What is a Merchant Account?

All merchants, from the smallest online storefront to a large "brick and mortar" retailer, who accept and process credit cards need a Merchant Account. This account enables you to accept and clear credit card transactions (the charging of a customer's credit card and depositing that money into your account). In the case of an Internet merchant, two options exist:

	If you already have a "brick and mortar" business, you can use your existing credit card processing method to process Internet transactions.
	If you want to process credit cards in real-time or are a new merchant, then you need to apply for an "Internet enabled merchant account", which allows you to process transactions online.

Each Processing Service Provider has their own set of criteria in evaluating an applicant, and you should shop around to find the right company with the best discount rates. The discount rate that the banks charge, as their fee for processing, can go up to 10%, depending on the risk factors determined by the bank.

To make it easier on our merchants, EBTCO.com provides a link to a Instant Approval Online Form

Take me to the Online Application