Q: What is merchant account processing?
Q: How do I get a merchant account?
Q: What credit card types can I accept?
Q: How long does the application approval process take?
Q: Can I really start accepting credit cards immediately?
Q: How will I get paid for credit card transactions?
Q: Is there paperwork to sign?
Q: Will I need to purchase additional equipment?
Q: Will I receive statements?
Q: What type of bank account do I need?
Q: I am a new start up company without a credit history, will my company
    get approved?
Q: I already have a retail merchant account. Why do I need another one?
Q: What is a payment gateway?
Q: How do I get my gateway set up?
Q: I still have more questions?

Q: What is merchant account processing? Merchant account processing services are provided by a bank or a third party processor to the merchant. These services include authorization of credit cards, settlement of funds through the bankcard associations (MasterCard/Visa), depositing of funds to checking accounts, merchant billing, and account activity reporting.

Q: How do I get a merchant account? Complete the online instant application and receive instant approval and activation of a merchant account that will allow you to begin accepting credit card transactions immediately. The merchant credit card acceptance program is applicable only to merchants located in the United States that have a relationship with a U.S. Financial Institution and a valid checking account.

Q: What credit card types can I accept? You will automatically be set up for Visa® and MasterCard® transactions. On the application, you will have the option to also accept American Express®, Diner's Club®, Discover® and JCB® by simply checking those card types.

Q: How long does the application approval process take? You can start accepting credit cards immediately after filling out our online application. After submitting the online application you will receive an email within a few moments from Electronic Merchant Systems confirming your account activation along with your new merchant number and a link to the VPOS. EMS will then overnight out the MERCHANT AGREEMENT for your review and signature. Simply return the application paperwork in the pre-paid return envelope and it will be reviewed by our underwriting department for FINAL APPROVAL. Upon final approval the funds-to-date will be deposited in your checking account.

Q: Can I really start accepting credit cards immediately? Yes, your merchant account will be active and can be used for processing credit cards. Do not ship/deliver product until you receive FINAL APPROVAL from Electronic Merchant Systems. Prior to final approval you can authorize credit cards but the funds will not be deposited into your bank account until FINAL APPROVAL. Final approval can not occur until you sign and return the MERCHANT AGREEMENT and our Underwriting Committee approves your application.

Q: How will I get paid for credit card transactions? Funds are automatically transferred to your business checking account via an electronic ACH transfer 48 to 72 hours after a transaction has been "captured" and settled for payment. For example, credit card transactions submitted on a Monday will be funded on Wednesday or Thursday of the same week.

Q: Is there paperwork to sign? Yes, original paperwork will be overnighted to your business address, you would need to return this to commence final approval. Once final approval occurs(normally 24 hours after EMS receives the original paperwork) you will then start to receive your deposits.

Q: Will I need to purchase additional equipment? No. All you need is a web browser and Internet access to utilize our Virtual POS terminal. Use this to authorize/settle transactions, view orders, manage recurring billing and more!

Q: Will I receive statements? Yes. Electronic Merchant Systems offers you Internet-based reporting, that gives you online access to review your daily sales, financial history, and other pertinent account information. There is no additional cost for this service. In addition you will receive a paper statement at the end of each month.

Q: What type of bank account do I need? A business checking account is preferred, however, if you do not have a business account, a personal account that is primarily used for the business and is in the owner's name is acceptable. Your bank will be credited and debited via ACH methods.

Q: If I am a new start up company without a credit history, will my company get approved? There are no hassles and no strict credit requirements.

Q: I already have a retail merchant account. Why do I need another one? Financial institutions and the Visa / MasterCard card Associations have different criteria for evaluating the potential risk involved in credit card transactions where the card is not physically presented to the merchant. This type of business is typically referred to as "card not present" or "MO/TO" (mail order/telephone order). For this reason, a separate merchant account is needed.

Q: What is a payment gateway? A payment gateway is a service that gives merchants the ability to perform real-time credit card authorizations from a web site over the Internet. The Gateway is an encrypted channel that passes the transaction securely from your customer's computer to the financial institutions to capture the authorization and approval. Once the transaction is complete, the information is sent back through the Gateway to complete the order and provide you with verification. The Gateway offers many administrative features such as: viewing orders, keeping sales tax records, account maintenance, etc.

Q: How do I get my gateway set up? Electronic Merchant Systems provides you with a complete turnkey solution. When you apply with the instant account the gateway is automatically set-up.