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FAQ - Ecommerce
  • What is a merchant account? Why do I need one?
  • How does it work?
  • How do I get a merchant account?
  • How long does it take to get a merchant account?
  • Which credit cards can I accept?
  • What kind of equipment do I need to process credit cards?
  • How do I know that I'm getting a "good deal"?
  • Can I use my merchant account to accept credit card payment in my online store? Is it safe to process credit cards over the Internet?
  • Will Authorize.Net Secure Payment Gateway work with my shopping cart?
  • Since Internet technology changes so fast, can I be sure that my merchant account will still work with my Internet store in the future?


    1. What is a merchant account? Why do I need one?
      Merchant account gives your business the ability to accept credit cards as payment for the goods and services you sell to your clients. It provides your customers with an extremely popular payment option, beyond cash and checks.

    2. How does it work?
      When a client pays for services or goods from your website, the transaction is submitted to a merchant gateway - e.g. authorize.net, Cybercash or Linkpoint. The merchant gateway processes and authorizes the charge on the credit cart and in turn submits this information to your merchant bank - e.g. Nova Systems. The merchant bank then processes the authorized transaction and deposits the funds into your bank account. From when the credit card is initially processed up till when the funds get into your bank account can be anywhere from 24 hours to 3 days.

    3. How do I get a merchant account?
      Opening a Merchant account can sometimes a tedious and time consuming. However, iFastWeb.com in association with American Merchant Services (AMS) has made the process easier for our clients. Simply submit a sign up form form our Merchant information page and a representative from AMS will contact you directly to set the ball rolling on your merchant account application.
    4. How long does it take to get a merchant account?
      The application process could take anywhere from 24 hours to 48 hours. It will all depend on how son you submit the required documentation. Once all your documents are received by AMS, they are immediately processed and an approval email with all the information you need to begin using your account is sent out to you by email or regular mail.

    5. Which credit cards can I accept?
      Once approved, you may begin accepting Visa and MasterCard. If you wish to accept Amex or Discover credit cards, you shall need to contact both Amex and Discover to set up credit card processing. This process is easier since you shall already have set up a merchant account.

    6. What kind of equipment do I need to process credit cards?
      A computer terminal or PC with Internet access can be used for Internet, mail, and telephone orders. In the retail environment, a specialized terminal/printer designed to read the magnetic strip on the back of the customer's credit card is used. This device provides the customer with a paper receipt at the time of purchase. An imprinter, which takes a physical copy of the customers credit card, may also be used.

    7. How do I know that I'm getting a "good deal"?
      The AMS program offers an outstanding value across the board: functionality, security, reporting, initial set-up and low residual costs.

    8. Can I use my merchant account to accept credit card payments in my online store? Is it safe to process credit cards over the Internet?
      Yes, Authorize.Net's Secure Socket Layer Application Programming Interface (SSL API) offers an encrypted connection to its Secure Payment Engine. By using the Authorize.Net Secure Payment Gateway technology, AMS merchants receive fraud screening on each transaction and real-time reporting via their Web browser.

      Using Authorize.Net's SSL API, all orders and payment information sent from the merchant's web site will be encrypted with SSL. This secure data is routed to Authorize.Net, where it is decrypted and processed. All processed information (Approved/Declined transactions) is then re-encrypted and sent securely back to the Web site, where it is decrypted and displayed to the consumer. Order confirmation e-mails are sent to the consumer and to the merchant. The Authorize.Net SSL API guarantees that the orders and payment information generated by the merchant's Web site remains totally secure.


    9. Will the Authorize.Net Secure Payment Gateway work with my shopping cart?
      The Authorize.Net Secure Payment Gateway works with a wide variety of shopping carts. iFastWeb.com will give you the directions on how to set up your payment gateway to interface with your shopping cart.

    10. Internet technology changes so fast, will I be able to use my merchant account with my Internet store in the future?
      Yes, absolutely. As Authorize.Net upgrades its products in the future, you will receive free upgrades to keep you on the cutting edge.
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