Pick a gateway that’s established a reputation. The whole point of setting up a merchant account is for convenience and reliability. So it makes sense to choose a gateway that has already processed payments for thousands of merchant accounts.

There are a lot of new companies offering excellent rates and great features in their gateways, but you want a system that you can be sure is going to work, with little or no downtime.

Ensight Merchant Services only works with payment gateways from established companies with a proven track record for reliability.

Work with a bank that understands merchant accounts. Many banks aren’t well equipped to set up merchant accounts, and they will simply refer you to a third party and pocket the commission. We understand that you may prefer to do your banking with a small, local bank or credit union.

But when it comes to processing credit card payments, it pays to got directly to a company that has experience with merchant accounts. You’ll probably save time and money, and you won’t have to worry about inconvenient “surprises” when it really matters.

As your profits grow, you can always deposit these funds at a local bank.

Allow plenty of time to set up and approve your merchant account. Chances are, you’ll get a happy surprise when you find your merchant account has been approved in just a few days. This is what usually happens, but things don’t always go this smoothly with new merchant accounts.

Whatever happens, you don’t want to be stuck in the position of losing orders in the first days of business because you’re waiting on a payment gateway.

A good rule of thumb is to set up your merchant account three weeks before you’re planning to accept credit cards.

Understand all of your fees. Merchant account services charge their clients in different ways. Be sure to take time some time to understand how much you’re being charged, what you’re being charged for, when you’ll be charged and how often.

Typically there are annual fees, monthly fees, and per-transaction fees. But each of these categories can be broken down in additional ways.

The good news is this won’t seem very complicated once you understand it. Read your merchant account application carefully, and ask question when you need to.

Ensight Merchant Services offers a 24-hour toll free help line. If you have questions about your merchant account with Ensight, just call us at 866-377-2292.

Make sure you’re quoted the rates that fit your business model. In the world of merchant accounts, not all transactions are equal.

Retail transactions are generally considered a lower risk, because the card and its owner are physically present when the transaction is processed.

As a result, merchant services companies tend to advertise their retail rates, as these are usually less than 2% of the transaction. But if you need to accept credit cards for a mail order or internet business, you can expect to pay significantly more.

Make sure you know what your real rates are going to be, especially if you are in a business for which the rates are likely t

Merchant Account Articles

For new merchant accounts:
Tips on setting up your online Merchant account
Choosing an online payment gateway
Website requirements for an internet merchant account
Merchant Account Checklist
Tips on setting up a wireless Merchant
Tips for setting up a retail merchant account
Tips for setting up a phone or mail order merchant account

Getting the most out of your merchant account:
The Mechanics of Credit Card Transactions
What is Interchange and Assessments?
Assessing Charge Back Risk
Technology, Communication, and the Industry’s top equipment
Credit card terminals or software?
Merchant Account phone tips
Process Debit cards
Credit Card Processing at Ensight Merchant Services
Ensight Merchant Services Low Cost Guarantee on Credit Card
Ensight Merchant Services vs. Local Banks
How Phone Processing Works
How Retail Processing Works
How Wireless Processing Works
Credit Card Processing for Mac Users

Glossary of Terms