is an information and research site only, not a merchant account provider | Disclaimer
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