Archive for November, 2008

Understanding: Merchant Account Rates

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

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Merchant Account Rates - Credit Card Processing Rates

Merchant account rates and fees can vary from processor to processor. Unerstanding rates are key to finding the best overall merchant account rate for your business. We will look at each variable when searching for the best credit card processing rates.

Swiped Credit Card Rates: Credit card transactions which are “Swiped” through a credit card machine are usually fall around 1.69% - 1.79% depending on the processor. These levels usually bundel both Signatute Debt Transactions and Credit Card Transactions branded with either Visa or Mastercard Logos.

Keyed Credit Card Rates: Transactions where the customers card is not present and the card number is “Keyed” into credit card processing software or ecommerce merchant account where the customer manually inputs credit card information, the rate usually falls around 2.39% - 2.49% keyed.

Mid Qualified Rates: These rates are assessments by Visa & Mastercard and will vary by processors. Usually this tier is for Rewards Cards, branded either Visa or Mastercard.

Non-Quailified Rates: Again, these are assessments by Visa & Mastercard and do vary bt processor. This tier is for International Cards, Business Cards, Corporate Cards, Government Cards, and any keyed transaction that is un-qualified or lacks AVS Fraud Controls. Discount rate tier regulations.

Pin-Based Debt Transactions: These retail transactions require a Pin Number Authorization and usually price at $0.35 + 0.75% of the dollar amount. A PCI-Compliant pin-pad is required and is not
available for phone-order or ecommerce transactions.

Split Signature Debt / Credit Card Rates:  These rates are split into two catagories, seperating Signature Debit and Credit Card transactions. Usually priced at 1.39% Signature Debit and 1.89% Credit Card. Be careful here, as if your business accepts mostly credit cards, you will pay more.

Transaction Fee: Transaction fee’s cover the transmission cost and usually price between $0.20 and $0.30 depending on your processor and transaction processing methood. May include end-of-day batching of the day’s transactions for payment to your account.

Statement Fee: Each month you receive a monthly merchant account statement of transactions forr the previous month and usually prices between $10-$12 per month.

Minimum Fee: This fee is charged to Low-Volume Business doing less than $25 Month in discount rates fees. Often used to off-set free equipment placements to low-volume businesses.

Annual Fee: Merchant’s are usually charged a annual fee on the aniversry of their account. Fee will vary and can usually be waived.

Chargeback Fee: Customer disputes that result in a Chargeback are charged between $25-$35 per instance. Chargeback Prevention is needed as your merchant account can be “Closed” for excessive chargebacks.

Application Fee: This fee has pretty much disappeared, industry-wide.

If you are looking to SAVE MONEY on your credit card processing, please give me a call imediately.

 

MARK SANDS
1st National Processing
http://www.usa-merchantaccount.com
1-866 828-8683
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Credit Card Merchant Account

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Their has never been a better time to apply to accept credit cards with a credit card merchant account. Credit card merchant account rates are currently stable and most companies are offering incredible incentives to switch merchant account providers or to open a new account. The business has become very competitive with many different incentives for your business.

Getting the best rate on a credit card merchant account will require some time in shopping around. You should also look for a company that you feel will provide great customer service. Many problems can arise like broken equipment, out-dated software, new rules, risk issues, etc. You need a company that is there to help you in a crisis. Customer service should be available 24 hours a day.

Understand your contract before signing it. Be sure to use a company that will take time to go over the contract and explain the details. Most credit card merchant account contracts have a 12-24 Month term, very similar to a cell phone contract. Understand the terms of any free equipment provided by the credit card processing company. Most free equipment must be returned when you close your account.

If you have any questions on getting a credit card merchant account, please feel free to give me a call.

MARK SANDS
1st National Processing
http://www.usa-merchantaccount.com
1-866 828-8683
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Accept Credit Cards

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