Merchant Account or ISO: Which Do You Need?

Together with the other links in the credit card processing chain such as payment gateways and credit card terminals, merchant accounts play a key role in the commercial cycle. Unfortunately, getting a merchant account for your business can be tricky, as can handling all of the myriad details in setting up the whole process.

If your company has a track record of reliable sales, then you should be able to get a merchant account from your personal bank.

Without a sales history, however, your business will probably need to work with a reseller, usually an ISO (Independent Sales Organization). ISOs serve as a middle layer between you and their acquiring bank, taking on the risk of doing business with you and adding a commensurate surcharge to your transactions.

Special Considerations for E-Commerce