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Credit Card Processing

Studies show that credit card customers spend 2 1/2 times more than customers who only carry cash. Accepting credit cards can increase sales by as much as 40%.

Sponsored by PaynetSystems,Inc
www.paynetsystems.com
A Credit Card processing and Merchant Services provider
Paynet Systems is a registered Merchant Service Provider of Wells Fargo, NA

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Lipman Credit Card Terminal Information

Established in 1974, Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd is a high technology publicly-held company whose shares are traded on the Tel-Aviv stock exchange. Our objective is to keep ahead of the competition through innovative action. Our business philosophy is to provide you with the most reliable, technologically advanced and most cost-effective product available.



The company is involved in the development, production and marketing of a broad line of sophisticated, microprocessor-based electronic equipment and computerized systems for advanced applications, incorporating optical imaging and scanning technologies. Following the tradition of over two decades of excellence in state-of-the-art products, the company continues to expand as a pace-setter in advanced communication and embedded system technologies.



Product Line

Today, Lipman's main product line revolves around the design and manufacture of advanced Credit Card Terminals,wireless and tel-line point-of-sale (POS) terminals and cash registers, betting and home services terminals, thermal and impact printers, PIN pads, smart-card readers, coin-operated or credit/debit/smart card controllers for integration into vending machine, commercial washer/dryer payment systems or numerous other card-type payment applications.



Lipman continually strives to manufacture unique and sophisticated products that are: low-cost, simple to operate and program, systematically flexible being based upon well-thought out hardware/software integration, and finally but not least, quality assured. The engineering development department is continually researching new concepts and has demonstrated its ability to quickly respond to the ever present technological changes characterizing the field of data communications.



Here are some of the more popular Lipman Terminals.

Lipman

  • Nurit 2080
  • Nurit 2085
  • Nurit 3020
  • Nurit 3010
  • Nurit 8000

For more ,visit here.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Information on Merchant Account Processing

If your company is already doing a good job of invoicing your customers, you may be put off by the costs of merchant services, which take a percentage of all your sales. There is much to be said about developing a merchant account system and letting an outsourced company do much of the work of credit card processing for you, so you can deal with more important business issues such as product development and customer satisfaction. It is possible to accept credit card payments over the Internet without establishing your own merchant account. Third party merchants can accept credit cards on your behalf, without requiring a credit check.



Qualifying for a merchant account

Before giving you a merchant account, a merchant services provider will want to make sure that you are a legitimate business that will not leave them liable for fraudulent charges. They will start with a basic background check. This includes a thorough credit history review of the owners or officers listed on the application, in addition to credit references from two to three suppliers.



Providers will also consider the type of credit card transactions that your company performs. Swiping customers' cards in person allows for much less risk of credit card fraud or misunderstanding regarding what the customer is purchasing. Being a higher-risk internet merchant does not necessarily prevent you from getting a merchant account - but it will drive up your costs.



Choosing a merchant service

If your business will be selling over the Internet and you do not have a secure server that can encrypt credit card information, make sure your provider can offer secure ordering through SSL (secure sockets layer, a widely-used web standard for security). Setting up your own secure site is expensive and difficult. Finally, if you are not using a bank or financial company you recognize, make sure you verify that the company you are investigating is legitimate.



Internet Merchant Accounts are used for businesses online. The website is the basis of the business and all transactions are handled therein. These merchant accounts usually have a significant amount of support and security because they are the means for the entirety of the business. Most businesses that have a website can open an internet merchant account, but it is especially helpful for those lacking a physical presence. This type of account can be opened using a form online from the merchant bank.



Online Merchant Accounts are simply accounts that are opened online. These can be opened by most businesses. Merchants that have land based stores and also have online catalogues, benefit from these types of online merchant accounts because they enable the stores to receive orders online in addition to the land based activities. This helps merchants target a broader audience while retaining their regular business status.


For more , visit here.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Choose the right Credit Card Processing Terminals

Credit card payments are safe and secure, and they guarantee the best customer service. Besides, these payments give a more professional look to any business. These terminals are also referred to as point of sale (POS) terminals. Their type and style depend on the kind of business and style of credit card processing. Prices also vary according to their functions and the technology they use. Card readers with a small keypad and display are the most basic form of the POS. These are the most economical type of terminals


Most merchants prefer a credit card terminal without an attached printer, while retail merchants usually go for a terminal with an integrated printer. There are also wireless machines that are more costly, but the processing volume supports their cost. Wireless credit card processing terminals are mainly used for businesses that continually change their location. Credit card processing machines use different software packages that provide for instant processing, and encrypted SSL (secure socket layer) for safe deals. Some latest credit card processing terminals can handle multiple merchant accounts. Examples include Nurit 2085, Omni 3750, Nurit 3020, Omni 3740, and Verifone Tranz 380x2. All these terminals provide retailers a fast, low-cost way to approve and process credit card sales.


Because credit card equipment is relatively inexpensive considering the important role it plays for many businesses, it is worth spending a little extra to make sure you get all the reliability you need. Saving $50 is not going to affect your business much in the long run; a terminal that is slow or balky can have a serious negative effect.



Where to buy

Purchasing credit card processing equipment from your merchant account provider can simplify the process - they will pre-program the terminals for you. They also know that you will be working with them for years to come, so they are more likely to give you a break on terminal pricing and will not be as interested in selling you models at the highest pricing.


If you are purchasing your terminals separately, the choice of vendor is not terribly important. The transaction is a one-time purchase, not the start of an ongoing relationship. Combined with the overall reliability of terminals and the low total cost, this means that the decision of which vendor you purchase credit card equipment from is pretty minor.


For more information , visit here.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Credit Card Transactions

Credit card processing over the Internet requires putting a number of separate pieces together. Participating parties:


  • Merchant Bank: the bank where your account is located.
  • Acquiring Bank: a bank that specializes in managing credit card transactions for merchants.
  • Credit Card Network: the communications network that connects issuing and acquiring banks; built by MasterCard and Visa.
  • Issuing Bank: the company that issues the credit card to the customer

    Transaction Processing Clearinghouse

    When you finally get set up with a bank you'll find that they probably contract out processing the credit card transactions to a transaction clearinghouse. When you get ready to process the purchase made on your online (or physical) store, they're the people at the end of the modem who tell you the credit card number is valid and doesn't have its credit limit maxed out.



    Hardware/Software Gateway to the Clearinghouse

    The final piece is a gateway that connects you to this transaction clearinghouse. There are three common gateways:


    1. Cardswipe machines
    2. Desktop Software.
    3. Real-time Website Gateways.

    Steps involved in a normal credit card transaction:

    1. Merchant calculates the amount of purchase and asks buyer for payment .Buyer presents merchant with a credit card.
    2. Merchant runs credit card through the point of sale unit. The amount of the sale is either hand-entered or transmitted by the cash register. Merchant transmits the credit card data and sales amount with a request for authorization of the sale to their acquiring bank.
    3. The acquiring bank that processes the transaction, routes the authorization request to the card-issuing bank. The credit card number identifies type of card, issuing bank, and the cardholder's account.
    4. The acquiring bank processing the transaction, and then sends the approval or denial code to the merchant's point of sale unit. Each point of sale device has a separate terminal ID for credit card processors to be able to route data back to that particular unit.
    5. A sale draft, or slip, is printed out by the point of sale unit or cash register. The merchant asks the buyer to sign the sale draft, which obligates them to reimburse the card-issuing bank for the amount of the sale.

    For more information , visit here.
  • Tuesday, November 21, 2006

    VeriFone Omni 3200 SE : Proven Payment Performer

    Sleek and stylish in design, Verifone Omni 3200SE Credit Card Terminal is easy-to-use ATM-style interface, with angled rubber keys and screen-addressable function keys, virtually eliminates training and minimizes clerk errors. The terminal’s large (8x21), durable, liquid-crystal display is backlit, for improved readability under any lighting conditions. Integrated, whisper-quiet thermal printer features unique “clam shell” design, with drop-in paper-loading to virtually eliminate paper jams. Hinged paper cover can’t get lost.


    Moreover, a single power cord and convenient cable connections simplify installation and allows for flexible mounting on walls or in stands. A “clam shell” printer facilitates drop-in loading, virtually eliminating paper jams. With the VeriFone Omni 3200SE, VeriFone has made a number of improvements to one of its best selling credit card terminals, the Omni 3200. If you are considering purchasing credit card terminals, first take a look at the updated features in the VeriFone Omni 3200SE


    Outstanding Performance

    1. High-speed processing and printing move customers swiftly through the checkout.
    2. Plenty of memory efficiently runs payment applications and supports value-added solutions such as gift cards.
    3. Powerful graphics-handling capabilities of both the display and printer enable you to quickly render graphical fonts and character- based languages.
    4. Triple-track card reader improves read rates, and accommodates all magnetic-stripe cards, including driver’s licenses.

    This VeriFone payment device delivers unsurpassed quality and reliability, backed by our outstanding warranty. Two telephone ports eliminate the need for a second line. Verifone 3200SE terminal provides extensive and highly flexible support for all your payment needs, no matter what type of business you run.The VeriFone Omni 3200SE makes the Omni 3200, the best-selling payment terminal in VeriFone's history, even better.


    For more information , visit here .

    Monday, November 20, 2006

    VeriFone Omni 3750 Credit Card Machine

    The VeriFone Omni 3750 terminal with an integrated smart card reader packs all the performance and processing capabilities you need in your credit card machine, into a compact, ergonomic "hand-over" device that can be easily passed to customers for PIN entry. The convenient, all-in-one design of the VeriFone Omni 3750 combines a mag-stripe reader, smart card reader, internal PIN pad, and quiet, fast thermal printer. This makes the Omni 3750 easy to install and keeps your countertop clutter-free.


    Features:

    1. Integrated, high-speed thermal printer with "clam shell" design features drop-in paper-loading, to virtually eliminate jams. A flashing LED alerts clerks to low-paper levels.
      32-bit processing and multi-tasking capabilities provide for maximum customer throughput.
    2. Support for all VeriFone PIN pads, check readers and smart card peripheral allows you to expand options as your payment needs evolve.
    3. VeriFone's acclaimed Verix multi-application architecture will allow you to enhance customer service and even generate additional revenue by securely supporting payment and value-added applications—such as gift cards, loyalty, advertising, and age verification—on the same terminal.
    4. Terminal protections include tamper-evident casing to resist unauthorized intrusion and a broad spectrum of software-based security features that help protect you against theft and fraud.

    The VeriFone® Omni® 3750 credit card terminal supports a full range of electronic payment options using either a high-speed Internet or dial-up connection.The VeriFone® Omni® 3750 terminal packs high performance into a compact, all-in-one, dual communication device that can be customized for many environments. This terminal supports a full range of electronic payment options using either a high-speed Internet or dial-up connection.. All of which makes the VeriFone 3750 a smart choice for your credit card machines-today and tomorrow.


    Finally, the Omni 3750 is ideal for the most demanding chip card transactions. The terminals have earned Level 1 and Level 2 Type certification under the most recent EMV specifications. Also incorporated is the latest 3DES encryption with DUKPT or Master/Session key management, and are PED-certified for PIN-based transactions. Reliability and flexibility for today and tomorrow. Only VeriFone offers the modular difference.

    For more information , visit here.

    Sunday, November 19, 2006

    Small business ecommerce merchant account

    An ecommerce merchant account is like the checkout in your local shop. They both process any payment that comes in their direction and both are essential for their relative businesses, as without any means of processing payments an online business is destined for failure thus the importance of finding an ecommerce merchant account. It is extremely vital if you plan on selling any products or services through your website and will dramatically improve your chances of making a profit as it will allow your visitors to pay through a number of different mechanisms including using credit cards.


    Merchant Account: Most retailers are familiar with merchant accounts. What you may not know is that some retail merchant accounts do not allow mail order or online purchases to be processed through those accounts. Before you start looking at an online ecommerce site check with your merchant account bank or financial institution to see. If not we have a number of possibilities that can possibly save you some money.


    Payment Gateway: Payment gateways are simply interfaces between your online ecommerce site and your merchant account. While not mandatory they will reduce the amount of time it takes you to process your online orders. In many cases, we can provide you an online merchant account and a payment gateway for less than some places charge for one or the other.


    Online Ecommerce Solution: Before you make your decision about which ecommerce solution to use check with a few of their customers to see what they think about the software solutions you are considering. Also check to see what kind of support you can expect. You may also check to see how much time they spend managing the site, processing orders and managing their product listings.


    If you are considering an online ecommerce solution for your business your first step should be to talk to your ecommerce solution provider. The first step should always be to seek a mentor. Are you familiar with someone who currently is conducting a similar business if so it is advisable to ask them who provides their merchant account and what their thoughts are on that provider as well as others that they may have tried?


    Thus a reliable, secure and credible ecommerce account is essential for you if you want your online business to be a success, carefully consider what you want and what you need before jumping in and signing up with for an ecommerce account as it will be one of the most important decisions you make in launching your online business.


    for more information , visit here.

    Thursday, November 16, 2006

    E-Commerce Merchant Services

    ECommerce is the latest mantra in increasing your sales. Apart from providing shipping services, you will need an online Ecommerce merchant account to accept credit card payments to make your venture a success. The most trusted way to accept payment on the web is with a merchant account and payment gateway. Merchant accounts allow customers to enter their credit card numbers into the shopping cart and have the merchant charge their cards directly, without the aide of a third party processor like PayPal Always be sure the merchant account, payment gateway and shopping cart are compatible.


    Your shopping cart or ecommerce solution gathers the necessary information about products being ordered, taxes, shipping charges, customer billing information and shipping information and prepares it for presentation to the payment gateway. The payment gateway is nothing more than an interface between your ecommerce solution and the transaction processor.


    Searching the web, we can find that there are many companies providing such merchant account services. If you go through them, you will realize that not all the eCommerce merchant accounts are the same. Choosing the right one will depend upon a number of factors including the size of your business, revenues generated and the number of years you have been in business.


    Another determining factor is where you want to set up your merchant account. You can set up a private account in any financial institution, bank or acquiring institution. Alternatively, you can consider the services of an intermediary or a merchant account broker to establish a merchant account. Another option is to consider the services of a third party who can process payments for you.


    Ecommerce merchant accounts can differ based on the way and amount of applicable fees charged. Some merchant account providers charge a monthly fee, while others charge a one time fee. In most cases, the differentiation depends on the amount and size of the transactions involved.


    Another factor that you need to consider is whether the service provider can process credit card payments for all major credit cards available in the company. Your eCommerce account should be able to process all credit card payments including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.


    For more information , visit here .

    Wednesday, November 15, 2006

    How to Choose a Merchant Account Provider

    Choosing the right merchant account provider is one of the most critical business decisions you will make.It’s obvious that merchant accounts are readily available from numerous providers. Just because a company is offering merchant account services doesn’t mean that they’re the right company to go with.


    First, consider only real merchant account providers and stay away from banks.In today’s high-tech Internet world, banks have become antiquated and just aren’t up to date on the latest technology in merchant accounts, especially in things like website ecommerce and wireless processing. In addition, banks that offer merchant accounts actually outsource the entire operation to a merchant account provider. As a result, you are better of going directly to a merchant account provider and ignoring the bank altogether.


    So how do you choose the right merchant account provider? The right choice for you will depend on several factors:

    1. Are you selling online or offline?
    Online and mail-order merchants can expect to pay a premium because credit card fraud is more common on the Web than in a retail store.
    2. How high is your sales volume?
    The initial costs of opening your own merchant account is usually higher than when you use a third party merchant services. If you only make an occasional credit card sale, third party merchant services are a simple and inexpensive option.
    3. What's the nature of your products?
    If they are large and expensive, perhaps you ought to choose a merchant account provider that offers a higher flat-rate transaction fee and minimizes the discount rate. The opposite is true if you rely on small, high-volume sales.
    4. Features
    For e-commerce, the provider should have a good interface for your web site. If you’re using e-commerce software such as osCommerce, make sure your provider is supported. If you, or your developer, are designing the system, make sure the company has good support for interfacing with their payment system. Some providers will offer an API (Application Program Interface) so that you have sample code to connect to the payment system. This is VERY helpful if you are designing your own system.


    Make sure to figure out what kind of fees and charges your provider collect and what they will cost you. It is important to understand there are monthly fees as well as set-up fees. When looking for a provider, try to balance the discount rate and per-transaction fee with your needs.
    So you’ve done your research, now what do you do? Choose a provider that not only meets all your technical needs but also one that has a proven track record over many years, with thousands of satisfied clients, provides world class customer service and low fees, and offers a 100% money back guarantee so you can try them out. Never settle for second best. Your business is depending on it.


    For more information , visit here.

    Wednesday, November 08, 2006

    TRANZ 380 x 2 Credit Card Machine

    The innovative TRANZ 380 x 2 systems doubles the capability of an ordinary transaction terminal. This Credit Card Machine allows a user to run a credit card authorization application in one segment and a second application in the other. It is possible because of the two memory segments. It could be a debit program or a frequent-shopper, time-and-attendance or inventory-tracking application.

    The Verifone Tranz 380 x2 Credit Card Machine has the space to store large transaction volumes in each of its segments. So users can wait until the end of a shift or the end of the day to reconcile and transmit transaction data.Verifone Tranz 380 x2 Credit Card Machine comes in two powerful configurations of 128 Kbytes or 256 Kbytes of RAM. It allows you to gather the data you need to personalize receipts and run frequent-shopper and other specialized programs.

    Flexibility

    1. Supports all major credit, debit and private- label cards.
    2. Offers low-cost credit card authorization, electronic funds transfer, check guarantee and data capture for a variety of retail applications.
    3. Supports most TRANZ 330 and TRANZ 380 software applications.
    4. Supports VeriFone printers, PIN pads, check readers and other peripheral products.

    Merchant Conveniences

    1. Collects information from track 1 and track 2 of a magnetic-stripe card in a single card swipe.
    2. Prompts you through each step of a typical transaction with concise messages on an easy-to-read display.

    With the Tranz 380 x2 you can take advantage of an additional application without purchasing another terminal or paying for the development of special integrated software.

    The Tranz 380x2 system is ideal for Businesses that wish to implement a second application such as debit, frequent shopper or inventory tracking programs and merchants that have two different businesses, but in a shared or adjoining location such as a restaurant with an adjoining billiard/arcade game room.

    To know more, visit here

    Tuesday, November 07, 2006

    How to Find the Best Credit Cards Online

    Many people are out there today that want to get a credit card. This can be for several different reasons. Some people need a credit card to catch up on bills, others so that they don't have to carry a lot of cash on them. Whatever the reasons may be, in order for these people to get a credit card, they first need to find one and apply for it. The best way to do this is to apply for credit cards online.


    Finding Credit Cards online is as simple as a keyword search.Not only can you find the sites of financial institutions that offer credit cards online, but you can also find reviews from the users of credit cards online, as well as sites of agencies and other organizations that offer a comparison of several credit cards. The Web is now a one-stop shop for credit cards online - for finding the various credit cards online, for comparing the APR (annual percentage rate), the annual fee and the various rewards and points incentives of each. You can also apply for credit cards online as well.


    There are many terrific things about apply for credit cards online. The first is the ease of finding all the information out there on the various credit cards available. You can easily look for low APR credit cards, free credit cards, poor credit credit cards, college credit cards, or good credit cards. You can let the Web sort the credit card wheat from the chaff - online and quickly. You can apply quickly and instantaneously know if you are approved. Credit cards online are fast, efficient and secure.


    This can be a major advantage of getting credit cards online, since applying for them through the mail could result in weeks of waiting. The good thing about applying for credit cards online is you normally get an instant decision. For example, say you have a decent credit rating it is not uncommon for you to be conditionally accepted while the company does some final checks to see if everything matches up. However, even if you have a bad credit rating, you can still be accepted at many places now. Some companies even have special cards for this circumstance.


    When you compare the credit cards online, be sure to select cards that meet a need you have. You get the idea. Also, be sure to pick cards with a low fixed rate. Some credit card rates jump very high after the low introductory rate expires. Lastly, make sure you have all of your personal information at hand so you can fill out the online applications.


    All of the above information is very important for you to know in order to search for credit cards online. Be sure to utilize all of this information when you first start to search for credit cards online. It will help you to save money. It will also make it as stress free as possible.



    For more information , visit.

    Monday, November 06, 2006

    Hypercom T7E: Credit Card Terminal Product

    T7E from Hypercom offers more features for credit card processing and can run more complicated applications. The 35 color coded keypad offers "hot keys" for one-touch function activation. This enables a wide range of transactions such as debit, check verification, reports, tip edits, and batches to be accessed with a single clearly labeled key. The backlit (2 line x 20 characters) display makes reading menu prompts and entries a snap, even in poorly lit areas. The Hypercom T7E also features a 256k ram memory which holds up to 1,000 transactions.

    T7E Features:

    1. 35 key keyboard for single stroke function activation
    2. 256k to store more than 1000 transactions
    3. Under 10 second dial access response time
    4. SDLC multi-protocol support
    5. High contrast 2 x 20 back-lit LCD display
    6. Full track 1 and 2 simultaneous card reader
    7. Multi-host applications
    8. Dial, LAN, or leased line operation

    The T7 series POS terminals from Hypercom have recently come into widespread use because of the powerful features built in to each unit. Hypercom POS terminals use clearly marked "hot keys" that helps make them easy to use, even with complicated applications. Hypercom's T7E terminals create the industry standard with a sensible user interface and high performance communications.

    The Hypercom solution delivers a sophisticated, scalable and secure transaction environment. This enables businesses to automate credit, debit, healthcare, transportation, smart card, as well as other technologies. Businesses can use Hypercom software capabilities to quickly integrate new transaction functions with existing systems. Its advanced transaction software operates as a platform-independent host interface so that businesses that employ Hypercom technology position themselves to respond quickly to industry changes and revenue opportunities.

    To know more, visit here

    Sunday, November 05, 2006

    How Should Your Business Process Credit Card Payments?

    Whether to use a credit card terminal or software to process transactions shouldnot be a tough decision. The answer depends on whether you will always have your computer available when you need to charge cards and how comfortable you are with computers.

    Most credit card processing software includes extra features, such as the ability to access reports any time. You never know when it might be useful to go back and look up a past transaction. Your computer is more powerful than a credit card terminal, so naturally you can do more with a computer and the right credit card software. PC software is usually cheaper and more user friendly than most credit card terminal and printers.

    Still, for some types of business it might make sense to invest in a credit card terminal. This tends to be especially true for mail order and telephone order businesses. However there are logical reasons why some mail order and telephone order businesses may choose to use a credit card terminal instead of software.

    On the opposite extreme, if you find yourself processing several transactions one after another, you may risk your computer crashing. While most merchants do have a computer at their business location, that computer may not always be on and may be in an inconvenient location.

    If you find yourself having to walk to the other end of the building, dust off your computer and boot it up just to charge one card, then you may be better off with a credit card terminal.


    To know more, visit here

    Thursday, November 02, 2006

    Credit Card Transaction

    Merchant Services are what you need to accept and process credit cards from your web site. There are many steps involved in accepting credit cards because of the many interested parties. Transactions involve your customer, your customer's bank, your customer's credit card issuer and your bank.

    Particpating parties:

    1. Merchant Bank: the bank where your account is located.
    2. Acquiring Bank: a bank that specializes in managing credit card transactions for merchants.
    3. Credit Card Network: the communications network that connects issuing and acquiring banks, built by MasterCard and Visa.
    4. Issuing Bank: the company that issues the credit card to the customer.

    Steps involved in a normal credit card transaction:

    a. Merchant calculates the amount of purchase and asks buyer for payment and buyer presents merchant with a credit card.

    b. Merchant runs credit card through the point of sale unit. The amount of the sale is either hand-entered or transmitted by the cash register.

    c. Merchant transmits the credit card data and sales amount with a request for authorization of the sale to their acquiring bank. Point of sale units are usually set to request authorization at the time of sale, and then actually capture the sales draft at a later time.

    d. The acquiring bank that processes the transaction, routes the authorization request to the card-issuing bank. The credit card number identifies type of card, issuing bank, and the cardholder's account.

    e. If the cardholder has enough credit in their account to cover the sale, the issuing bank authorizes the transaction and generates an authorization code. This code is sent back to the acquiring bank. The issuing bank puts a hold on the cardholder's account for the amount of the sale. Now the sale is complete, but the transaction is not -- no money has changed hands yet.

    f. The acquiring bank processing the transaction, and then sends the approval or denial code to the merchant's point of sale unit. Each point of sale device has a separate terminal ID for credit card processors to be able to route data back to that particular unit.

    g. A sale draft, or slip, is printed out by the point of sale unit or cash register. The merchant asks the buyer to sign the sale draft, which obligates them to reimburse the card-issuing bank for the amount of the sale.

    h. When all the credit card authorizations have been verified to match the actual sales drafts, the merchant will capture, or transmit, the data on each authorized credit card transaction to the acquiring bank for deposit.The acquiring bank performs what is called an interchange for each sales draft, with the appropriate card-issuing bank. The card-issuing bank transfers the amount of the sales draft, minus an interchange fee to the acquiring bank

    i. The acquiring bank then deposits the amount of the all the sales drafts submitted by the merchant, less a discount fee, into the merchant's bank account.

    To know more, visit here

    Wednesday, November 01, 2006

    Merchant account and Processing gateway

    Merchant accounts and processing gateways are Internet services that enable online processing of credit cards. Online merchant accounts are variations of the traditional credit card processing used by retail stores and phone order houses. A business must qualify for merchant account; each provider has a different set of requirements.

    Processing gateways are an intermediary to get card information from your shopping cart to the merchant account. Often processing gateways are packaged with merchant accounts.

    Merchant account tips:

    1. It can be difficult (and expensive) for some companies to get merchant accounts directly from banks. While there are brokers, beware of those promoting 'easy entry' into e-commerce. There are often hidden fees and conditions that can quickly add up.

    2. Seek out providers that have experience in your industry. It will be easier to get a quality arrangement.

    3. With any merchant account you are responsible for costly fraudulent activities and charge backs from your customers. Protect yourself through disclaimers and other legal instruments.

    Activities, time and costs estimates

    The cost of merchant accounts and processing gateways vary widely. Usually their is an up-front cost, monthly charges, and per transactions fees (fixed and percent of transaction).

    To know more, visit here

    Tips on Setting up a Merchant Account for Wireless Credit Card Processing

    Wireless credit card processing is a very desirable system, because it allows businesses to process transactions from mobile locations quickly, efficiently and professionally. Wireless credit card processing is most often used by businesses that operate mainly in a mobile environment. When you're set up to accept credit cards through a wireless credit card terminal, you open up a whole new world of opportunities for your merchant account and your business.
    Here are some tips to make sure your wireless credit card processing runs smoothly:

    1. Make sure your wireless coverage works well for the locations where you plan to process credit card payments.
    2. Make sure your bank has the capacity to serve you.
    3. Plan ahead before setting up a wireless merchant account.
    4. Know what all your fees mean.
    5. Be sure to ask what the discount rate will be for your merchant account. This is the lowest fee you'll pay on any sale.

    After implementing wireless merchant account equipment, see how it works for your customers and the degree to which the company benefits. Processing credit payments can help to increase profits, since more customers may be eager to make purchases when they have the flexibility to pay in credit as opposed to paying in cash or by check. If the initial set-up works well, you may decide to move on to other electronic items, like a pager, a check and debit processor, and other types of equipment that can help your company operate smoothly and efficiently.


    To know more, visit here