9 Steps for Getting Approved for a Merchant Account
It’s no longer a matter of if you accept credit card payments. Now, it’s more a matter of how.
In 2017, credit cards were used for more than 60% of consumer payments by a dollar spent — more than any other form of payment. If your business isn’t set up to accommodate these customers, you’re missing out on major sales opportunities. Not to mention, those customers will likely continue to choose competitors who can accept their payment method of choice.
To be able to accept credit card payments in your business, you need more than just the hardware. You also need the behind-the-scenes software and accounts to make the system work. One of those elements is a merchant account.
Below, we’ll look at what a merchant account is and the merchant account requirements you need when applying for one.
What is a merchant account?
A merchant account is a bank account a business opens so their payment processor has somewhere to deposit received funds. When customer transactions are processed, they are credited to the merchant in a merchant account. The merchant account holds funds that a small business acquires from selling their products and services. The funds sit there for 1–3 business days during processing. During that time, the merchant services provider may issue the funds to the SMB’s bank account. This is done in good faith that the transaction was valid and will go through and that the card issuer will disperse the funds as well.
Typically, funds deposited into a merchant account will have processing fees deducted — interchange fee and markup, for example — so the merchant doesn’t receive the entire amount in the transaction.
You can see how the merchant account provider assumes a certain level of risk as part of this process. As such, they don’t do business with just any merchant. They do due diligence with a full application and screening process to mitigate risk.
“Banks view merchant accounts as a type of credit. They want to make sure that when they process a debit or credit card transaction, the transaction won’t result in a chargeback or loss,” says Mitch Farber, of NETbilling, Inc., “Businesses looking for a merchant account generally need to prove they’re a legitimate business with good credit and a history of successful customer transactions.”
Merchant account requirements list
As for how to obtain or apply for merchant accounts, the process always involves submitting certain requirements.
Every merchant account has its own set of requirements. “Most will tell you upfront what kind of documentation is needed,” says Farber. “Be ready to provide ample documentation that proves the legality and legitimacy of your business.”
While it’s important to check the requirements for your specific merchant account and application, you can generally expect to provide the following:
1. Business bank account
Separating personal and business expenses should be one of the first steps you take when legitimizing your venture. This not only shows that you’re serious about your business, but it can also reduce your personal liability and protect personal assets should your business run into financial issues.
One merchant account requirement is having proof of a business bank account, as well as bank statements. “Business owners should be able to collect financial statements from their banks,” says Farber.
Choose a bank that fits your business needs. If you anticipate needing funding in the future, for example, a bank with a financial institution that offers small business loans. If you have a staff, find a bank that can provide payroll services.
In terms of your merchant account requirements, make sure you have sufficient funds in your business accounts. Overdraws and low balances indicate more risk.
2. Financial statements
To elaborate, you’ll also need to provide bank statements to showcase your business’s financial competence. Typically, they’ll ask you to go two years back (if you can go that far). “Specifically, most merchant accounts will need business bank account information including routing numbers for depositing funds from transactions,” says Farber.
In addition to your business bank statements, you might need to provide processing statements as well. This will show merchant accounts how much you typically process, as well as other pertinent information about those transactions. Here, banks are mostly looking for fraud risk.
Not only will you need to provide business bank statements, but you may be asked to provide personal statements as well. Merchant account providers want to make sure your business and the person running it are dependable.
Merchant account providers check to make sure you and your business have good credit. A credit check will let them know if you’re financially dependable or a high-risk liability. They’ll also look for your history with fraud. If your business faces a lot of chargebacks and fraud issues, you’re also a higher risk. It’s a good idea to take steps to reduce fraud in your business.
3. Business license
While this may not apply to all businesses, you may be required to have a business license(s). This may include a general business license, sales tax registration, professional/occupational license, or worker’s compensation, among others. To determine what your specific business license requirements are, check with your merchant account provider and local regulations.
4. Physical address
Your merchant account application will require a physical address where forms can be mailed. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, this is the address of where your shop is located.
5. Completed Application
We’ve mentioned application a few times, and this is a requirement in its own right. While the application will likely list the steps to take and documentation to include, it is a deliverable in and of itself.
When filling out your application, double-check to make sure you’ve entered everything correctly without error. It could help to have a trusted colleague to give it a review with fresh eyes as well.
6. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
When you file for an EIN, this is what you use instead of your social security number when you file business taxes. Think of it like the SSN for your business. It’s a unique identifier that you use on financial, tax, and other legal forms.
Don’t have an EIN? You can apply for one with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
7. Articles of incorporation
You’ll need to incorporate your business, either as an LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or cooperative. This legitimizes your business and makes it official in the government’s eyes.
The article of incorporation also referred to as articles of organization, is proof from your local jurisdiction that your business is, in fact, a business — as well as in good legal standing. To get your article of incorporation, go to your state’s website for business resources. You can do a search for “how to get an article of incorporation [state]” to find out how.
8. PCI compliance
The Payment Card Industry (PCI) has Data Security Standards (DSS) that merchants and payment processors must abide by. PCI compliance is intended to protect customer information, requiring businesses to use specific security procedures when handling data.
While this isn’t a federal regulation, many states have laws around this, and merchant account providers also have their own requirements. Check with your merchant account provider.
9. Supporting documents
This is a catchall category, but different merchant account providers require different documentation from different businesses. Some potential documents you may also be asked to provide include:
- Marketing materials
- Business plan
- Voided check
- Business policies, including your return, shipping, and other customer policies
- Forecasts
- Inventory reports
It’s always best to check with them directly for your unique situation, as you might have different requirements for opening a merchant account.
Applying for your merchant account
Once you’ve prepared these requirements, you’re ready to move forward with your merchant account.
Farber's biggest tip at this stage? “Shop around several merchant account providers to make sure you’re getting the best rates possible,” he says. “Make sure the merchant account provider you choose is transparent and accessible. A good processing company will help you through the application process, provide quotes, and offer dedicated support.”
Check out ACCF’s zero-fee credit card processing services!
If you’re looking for a solution provider to help you accept payments online, in-person, or over the phone, check out Accept Credit Cards Free. We have solutions that offer the best credit card processing rates, minus the markup, with programs to eliminate this expense entirely for most merchants. So instead of taking a cut out of your sales, zero-fee processing can save you this entire expense.
