QUESTION:
How do I begin accepting credit card payments from my customers?
ANSWER:
First, analyze how many credit card transactions you might receive each month and whether they will be online, in-person, or over the phone. Also, think about if you plan to accept all cards (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express) because processing fees vary by card type.
Next, find a credit card processor that offers competitive fees for the volume and type of transactions you’ll process. If you operate online, be sure the processor can easily integrate with your website.
Finally, after you choose a processor, you’ll open a merchant account.