Online Credit Card – prepaid application

Uma A Ilango asked:


5 Things To Consider When Hiring Online Credit Card Processing Services

Branching out globally is a sure way to keep your clientele growing voluminously. With an online credit card processor, you can now accept all forms of payment anytime from anywhere in the world. However, selecting the best online credit card processing service will probably seem a little daunting with the number of options available in the market. Let us look at 5 main points that you should consider to make the task viable.

1) Fixed fees

Learn about all the costs by reading your contract conscientiously. The common fixed costs are as follows:

Start up costs Gateway fees Statement fees Monthly minimum fees Software costs

Please note that as the market is very competitive, some online credit card processing service providers offer all or some of the above for free. Be sure to compare as many service providers as you can before reaching a decision. Also be aware that some providers may charge hidden costs that may have been added on arbitrarily. Read your contract carefully before making the final decision.

2) Transaction fees and discount rates

These charges are applied to every credit card payment that you accept. It is important that you select a service provider which enables you to increase your profits. Your selection has to be suitable for your type of business and transactions. Suppose your transaction fee is $0.25, your discount rate is 3% and your sale is $100, then you would make $96.75 from that sale and pay your provider $3.25. If your transaction fee and discount rate is the same as above while your sale is $1000, you would then make $969.75 and pay your provider $30.25.

Let us say that you managed to shop around more and find a better deal with a transaction fee of $0.20 and discount rate of 2.25%. You would then effectively make $977.30 and pay your provider $22.70 for the same $1000 sale. However, if your average sale is only $100, the lower charges would cost you only $2.45. Since your average sales size is small, the difference in the charges may not make much difference to you. You should then focus more on the monthly fixed costs when making the final decision. As you can see, depending on your volume and size of sales, a small difference in the charges may or may not translate to big differences in your profits and expenses. Search for the best deal that suits your business needs.

3) Security

Credit card numbers are stolen every day. In order to protect your customers as well as your business, ensure that the online credit card processing service provider you hire is secure, and encrypted. One of the accreditation you can look for is ScanAlert. It is given to providers who are considered safe from hacking and who comply with the rules set up by the major credit card companies in the world to protect your customers’ credit card information. For further information you may want to refer to http://www.scanalert.com/. To help identify service providers who would protect you and your customers, search for customer feedback on the security features offered by them.

4) Customer support

As a merchant accepting credit cards online, you are bound to run into problems. In times of need, it is crucial that you receive prompt, effective assistance 24/7. Obtain referrals from currents users of the service provider to ensure that you would be given excellent personalized assistance.

5) Incentives

Once you have compared the all-important rates, security and quality of customer service and narrowed down your choices, you can now focus on the incentives given by the service providers. As online credit card processing service is highly competitive, most service providers are willing to throw in freebies such as free advertising of your company in popular search engines. Get one that gives you value for money.



CASEY

Mario Churchill asked:


Processing a credit card application online has slightly different procedures from applying for a card through regular means. While most of the differences are relatively minor, you should still keep the differences in mind when making an online application. Like knowing the differences between a walk-in job application and simply sending your resume through email, paying attention to the small details can make the difference between approval and rejection.

The first difference is time. Most credit card providers are only starting up their online application procedures. So, while in theory online applications are supposed to be processed faster, due to the fact that it’s a relatively new program most companies will take as much or even more time to get your application processed. Be patient.

There are two exceptions to this rule. The first exception is the largest credit card companies, who have the financial means to support online applications with sufficient equipment and personnel. The second exception to the rule involves relatively new credit card providers who have set their initial operations up with the latest technology in mind, so their online application procedures will be up to date and an integral part of their companies from the get go.

The second difference is in the fees for application. Most companies will offer different charges for online applications as opposed to regular applications. When applying online, be sure to read the details given to make sure that you are aware of the charges involved and can weigh your options. Also, the interest rates and transaction fees may slightly differ for credit cards obtained through online applications.

The third difference is in Card Selection. While more and more companies are taking advantage of online application for their customers, due to it’s limitations not every type of credit card or certain features can be obtained through online application. Some examples are credit card classes with much higher credit limits, and some types of dual role debit-credit cards. Because of this restriction, you should review all the options given by your prospective credit card provider and find out if you can apply online for the type of card you want.

Lastly, one area you should look into is your credit history. If you have a good credit history you should be fine. If it’s not, you should know that some credit card companies will automatically disapprove online applications made by people with bad credit ratings. While a lot of credit card companies allow concessions for people with bad credit history, the option of applying online is usually reserved for those with clean records. If you’ve got a bad record and still want a credit card, then more often than not you’ll have to inquire in person.

One seeming exception to this rule is that some credit card providers will actually provide credit cards with NO background credit checks, AND will let you apply online! This may seem like an ideal scenario for people with bad credit histories. However, pay very close attention to the fine print and other stipulations when applying for that credit card, because there’s likely going to be a catch somewhere. The catch will usually involve huge interest rates or larger than average charges for delayed payments – which pretty much just takes advantage of you if you fall into the same financial pattern that got you bad credit in the first place. If it seems too good to be true, it most likely is.



KIRBY

positivek9 asked:


I will be opening an online store and my head is swimming from all the different options out there! I need to be able to accept credit cards (both online and offline). I’m looking for the most cost effective company with low monthly fee and low per transaction fees.
Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations?
I’m located in Virginia and have a business license. I’m also set up for State Retail Taxes.

CARSON