How to Accept Credit Card Payments Without Getting Ripped Off

There is much more to accepting credit cards at your business than focusing on merchant account fees.

If you think ALL merchant account providers are the SAME... think again!

In the merchant account world, it's not a question of IF you have a problem. Rather, it's a question of WHEN.

And if you sign up with the wrong company, good luck getting out of it.

Don't believe me?

How to Get the Best Merchant Account

Okay, here is an email I received just this morning:

"After signing with this new merchant account company, and being with them for only less than 1 month, I am already in a difficult situation with the sales rep.

However, I plan to terminate the contract, and according to their contract, I have 45 days to do so, possibly without a termination fee. Although they may require a termination fee of $295.

First, I need to contact my lawyer on how to proceed from here as I am already out about $100 that the sales rep was to reimburse for charges that were not to be billed me, which has not occurred as yet.

In addition, my original documents were changed after I signed them.

Although, I have had several scheduled meetings with the rep at his office to resolve these issues, he never showed for the appointments.

So, to say the least, this has turned out be very frustrating and taking much time to resolve and end my association with this company."

Yes, this happens more often than you think.

95% of all companies will lock YOU into an expensive contract with "early termination fees."

So signing up with the wrong provider WILL COST you money... even if you choose another vendor at a later date.

And the reasons are simple:

1. Most sales reps are on a quota and don't get paid if they don't "hit their numbers."
2. Lots of merchant account providers use "early termination fees" to lock you into bad deals.
3. Many rates and fees are NOT guaranteed... meaning they can increase moments after you sign up.

And the list could go on an on.

Here are FIVE (5) credit card processing tips to follow before you sign up with any provider:

1. Ask about early termination fees
2. Avoid credit card terminal leases
3. Ask about rate guarantees
4. If they offer free credit card machines be sure there are no strings attached
5. Make sure you ask about surcharges and other hidden fees.

And get their promises in writing.

So what else can you do?

How to Find the Best Merchant Account Provider

So what can you do to make sure you get the best merchant account?

Get your free merchant account quotes from qualified providers today.

That way you can make a side by side comparison of the different rate quotes, fees, discounts and specials (free equipment, annual fees, etc.).

Ask questions. Get it in writing.

And then compare their offers for yourself and choose the provider that's right for you.

Finally, not every merchant account provider can help you if you have some credit issues, or your business is classified as "high risk."

In this case you would need to find a company that specializes in high risk merchant services in order to get an approval.

If you follow these steps you should have no problem getting the best account for your needs.

There's more to accepting credit cards -- whether you have multiple locations or you own a "mom and pop" business.

In fact, believe it or not asking "what's your rate?" over the phone is the LAST thing you should be thinking about, because there are multiple rates, fees and other charges depending on your type of business and how you want to accept credit cards.

Not to mention that quoted rates over the phone are often misleading, or only apply to your business 20% of the time.

The key?

To get the best merchant account you need to talk with a solutions provider. You can learn more about merchant processing services by checking out some articles below:

• The Truth about Costco Merchant Services
• Three Ways to Accept Credit Cards Online
• What to Ask Before Signing up with High Risk Merchant Account Providers
• How to Apply for a Merchant Account
• How to Get the Best Canadian Merchant Account
• The Hidden Truth about High Risk Merchant Accounts
• What to Ask Before Getting a Merchant Account Cash Advance
• How to Get a Home Based Business Merchant Account
• How to Find the Best Retail Merchant Services
• Tips for Getting the Best Retail Merchant Account
• How to Get a Free Credit Card Terminal