Merchant Account Blog & Credit Card Processing Blog

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VERIFONE VX510 CREDIT CARD MACHINE

The Verifone Vx510 brings about a revolutionary change in the credit card machines of today and are known for being “Big Things in a Small Package”. With its unique features, this Verifone terminal has been rated as the most ideal credit card terminal for the needs of a merchant today. Aside from the basic features of being able to process credit and debit cards, and checks, the Vx510 has a number of new value-added features that make it stand out among other credit card equipments. These terminals have long served to be efficient, reliable credit card machines and it has grown in popularity among merchants because they are always designed keeping the needs of the client in mind.

Basic features of the Verifone Vx 510

The Verifone Vx510 has a number of features which make it an extremely useful and appropriate credit card machine. Its most important features are:-

• Accepts all magnetic-striped cards, including mini cards, and also processes checks
• In-built Pin pad for debit card transactions
• Multiple payment facility, such as loyalty, gift cards and more
• Convenient, high speed, in-built printer
• Latest security shields are approved by credit card providers Visa and MasterCard for all types of PIN entries.
• High speed dial-up connectivity
• Superior graphics capability
• Has a plug-and-play verifone terminal which is easy to install and use

Advantages of the Verifone Vx 510 credit card processing

The new Verifone Vx510 is said to be a leader among most credit card terminals today due to its several advantages. This terminal has been integrated with a number of beneficial features which allows the merchant to conveniently operate his credit card equipment.

• This lightweight and ergonomic design of this verifone terminal is easier to use
• The backlight feature and intuitive ATM interface of the machine reduces errors by clerks
• The VeriCentre file compression and high speed in-built modem allows makes it one of the fastest credit processing terminals.
• This credit card machine’s compact footprint saves counter space
• The built-in security features of the Verifone Vx 510 makes it reliable and safe
• It supports various peripheral devices that can be attached to it
• The multi-merchant facility allows the merchant to use this credit card terminal even if he owns more than one business or has to process transactions separately for separate merchants within one establishment.

The Verifone Vx510 is a very convenient and advantageous credit card machine for any merchant requiring credit card processing terminals. The reputation of terminals go a long way back as being simple, convenient and high-technology credit card equipments and have never failed to satisfy clients. Its various user-friendly features make it one of the most desirable credit card machine for all kinds of merchants. The Verifone Vx510 boasts on being “Big on what matters, Small where it Counts” and after reviewing all its advantageous features, it is undeniably one of the most valuable credit card machines in the market today.

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

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Merchant Processing - No Start-Up Costs !!!!!!!!!

Merchant processing has never been more simpler and affordable, as banks are competing for your business. With many merchant processors offering low rates to win-over your business from other processors, the competition among banks is creating the perfect enviorment for business owners to save big.

Depending on your current monthly credit card processing volume, your saving can be substantial. especially if your merchant account is several years old and you have not shopped rates since you opened your merchant account.

Another key factor to consider is that many processors will waive certain fees to gain your merchant processing business and get you to switch. This can be an additional saving’s for the business owner. These fee’s may include statement fees, annual fee’s, and monthly minimum fees.

Lastly, in recent years many banks are offering FREE TERMINALS to encourage you to switch processors. This is a great way to up-grade your equipment at no cost. Many merchants are using out dated equipment for their merchant processing & probably paid several hundred dollars to purchase it. Another great savings.

If you are looking for Merchant Processing or are looking to save money on your current merchant processing costs…please feel free to give me a call for a free savings quote.

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

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Gas Station Owners - Save Money At The Pumps

Gas station owners should be feeling the lower cost of pay at the pump transactions, with the decrease in interchange cost passed on by Visa last fall. Visa lowered the interchange pass-through at the hieght of the gas crisis last fall. This savings at pay at pumps stations was hoped to be passed on to the consumer.

We are finding that many gas staion owners who are not on a Interchange Plus plan with their merchant account provider, have not seen any savings. These merchant’s are on a Teired Rate plan and the savings is being lost to their merchant account provider.

Owners should look to switch their gas station merchant account to an Interchange Plus merchant account to maximize overall savings on cost. With many business travelers utilizing the pay at pumps, the savings could be signifigant. The higher your sales volume, the higher the savings.

For more information on saving money on credit card processing, please feel free to give me a call to discuss your options.

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

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INTRODUCING INTERCHANGE PLUS PRICING

We are rolling-out “Interchange Plus Pricing” to any merchant, interested in saving money on their credit card processing fee’s. Once reserved for only the Walmart Size businesses, this program will save you money on your merchant account fees. Interchange Plus Pricing takes the “True Cost” charged by Visa or Mastercard and adds a cap on the markup charged by your processor, with a small margin above the true cost of a credit card transaction.

Merchants processing more than $20,000 Per Month, should see a substancial saving, with the program.

Any merchant who is interested, please give us a call.

DIGG THIS STORY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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Credit Ratings & Merchant Account Approval

People sometimes do not understand why their credit rating is a factor that underwriters look at when approving a new merchant account application. Many times credit card processors will “Decline” a merchant soley based on their credit score.

Why The Credit Factor Is Important

Business owners must realize that appling for a merchant account, is like appling for a credit line. The projected “Monthly Volume” stated on a new merchant account application, is the amount of “Risk” the merchant’s processor is willing to accept. If you are asking for $20,000 in Monthly Volume and your credit scores are “Very Poor”, you may be declined an approval on your merchant account.

Understanding The Risk - In Credit Card Processing

Understanding the “Risk” in credit card processing should be understood by every new merchant. Accepting credit cards is not like accepting cash, as every cardholder has the right to call their credit card company and potentially get a charge “Reversed” in a “Chargeback”.

The risk for the bank is that the merchant may not have those “Reversed Funds” immediately available to complete the chargeback process. In this case, the merchant bank must cover the chargeback and then come after the merchant for the “Money Owed”.

This is why the financial responsibility is so important !!!!!!!

In closing every merchant application is on a case-by-case basis, with many other factors that are considered. If you have “Poor Credit” and need help in getting a merchant account, please give me a call to discuss your options.

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

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Heartland Payment Systems Inc Data Breach

More information has surfaced on the cardholder data breach that occurred at the Princeton NJ’s credit card processor, “Heartland Payments Systems, Inc”. President and Chief Financial Officer, Robert Baldwin, stated “As deeply regretful as we are, it is important to note that in most of the cases the information would be card number and expiration date only,” and that “The majority of the data breached did not have names or other personally identifiable information available to the bad guys. So there’s nothing our merchants need to worry about.”

Seems that only customer card numbers and expiration dates were compromised and that no personal information, such as names, addresses, social security numbers, were compromised in the theft. Still no information on any damages to cardholders have been released.

Merchant’s processing with Heartland Payment Systems, Inc will be held harmless, as the breach took place on the server-side of the card processor. Small business owners with a merchant account should be sure that they are PCI Compliant to avoid any credit card processing fines from Visa or Mastercard. Here is A GOOD VIDEO to help small merchants understand their risk and responsibilities in combating credit card fraud.

Company Cites Cyber Terorrism Attack

Baldwin said Heartland executives have been in discussion with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Secret Service and were informed that this breach was committed by an international organization that has also targeted other U.S. processors and financial institutions.

“I am finding it hard to believe that we are not responding to an obvious act of cyber terrorism aimed at trying to disrupt the payment system of the United States, and it just blows me away that nobody sees it,” Martaus said. “All of these intrusions are the work of one Russian Mafia gang. And 15 other processors apparently have been attacked and no one knows about it.”

Martaus suggested, however, that federal officials do know about these attacks but they’re not telling anybody. “This should be a national emergency, and the Pentagon, the National Security Agency, everybody should be involved in this,” he said. “This could absolutely destabilize the payments industry and bring it to its knees. A cyber terrorist attack, while not meant to destabilize the government or the economy, can do just that.”

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

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Consumer Credit Line Cutting Has Begun !!!!!!

Starting last December, credit card companies have begun to cut credit card limits on consumer credit cards. The cut backs seem to be across the board for all consumers, as even cardholders with +700 credit ratings are feeling the pinch. In an effort to reduce their risk, credit card companies will put a strange on the average business owner, by not only cutting their credit lines, but reduce the buying power of consumers and other business owners, as well.

These actions are sure to increase the pain of the current recession, by snowballing the slowing spending on both the consumer side and the business investment side. As spending slow’s, more jobs will be cut, more mortgages in default, and more folks seeking the social safety nets of welfare.

We firmly believe that things will get worse, before they get better.

Today, we had a new President sworn in, as the 44th President of the United States. We’ve handed the reins to a social idealist, with many Anti-Capitalistic Idea’s in his heart.

Not sure if this is a time for social change, when financial growth is the crisis that will destroy the well-being of every American.

SOCIAL CHANGE ??????  FINANCIAL CRISIS ??????

God Bless America !!!!!!       DIGG THIS NOW !!!!!!

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

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Free Credit Card Processing Software DownloadWe have partnered with the eProcessing Network to make an amazing offer to all new applicant’s looking to process credit cards, using pc software for their credit card processing. Merchant’s signing up for a merchant account with us can choose to download free credit card processing software. This amazing offer is for a limited time, so please act fast !!!!!

EPN’s JPOS SOFTWARE:

This Java-Based software, JPOS SOFTWARE,  will download quickly on any Mac or PC. Set-up is a snap, usually within ten minutes. With the new “Credit Card Terminal” interface, learning the software is quick and easy. Merchant can swipe or key-in credit card information and the transaction is processed via the eProcessing Networks Secure Network. Internet based transactions are processed faster than dial-up and merchants can rest assured that customer data is safe & secure.

Compared With PC CHARGE:

JPOS Credit Card Processing Software has all of the same benefits as PC Charge, accept the $179 Price Tag.

Other major benefits would be:

• FREE DOWNLOAD
• FREE TECH SUPPORT ( Lifetime )
• FREE UPGRADES  ( Never Charged For Upgrades

Anyone familaiar with PC Chargeknows that Tech Support is free for only 30 days. Then you must sign-up for paid support, with no acceptions. Secondly, anytime security changes are made, PC Charge forces you to pay for the software upgrades. These are key factors that set this credit card software apart from the rest. Set-up your merchant account today and dowload JPOS today !!!!

Retail Merchants - Credit Card Software

Retail merchants can add a magnetic stripe reader, to process credit cards at the point-of-sale. Simply connect the USB Cable in the computer where the program resides and you are ready to process retail transactions. Printers can be added to print customer receipts. Value added programs, such as food stamps, gift cards, ect, can also be added.

Phone Order Merchants - Credit Card SoftwarePhone order merchants can also utilize the software, by simply entering in the card data and processing from their computer desktop. Software offers all key fraud solutions, such as AVS Address Verification and CVV2 fraud solutions. Merchants can also set-up “Instant Email Receipts” to their customers.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to call.

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

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Understanding Your Merchant Account Responsibities !!!!

If you are shopping for a new merchant account, you need to understand what you are getting into. Many times business owners are in a rush to set-up credit card processing for their business, they overlook the fact that they are entering into a contract that has many responsibilities and rules to abide by.

Many times merchants will find out the hard way, by being fined or getting their merchant account shut down. In some instances, merchants are “TMF’d” which means they lose their privilege to accept credit cards in the future. It surely make more sense to understand your responsibilities and model your business to conform with the rules set-forth by Visa and Mastercard.

Accepting Credit Cards - A Privilege:

Understand that being accepted to accept credit cards is a privilege, not your right !!!! Should you take this lightly, you could find yourself losing this privilege, permanently. That’s right, permanently !!!! You could personally be banned from ever accepting credit cards, for any business endeavor in the future. 

Unhappy Customers Can Destroy You:

An unhappy customer can create havoc on your business. Credit card holder’s have the right to call their credit card company and dispute a transaction on their credit card. These disputes have the potential of becoming a “Chargeback” to your business. A chargeback is simply a reversal of the charge, from your bank account, back to the customers card. These reversals come with very stiff fines to the business owner and could get your account terminated. Here some key points to avoiding chargebacks.

• Offer A Superior Product Or Service
• Quickly Resolve Customer Service Issues
• 100% Unconditional Return Policy
• Toll Free Customer Support
• Maintain Signatures + Shipping Records

Exceeding Volume Limit’s:

Every merchant account agreement has an “Average Monthly Volume” amount for Visa & Matercard. During your approval process, this amount is underwritten by the processor and is usually based on the credit scores of the merchant. If you are approved for that amount, you must process within the limit.

Should the limit become an issue, you must call in to ask that it be re-evaluated by the underwriting department. If your credit scores are too low, you may not get an increase.

If you simply ignore this limit, at some point your account will be shut-off.

Exceeding Ticket Limit’s:

Every merchant account agreement has an “Average Ticket” amount for Visa & Mastercard. Again, during the approval process, this amount is underwritten based on your credit scores. From an underwriting stand point, the higher the ticket, the higher the risk. If your account is approved for a certain ticket amount, you must process within that limit. Occasional “High Tickets” should be disclosed on the application, prior to underwriting. Contacting your “Risk Department”, prior to running high tickets is advised.

If you simply ignore this limit, your account could be terminated.

Honor All Cards:

Every merchant account agreement has a “Honor All Cards” Claus. This means as a Visa / Mastercard Merchant, you are bound to honor every credit card transaction presented to your business. That tiny sign at your local diner that states, “$10 Credit Card Minimum” is in direct violation of the terms of the merchant account agreement.

You cannot charge a “Surcharge” on credit card transactions either, this would also be in violation of the merchant agreemnet, as well.

Reserve Account:At any time, at the sole discretion of the bank, the bank has the right to place funds on hold in a non-interest barring reserve account. Reserve account is to protect the bank from future losses due to fines, chargebacks, ect that may come through your merchant account. Hold time-frame will be determined by the bank and is usually for long enough time period to cover future customer chargebacks.

In Conclusion:

As you can see, “Your Privilege” to accept Visa & Mastercard comes with many duties and responsibilities. Failure to comply, could prove to be very costly and cause your account to get “Terminated” and potentially lose your credit card processing privilege in future business endeavours. Play it safe, understand the rules and play by them.

If you have any questions, 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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Understanding Different Merchant Account Types

Today we are going to discuss different types of merchant accounts for credit card processing. Their are different methoods of payments, such as face-to-face retail sales, telephone orders, fax orders, ecommerce orders, and wireless point-of-sale transactions. We will discuss each transaction type in detail below.

RETAIL - Face To Face / Swiped Card Transactions

We are all familiar with making a credit card purchase at a retail location, where our credit card is physically swiped through a credit card machine. Card information is transmitted via phone-line or tcp/ip internet connection. Card is authorized and the transaction is approved or declined. Customer signature is required and maintained by the merchant for future reference.

These transaction types receive the Best Rate for the merchant, as the card is present and signatures are verified at the point-of-sale.

KEYED - Telephone Order / Fax Order

A “Keyed” credit card merchant account is for businesses that take’s credit cards from customers who are not present to swipe through a credit card machine. Customers card information is manually keyed into a credit card machine, credit card processing software, or online virtual terminal. Card data is transmitted and verified, including customer address, zip code, and cvv2 information.

These transactions are of higher risk of fraud and typically cost slightly more in fee’s.

E-COMMERCE - Internet Sales / Order Entry

Ecommerce transactions are originated on the interent. Going to an online store, adding things to a shopping cart, and finally clicking “Check-Out”. The customer enter’s in the card information, address information, and the cvv2 code from the back of the card. Information is securely passed and authorized in real-time. Merchants as a rule, never see the customerrs card number for added security.

These transactions are of higher risk of fraud and typically cost slightly more in fee’s.

WIRELESS - Mobile Merchant / Off-Site Sales

Lastly we have a Wireless Merchant Account, where the merchant processes credit cards using a wireless point-of-sale device. Credit cards are swiped through the terminal and data is passed through a wireless signal, which is enqripted for security purposes. Transaction is approved or declined and a signature is required on the receipt. These devices are also becomming popular at restaurant settings, where the device is handed to the customer and the card never leaves the customers hand.

These transactions are considered “Retail”, as the card is present and swiped through a machine.

If you have any questions, 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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