Finding the best merchant account providers

If you want to receive fast payments or expand your business to more customers, it helps to accept credit card payments. Do business by mail order or over the Internet, and it becomes a necessity. While applying for a merchant account can seem cumbersome and confusing, the best merchant account providers will take the time to walk you through the process.

First, whether you use BuyerZone's free request for quotes service or do your own research online, make sure you talk to at least four to six providers. This way, you'll become familiar with the types of questions the best merchant account providers ask, and you'll be able to see which companies are interested in getting you the best rates and services and which just want to complete the sale.

Solid customer support is the most important thing you should look for. The last thing you want is problems with processing your credit cards, and the best merchant account providers will help ensure that doesn't happen. Learn what kind of live customer service they offer, how they handle chargebacks, and how quickly they respond to service calls. A great way to find strong customer support is to compare services from BuyerZone's best merchant account providers.

The best credit card processing providers also try to learn everything about your business before setting you up with an account. First, they need to investigate that you are a legitimate business - both to protect their reputation and check if you qualify for better rates. Next, they need to learn how you will use your merchant account. If it's in person, they have to make sure you have a credit card terminal. For mail order and Internet transactions, they'll need to help you securely accept credit cards.

Additional characteristics of the best merchant account providers

• Provide all fees and charges in writing
• Offer references that you can contact
• Clean record with the Better Business Bureau
• Willing to lower set-up and monthly fees if your monthly volume is low
• Have helped businesses similar to yours secure merchant accounts
• Find ways to help you qualify for low discount rates
• Provide inexpensive or free credit card terminals

Ultimately, the best merchant account providers are those that treat your business like a partner, taking the time to understand your needs so they can offer a solution that you'll be happy with for many years to come. And the first step in finding the best credit card processing service is using BuyerZone's free merchant accounts quote request service to get connected to qualified suppliers in your area.