We get this question all the time, what is a merchant service provider? The answer is not as simple as you might think.
In the world of merchant services, there are many different types of businesses. In this guide, we are going to talk about the different types of merchant service providers and which is the best option for your business.
Credit card processing is really important for business owners. In 2023, small businesses accepted $4.642 trillion dollars in credit card payments. That totals to about 54.8 billion purchases in 2023.
In this guide, we are going to talk about what is a merchant service provider, what they do, and why they matter. We are also going to talk about what to consider when choosing a merchant service provider for your small business.
What is a merchant service provider?
A merchant service provider (MSP) is a company that offers businesses the tools and services necessary to accept and process electronic payments, such as credit and debit card transactions.
Generally, a merchant service provider is a master provider of services. They will provide everything from the merchant account to the point-of-sale.
It is important to note that not all merchant service providers will have their own proprietary systems. Some merchant service providers will offer businesses with third party point-of-sales or payment gateways.
Here are some of the key services an MSP typically provides:
Payment Processing: Facilitates the authorization and settlement of credit card, debit card, and ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions. This includes both online and in-person payments.
Merchant Accounts: Establishes and maintains merchant accounts, which are special types of bank accounts that allow businesses to accept card payments.
Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Provides hardware and software solutions for processing payments in a retail environment. This can include traditional countertop terminals, mobile payment solutions, and integrated POS systems.
Payment Gateway: Offers an online service that connects the merchant’s website to the payment processor, enabling secure transmission of payment details for online transactions.
Security and Fraud Prevention: Implements security measures such as encryption, tokenization, and compliance with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) to protect sensitive cardholder data and prevent fraud.
Reporting and Analytics: Provides tools and dashboards for merchants to track their sales, transactions, chargebacks, and other payment-related data.
Customer Support: Offers assistance and technical support to merchants for any issues related to payment processing and account management.
MSPs are crucial for businesses that want to expand their payment options and provide customers with convenient, secure, and efficient ways to pay.
How do I pick a merchant service provider?
Choosing the right merchant service provider (MSP) is crucial for your business’s financial operations and customer satisfaction. Start by comparing fees and pricing structures, including transaction fees, monthly service charges, setup, termination fees, and any hidden costs like PCI compliance or chargeback fees.
Ensure the MSP supports the payment types you need, such as credit and debit cards, ACH payments, and mobile payments, and offers a robust payment gateway for e-commerce transactions if you operate online. For in-person payment processing, check the availability and compatibility of POS systems, including mobile POS solutions or traditional countertop terminals.
Security and compliance are paramount, so verify that the MSP adheres to PCI-DSS standards and provides features like encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection tools.
Integration with your existing systems, such as e-commerce platforms and accounting software, should be seamless.
Evaluate the quality and availability of customer support, ensuring 24/7 support options and multiple contact methods.
Review the contract terms, paying attention to the length and conditions regarding early termination, and seek flexible options that suit your business needs. Research the MSP’s reputation through customer reviews and testimonials, noting any red flags or consistent complaints.
Additionally, ensure the MSP offers comprehensive reporting tools and analytics to help you track and manage transactions. Finally, consider whether the MSP can scale with your business, accommodating increased transaction volumes and new payment methods as needed.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose an MSP that aligns with your business needs and provides a seamless payment experience for your customers.
Choosing the best merchant service provider
When it comes to choosing the best merchant service provider, the choice is clear. Process Payments Now offers a suite of features made with your business in mind.
At Process Payments Now, we work with business owners to truly understand how their business operates and what is needed to make those operations more smooth.
For online and eCommerce businesses, we offer multiple payment gateways and can integrate with most CRMs. This is particularly helpful for businesses because the payment gateway they start with may not be the best choice as they grow. We are able to easily switch your payment gateway or help you scale with your current gateway.
For in-person and retail businesses, we offer over 50 point-of-sale systems. We have a team dedicated to making sure you find the right point-of-sale system for your business. You are never locked into a point-of-sale when you work with us. If you choose a point-of-sale and it does not work for your business, we will swap it out for free.
Does Process Payments Now offer dual pricing or cash discounting?
Wrapping Up
Choosing a merchant service provider can be tough for a new business. At Process Payments Now, we make the choice easy. We offer business owners the tools and resources they need to grow their business effectively.
While there are many options for payment providers, it is important the know the difference between merchant service providers. A merchant service provider should offer a merchant account, the correct point-of-sale or payment gateway for your business, security and fraud prevention tools, and robust reporting and analytics. Above all, your merchant service provider should offer the best customer service for your business.
At Process Payments Now, we provide support the is US-based and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If you are ready to make the switch to the best merchant service provider, give us a call or complete a merchant application today.
