Merchants opening businesses today will almost always require the services of a credit card processor. Being able to accept credit cards and debit cards have become so mainstream that most younger consumers rarely carry around physical cash. This change in consumer purchasing habits has lead to the growth in credit card processing among retail storefront transactions. Payment cards, including credit and debit cards, have grown with the dominance of the online ecommerce industry. The need for quick and reliable payments is the foundation for every online merchant’s success. Most payment processing providers will allow online and swiped transactions through the same account.
What is Credit Card Processing?
Accepting payment for any transactions, whether it a product or a service, that is done using a bank payment card is generally referred to as credit card processing. Both credit and debit cards are grouped under this term is due to the first networks were operated using credit and to today these networks handle both debit and credit transactions.
The largest payment card networks are owned and operated by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. These companies license access to their payment networks for banks and credit unions to gain access to their millions of merchant locations. Once part of the network, customers of these banks can freely use their credit or debit cards to make purchases without any trouble.
Professional Solutions to Accept Credit Cards
The most common ways that merchants can accept payment using credit card include:
- Online
- Swiped or Contactless
- MOTO
Today’s most common method involves swiping a debit or credit card at a merchant location. Whether at a gas station pump or in a retail store, card account information is acquired through swiping the black strip or dipping of the EMV chip card.
Online and mobile transactions, using either an ewallet or stored bank cards, are the newest technology and the fastest-growing segment of the credit card industry. Merchants have their ecommerce website’s shopping card linked to their payment processors payment gateway to send website transactions. Using data encryption and other security protocols, merchants can protect a customer’s payment card information from fraud or other security breaches during transmission to the payment card network.
The original method of accepting payments is Mail Order and Telephone Order, otherwise known as MOTO. Manually accepting the payment card information, merchants can either enter account information into a terminal or call into the payment processor. Before having terminals hooked to the internet or a phone line, all transactions were accepted with a manual credit card imprinter.
How a Credit Card Authorization works
When a credit card is authorized, the information is passed through several organizations to complete the authorization process. The same process is used for debit cards seeking a payment authorization. Once a business has been approved for a merchant account, their equipment will allow them to send transactions through the network and start making customer sales.
Who is Involved in Card Processing
Every transaction will require different financial organizations to work together to receive and authorize a transaction. These businesses include:
- Merchant Acquiring Bank
- Card Issuing Bank
- Payment Card Network
The merchant acquiring bank, or the acquirer, sets the business up with their merchant account. This usually involves filling out an application and going through a thorough application process. Some acquirers, such as e-wallets or payment processors might have a quicker application process than others depending on the type of account the business is applying for. The merchant acquirer will underwrite the account and support the merchant’s technical and financial needs during the relationship.
The customer has a completely separate bank that handles their transactions. This bank, also known as the card-issuing bank, manages the customer’s account by providing security and support for their needs. The card issuer receives the merchant requests for transaction authorization. Going through a series of security and fraud checks, followed by a financial check for the amount, the card issuer will send back a response to the merchant location.
The payment card network is the common organization between the merchant and customer partners. The network handles the security and handling of card account information between the merchant location and the customer’s bank. The Visa and MasterCard payment card network members receive the merchant requests, determine the customer’s bank, and route the authorization request to that bank. In the case of American Express and Discover, they manage their own closed networks, so all information is retained internally.
Authorizations are finalized at the end of the day along with any returns or voids that might have occurred. This finalization process is done during the batch when tips or other adjustments made after the authorization can be completed.
While the entire process is extensive, requiring multiple different financial and tech companies to be involved, it only takes seconds for payments to be authorized for merchants and customers to take their goods.
Common Industries Accepting Credit and Debit Cards
Almost every industry today accepts credit or debit cards. It is hard to find any industry that still relies solely on cash for their payments. Even car washes and laundromats, two of the most quintessential cash businesses, have card processing options for their merchants to accept payment cards. Today, many different industries have all but completely gone electronic, requiring customers to make payments using either credit or debit cards.
Industries that have shifted to primarily credit cards
- Hotels
- Airlines
- Rental Cars
- e Commerce
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Pharmacies
- Supermarkets
Many industries will use specialized equipment to streamline operations while combining payment processing. In some instances, businesses might need the services of a high risk payment processor due to the products sold. Working with an experienced payment processor like Allied Payments, merchants with nearly any type of business can find the proper solution to accept payments at their business.
Required Documents for Merchant Account Approval
Underwriters from various banks will have their own proprietary applications that must be filled out for review. While these applications will vary between payment processors, the supporting documents needed to accompany those applications are generally the same. The most common documents required include:
- Merchant Application
- Color copy of Government ID
- Previous Payment Processing Statements
- Previous Checking Account Statements
Providing a completed application is the first, and usually most important, step to begin the underwriting process. Submitting the initial application with all the correct information will prevent any unnecessary delays or raise any red flags during the due diligence process.
The identity of all individuals named on the application is a standard requirement. Submitting a color copy of a government ID of each applicant will help the processor’s underwriters complete their KYC (Know Your Customer) checks to prevent the risk of any fraudulent or illegal activities.
Businesses that are currently operating will generally need to submit copies of recent financials. Usually, the last 3 to 6 months of both checking account statements and payment processing statements will need to be included in an operating businesses’ application package.
Underwriters use the previous financials to gauge how the business operates. If checking account balances are consistently overdrawn, payment processors might become concerned about the strength of the company’s financials. Processing statements are used to see the percentages of chargebacks and returns, signs to a payment processor about the quality of products or services being sold. High numbers could raise concerns that the business is experiencing problems with its customers and could warrant more questions.
Providing a full application process from the beginning with the above documents will help underwriters quickly and thoroughly go through their due diligence period. Missing parts of the package can create delays in the underwriting and push the otherwise quick process to a week-long wait.
Accept Card Payments in Your Business Today!
Businesses selling through retail storefronts or online can benefit from Allied Payments. Our team of payment processing professionals can help get your business accepting credit card or debit card payments fast.
Working with a network of payment processing banks, our team can approve nearly any merchant as fast as the same day. Regardless if your business is high risk or a general retail storefront, we can help find the best solution. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is credit card processing and how does it work?
Credit card processing is the method of accepting payments from customers using credit or debit cards. When a customer swipes, taps, or enters their card online, the transaction is sent through a secure payment gateway, verified by the issuing bank, and then approved or declined. Funds are deposited into the merchant’s account typically within 1–2 business days.
How do I start accepting credit card payments for my business?
To start accepting card payments, you’ll need a merchant account and a payment processor. AlliedPay makes it easy by providing an all-in-one credit card processing solution tailored to your business—whether in-store, online, or on the go.
What are the fees involved in credit card processing?
Fees usually include transaction fees, monthly fees, interchange rates, and sometimes chargeback or PCI compliance fees. At AlliedPay, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs and customized rates based on your transaction volume and business type.
How can I choose the best credit card processor for my business?
Look for a processor that offers competitive rates, fast deposits, top-notch security, and support for multiple payment methods. AlliedPay stands out with industry-leading technology, scalable solutions, and expert support tailored to your needs.
Is credit card processing safe for my customers?
Absolutely. Our system is PCI DSS compliant and uses advanced encryption to protect sensitive cardholder data. We help keep your customers safe and your business secure from fraud.
Can I accept credit card payments online and in person?
Yes! AlliedPay supports omnichannel payment solutions, meaning you can accept credit cards online, in-store, over the phone, or via mobile devices—all under one platform.
How long does it take to receive funds after a card transaction?
Most credit card transactions are settled and deposited into your business bank account within 1 to 2 business days. AlliedPay offers fast and reliable funding to keep your cash flow moving.
What types of cards can I accept with AlliedPay?
You can accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also support digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Do I need special equipment to process credit cards?
That depends on your business model. We provide POS systems, mobile card readers, and virtual terminals—so whether you’re a retailer, e-commerce shop, or service provider, we’ve got you covered.
How can I reduce my credit card processing fees?
You can reduce fees by choosing the right pricing model, maintaining PCI compliance, and minimizing chargebacks. At AlliedPay, we work with you to find cost-effective solutions that grow with your business.
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If you’re a business owner looking for a solid, reliable merchant services provider—especially if your needs are a bit more specialized. I highly recommend them.
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