Question 1

What is merchant account processing?

Accepted Answer

A merchant account is a service provided by a bank to a merchant that includes authorization of electronic credits and debits, settlement of processed funds, depositing of funds to checking accounts, merchant billing, and account activity reporting.

Question 2

How will I get paid for my electronic transactions?

Accepted Answer

Funds are automatically transferred to your business checking account via an electronic Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer within 48 hours after a transaction has been captured and settled. For example, credit card transactions processed on a Monday will be funded the following Wednesday.

Question 3

Will I receive statements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will receive monthly statements to review your daily sales, financial history, and other pertinent account information. We also provide online statements with real-time account reporting.

Question 4

What credit card types may I accept?

Accepted Answer

You will automatically be set up for Visa and Mastercard transactions. You can also accept American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diner's Club by selecting those card types in the merchant application.

Question 5

I already have a retail merchant account. Why do I need another one?

Accepted Answer

Card associations have different criteria for evaluating the potential risk of transactions where the card is not physically presented (card-not-present, MO/TO, or Internet). For these types of transactions, a separate merchant account is needed.

Question 6

Am I required to have a physical storefront to process credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Most of our e-commerce applicants have a physical storefront; however, this is not a requirement.

Question 7

How do I get a merchant account?

Accepted Answer

The Total-Apps online merchant account application can be accessed from the online application section of our website. Our team will guide you through every step.

Question 8

Is there a fee for processing my application?

Accepted Answer

There are no application or setup fees to obtain your merchant account. We also include a PCI-compliant gateway account at no additional cost.

Question 9

Is there a contract to sign?

Accepted Answer

Applying for a merchant account is similar to opening a line of credit or obtaining a credit card. Your application contains the agreement with full disclosure of all terms and fees.

Question 10

What information will I need to complete the merchant application?

Accepted Answer

You'll typically need: an initialed and signed merchant application; a certificate of incorporation, business license, or DBA filing; a valid copy of the signer's driver's license; and a voided business check for the account where you want deposits to go. Additional documents may be needed based on business type or size.

Question 11

What are the Terms and Conditions?

Accepted Answer

The Terms and Conditions document reviews the regulations set forth by the card associations, describes the banking relationship between the merchant and the acquiring bank, and defines your rights as the merchant and those of the acquiring bank as your processor. You'll receive a copy once your application is approved.

Question 12

How long does the merchant application approval process take?

Accepted Answer

Once your complete application package is received, it is submitted to underwriting. Underwriting and account setup generally take less than five business days.

Question 13

What happens after my merchant application is approved?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an email from Total-Apps confirming your approval. No additional setup is required on your part, and you'll also receive a hard-copy welcome packet by mail.

Question 14

How quickly can I begin processing once approved?

Accepted Answer

After you receive your approval email from Total-Apps, you'll be able to accept credit cards immediately through your store or website, depending on your website configuration.

Question 15

Will I need to purchase additional equipment?

Accepted Answer

No additional equipment is needed. Your PCI-compliant internet gateway account is set up at no additional cost.

Merchant Account Knowledge Base

Common Questions

Contact Your Total-Apps Team

Want to Explore Your Options?

Merchant Account Knowledge Base

Common Questions

What is merchant account processing?−

How will I get paid for my electronic transactions?+

Will I receive statements?+

What credit card types may I accept?+

I already have a retail merchant account. Why do I need another one?+

Am I required to have a physical storefront to process credit cards?+

How do I get a merchant account?+

Is there a fee for processing my application?+

Is there a contract to sign?+

What information will I need to complete the merchant application?+

What are the Terms and Conditions?+

How long does the merchant application approval process take?+

What happens after my merchant application is approved?+

How quickly can I begin processing once approved?+

Will I need to purchase additional equipment?+

Contact Your Total-Apps Team

Want to Explore Your Options?