Merchant Account FAQ
Table of Contents
Who is the payment processor?
In order to ensure we’re in compliance with state-of-the-art security and privacy standards, Acclivity partners with best-in-class payment processing organizations. Our Merchant Accounts are powered by CSG Forte (formerly known as Forte Payment Systems) (in the US) and Paystone (in Canada), suppliers of merchant transaction processing services and industry leaders in providing high tech processing solutions.
How do I know which type of account is right for my business?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of accounts: a Variable Account and a Flat-Fee Account. Additionally, there are two flavors of each type of account: Card Present and Card Not Present.
With either Account type, you must figure out, what percentage of your dollar volume is card present vs. what percentage is card not present. When more than 80% of your credit card transactions are card present, chances are a card present account will be best for you and will provide you the lowest rates. If you do not process 80% or so of your transactions with the card present, then the Card Not Present Account will most likely be the wise choice; again, to minimize cost.
What does Card Present and Card Not Present mean?
Card Present transactions take place when you physically have the credit card in hand at the time of sale.
All other transactions are considered Card Not Present - including those taken over the phone, mail order, or via the internet (e.g. using AccountEdge Web Pay).
What rate will be charged for Visa/Mastercard transactions when I accept a credit card using the Variable Account?
If you manually enter the credit card number with a card not present account your rate will be as low as 2.29% plus $0.30 per transaction (United States). The rates for a Canadian merchant are as low as 2.30% plus $0.15 per Visa/MC transaction.
What is the advantage of using a Flat-Fee Account
The Flat Fee Accounts provide a level of certainty in terms of rates and do not include any monthly fees. A Flat Fee Account may make sense if your volume is unpredictable or if you run a seasonal business. The flat-fee for all card present Visa/Mastercard transactions is 2.70% plus $0.30 with no other fees or surcharges. (note: with a card present Flat Fee Account you can still process card not present transactions, albeit at a higher rate - 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction). A card not present Flat Fee Account processes Visa/Mastercard transactions at 2.95% plus 30¢ per transaction.
Which account can I use with Web Pay?
While you can technically use any of our merchants accounts with Web Pay, the card not-present version of either the Variable Account or Flat Fee Account are designed for Web Pay’s web transactions.
Why do Card Present rates differ from Card Not Present rates?
Card Present rates are lower because there is less risk (you physically have the credit card in hand, and more data can be read from the card) vs. manually entering a card number or taking a sale via the internet, which does not prove the card is present.
How can I find out what rate I will be charged for American Express transactions?
American Express transactions are billed at 2.99% plus $0.30 per transaction.
With what apps and versions do Merchant Accounts work?
Our Merchant Accounts work with all current versions of AccountEdge, AccountEdge Connect, AccountEdge Web Pay, and Rerun our recurring billing web app.
How do I apply for a merchant account?
All applications are online and accessible from our website: https://www.accountedge.com/credit-cards/. If you have questions, you can contact Customer Service via chat using the chat icon in the lower-right-hand corner of each accountedge.com web page.
How long will it take to get approved?
Approval for a credit card merchant account takes an average of 5-7 business days. This average is dependent upon the amount of information filled out on the application and the documentation provided at the time the application is submitted.
Once my application is approved, how long will it take until I can process credit card transactions?
Once you are approved, you can immediately begin processing credit card transactions. You must enter the merchant account information provided by CSG Forte (Paystone in Canada) into the Priority app (e.g. AccountEdge) first.
What credit cards will I be able to accept?
You will be able to accept: VISA, MasterCard, Discover (handled separately for Canada) and American Express.
Again, the notable exception is with our card not present Flat Fee accounts, where you are automatically able to accept AMEX transactions.
Can I accept international credit cards?
You will be able to accept credit cards whether they're domestic or international. However, all payments will be processed in US dollars only (either Canadian or US dollars only for Canadian merchants).
What information is required to complete the application?
We ask for your personal, business and banking information to start. It is possible, depending on your specific situation, that we may ask for additional, supporting information, such as: documents supporting company ownership (DBA Certificate, Corporate Resolution, etc), a voided check, and copies of bank statements over the past two months. Depending on your expected volume, you may also need to provide signed Tax Returns from the past two years as well as your most recent fiscal year end business or personal financials.
Can I use my existing Merchant Account?
Unfortunately, no. You will have to apply for a new merchant account with our provider in order for the service to work within our applications.
What type of transactions can I record?
You can record credit card sales, debits, voids, and refunds. All debit card sales will be processed as credit cards.
What is the startup cost?
There is no Setup Fee.
Is there support?
Initial setup through the software can usually be handled by CSG Forte (Paystone in Canada). Any further issues are handled on a case by case basis. You need AccountEdge Support for help with software features. Tech support options can be found on our website, or you can chat with Customer Service using our Chat icon in the lower-right-hand corner of each accountedge.com web page
When do the funds show up in my bank account?
Funds are transferred into your bank account within 2 business days, beginning the day after the transaction is approved.
How secure is the transaction?
We use industry-standard encryption protocol to keep customer card information secure. The processing bank is responsible for fraudulent charges.
Can I accept a debit card from a customer as a payment?
If you enter a card that is both a debit and a credit card when using our Merchant Account Services, you must select Credit Card and the Merchant Account will process the transaction as a credit card transaction. True debit card payments where a PIN number is required cannot be processed with our Merchant Account Service.
Can I print a receipt for Credit Card Payments?
There are two ways in which you can print a receipt for a credit card transaction in AccountEdge: once a transaction is authorized, you will be prompted to print a receipt or you can print a receipt right through the Sales Command Center.
With Checkout, you can download our Customizable Receipt Template which will allow you to print the receipt onto 3-1/4" receipt printer paper. The software can print a receipt once payment is received or by re-opening an invoice and choosing to print.
How can I obtain credit card decal stickers?
You can order the stickers direct from the card associations. Below are the links where the stickers can be ordered.
How do I account for my credit card processing fees in AccountEdge?
You can watch this video for more information on how to best reconcile and account for credit card payments within AccountEdge.