Payment Resources
FAQs
Short, direct answers to the payment questions merchants ask most. Each answer links to the page with the full explanation, whether that is a guide, a product, or an industry page.
Most asked
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How much are credit card processing fees?
Credit card processing costs most U.S. businesses between 1.5% and 3.5% per transaction. The floor is interchange — the card networks' published wholesale cost — plus your processor's markup. Online and keyed transactions cost more than in-person chip payments because card-not-present fraud risk is priced into the rate.
Read full answerWhat is a merchant account?
A merchant account is the arrangement with an acquiring bank and a payment processor that lets a business accept credit and debit cards. Card sales are authorized and settled through it, fees are deducted, and the funds are deposited to your business checking account, typically within 1–2 business days. Approval involves underwriting, because the bank takes on risk for every sale.
Read full answerWhat is a payment gateway?
A payment gateway is the software that securely captures card details on your website or app, encrypts them, and sends them to the processor for authorization — the online equivalent of the card terminal in a store. Gateways also handle recurring billing, tokenization, and fraud screening before a transaction ever reaches the networks.
Read full answerWhich industries are considered high-risk?
Commonly high-risk industries include CBD and hemp, firearms and ammunition, nutraceuticals and supplements, telehealth, vape and tobacco, subscription and continuity billing, travel, coaching and info products, debt services, adult products, and pawn. Most appear on the published restricted-business lists of Stripe, PayPal, and Square — which is why those providers decline them.
Read full answerWhat documents do I need to apply for a merchant account?
A standard merchant account application asks for a government-issued ID, your EIN or business registration, a voided check or bank letter for your settlement account, and about three months of recent bank or processing statements. High-risk businesses should also expect to provide licenses, supplier agreements, and financial statements.
Read full answerCan gun shops and FFL dealers accept credit cards?
Yes. Gun shops and federal firearms licensees (FFLs) can accept credit and debit cards, and Visa says it serves any legal purchase. Paying by card does not change the dealer's federal duties: record the sale on ATF Form 4473 and contact NICS before transfer. The harder part is finding an acquiring bank willing to board the business.
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