How is Merchant Processing Solutions different from its competition?

Merchant Processing Solutions is a private multifaceted payment solutions provider dedicated to providing the highest quality credit card processing services to retailers of every size. From the MPRO corporate headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland, MPRO provides innovative payment solutions for a wide array of successful companies. From Retailers and Wholesalers, to Mail-order and On-line merchants, MPRO has the experience necessary to deliver solutions in the changing face of business today. MPRO offers a full range of electronic processing services that can be supported by a complete line of Electronic Commerce, Check Verification & POS equipment, hardware and software. We are committed to evaluating each business situation and to custom design a credit card processing approach that meets your specific requirements in the most cost effective manner possible.

What is a merchant bank?

A merchant bank is a financial institution primarily engaged in offering financial services and advice to corporations and to wealthy individuals.

What are debit cards?

A debit card (also known as a bank card or check card) is a card that provides an alternative payment solution to cash when making purchases. The funds of the purchase are withdrawn directly from either the cardholder’s bank account or from the remaining balance on the card itself. Debit cards are not to be confused with credit cards or charge cards. When a debit card is issued, and a purchase is made with the debit card, the amount of the purchase is deducted directly from the cardholder’s bank account.

What is the difference between online debit and offline debit?

An On-line Debit card deducts funds from the bank account of the purchaser immediately; as soon as the On-line Debit card is used to make a purchase, the amount of the purchase being made is deducted leaving no delay for processing the transaction.

An Off-line Debit card does not deduct funds from the checking account of the purchaser immediately. Transactions are processed like a regular credit card, in which the funds are not deducted from the purchaser’s bank account for 24-72 hours.

What are commercial cards?

Commercial cards are credit cards utilized by corporations/businesses.

What is a private label card?

Private label cards are credit cards issued by a specific retail business that contains the logo of the specific retail business that issued the card, and is the only retailer who will accept the card for purchasers and cannot be used at other locations (i.e. Home Depot, Firestone, etc…)

What is a Stored Value Program?

Stored Value Programs come normally in the form of gift cards or prepaid/preloaded spending cards.

What is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?

Electronic Benefits Transfer is an electronic system within the United States which grants state governments the right to provide financial and material benefits to authorized recipients through a debit card; the benefits provided by the EBT are generally placed within two categories; Food Stamps and Cash benefits. (Wikipedia)

What is Electronic Check Processing (ECP)?

Electronic Check Processing is the ability to process a check electronically through a POS (point of sale) system. The electronic POS system converts paper checks into electronic transactions, mirroring a credit card transaction.

What types of merchants does Merchant Processing Solutions approve?

Merchant Processing Solutions is a private processing company dedicated to serving the credit processing needs of retailers ranging from the small corner store to the major retailers and everything in-between. Merchant Processing Solutions approves all types of merchant accounts; from multi-location, multi-million dollar a month merchants accounts, to smaller mom-and-pop retail businesses.

What products and services does Merchant Processing Solutions offer me?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers a full suite of products including Credit, Debit, EBT, Check Conversion and Guarantee, and Gift & Loyalty Card Solutions, along with a full range of electronic processing services that can be supported by a complete line of Electronic Commerce, Check Verification & POS equipment, hardware and software supporting a variety of merchant accounts.

What do I get with an Internet merchant account?

This type of credit card transaction or "card-not-present" transaction requires a special type of merchant account. Most credit card companies use special criteria to assess risk, and have a different fee structure because the merchant is never physically able to see the card. With an Internet merchant account, you obtain the ability to:

• Accept and process credit card payments in real time
• Accepts all major credit cards*
• Seconds to complete a transaction
• Process credit card transactions from orders received offline
• Issue credits
• Void transactions
• View your list of transactions online

Do I need a shopping cart for my Internet merchant account?

I want to start conducting transactions over the Internet. Do I need to set up a new account or can I just use my existing account?

Internet/ online merchant accounts differ greatly from a retail merchant account. You would be required to open a new merchant account for your Internet/ online credit card transactions.

What kind of training do you provide?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers credit card terminal training and reprogramming for credit card terminals to better assist our merchants. Do you have an office in my area? The Merchant Processing Solutions headquarters is located in Annapolis, Maryland, where we have over 30 dedicated staff members to help answer your questions and address your concerns.

Is there a charge when I need technical support?

No, there is not a charge when you call for Technical Support. Merchant Processing Solutions fully dedicated staff is here for you, and your business, to help you with any questions and/or concerns you might have.

When is your technical support staff available?

The fully dedicated staff of over 30 at the Merchant Processing Solutions corporate headquarters is available 24/7/365.

How do I request more information?

To request more information about setting up a merchant account with Merchant Processing Solutions, or simply see what our company is all about, you can jump to Merchant Processing Solutions.

How do I apply for a merchant account?

Applying for a merchant account with Merchant Processing Solutions is quick, easy and convenient. A sales representative will walk you through our services, products, and recommend a custom payment solution based on your businesses needs at Merchant Processing Solutions Customer Service

What information does Merchant Processing Solutions collect?

We may collect the following information:

• name and job title
• contact information including email address
• demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
• other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

What does Merchant Pro do with the information it collects online?

We require this information to understand your needs and to provide you with better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

• Internal record keeping.
• We may use the information to improve our products and services.
• We may periodically send promotional email about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
• From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customize the website according to your interests.

How is my money protected?

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How safe and secure is Merchant Pro?

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen. You may request details of personal information which we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. A small fee will be payable. If you would like a copy of the information held on you please write to customerservice@merchantproinc.com. If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

Links to other websites

The Merchant Processing Solutions website may contain links to enable you to visit other websites of interest easily. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide while visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question

What is a merchant cash advance?

The concept of a merchant cash advance is simple; Capital for Merchants will pay you (give you cash in advance) for your future credit card transactions up front. As credit card transactions roll in to your business, Capital for Merchants gets paid back by taking a small fixed percentage of those daily credit card transaction receipts.

What qualifications do you need for a merchant cash advance?

To qualify for a merchant cash advance with Capital for Merchants, an institution typically has to be in business for a minimum of one year. The business must also be processing a minimum of $2,000 worth of credit card transactions a month, and have been accepting credit cards for up to six months prior to the time they apply for the merchant cash advance.

How quickly will I receive my cash advance?

After completing the Capital for Merchants Application, you can expect the approved cash advance in as little as 72 hours.

How can I use the cash?

You can spend the money from your merchant cash advance from Capital for Merchants any way that you want. We are only interested in your continued success.

How does it work?

After your application has been approved with Capital for Merchants, you will be funded your approved merchant cash advance amount and as credit card transactions roll in to your business, Capital for Merchants will get paid back with a small fixed percentage of your future credit card receipts.

What's the catch?

With the Capital for Merchants cash advance advantage there is No Catch. No Hassles. No Gimmicks, just a smart, simple way to get cash fast.

How much cash can I get?

Capital for Merchants can fund your business up to $250,000 per location depending on your businesses credit card transaction volume.

What does my business need to open a merchant account and get set up to accept credit cards?

In order to set up a merchant account, Merchant Processing Solutions requires a signed merchant agreement, a voided check for the account you wish your funds to be deposited in, and a site survey. Depending on the needed parameters of your account, we may require business banking statements or additional financial information. You will need a POS (point of sale) system in the form of a credit card terminal, software, or phone service to run credit card transactions..

How long does it take to setup a merchant account?

A merchant account with Merchant Processing Solutions is normally approved within 24-48 hours. After approval, your POS (point of sale) system can be downloaded and you can begin to run and accept credit card transactions..

How do I establish an e-commerce merchant account?

In order to set up an e-commerce merchant account, Merchant Processing Solutions requires a signed merchant agreement, a voided check for the account you want your funds deposited into, and a site survey. We may require business banking statements or additional financial information. You will need a POS (point of sale) system in the form of a terminal, software, or phone service to run transactions.

How do I establish a retail or traditional direct marketing merchant account?

In order to set up a retail and/ or traditional direct marketing merchant account, Merchant Processing Solutions requires a signed merchant agreement, a voided check for the account you want your funds deposited into, and a site survey. Depending on the needed parameters to your account, we may require business banking statements or additional financial information. You will need a POS (point of sale) system in the form of a terminal, software, or phone service to run transactions.

What documentation do I need to set up my merchant account?

In order to set up a merchant account, we require a signed merchant agreement, a voided check for the account you want your funds deposited into, and a site survey. Depending on the needed parameters to your account, we may require business banking statements or additional financial information.

I want to begin accepting payments with credit cards. What kind of hardware do I need?

You will need a POS (point of sale) system in the form of a terminal, software, or phone service to run transactions.

I'm not sure what terminal, equipment or software is best for my business?

We offer many different types of equipment including dial up, IP and wireless.

What is Check Verification? Do I need it?

Check Verification is a process that screens checks and check writers against a "negative database" of "bad check writers". This is done at the POS (point of sale), when the customer presents a check as a payment. It is a recommended program for all merchants that accept checks as payments.

As a merchant, what types of credit cards can I accept?

Merchants can typically accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express*, Discover, JCB, and Diners.

What kind of processing solutions are available?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers a wide selection of payment solutions, from the VeriFone Vx570 credit card terminal to Authorize.net. As you go through the application process with one of MPRO’s industry knowledgeable representatives, a custom payment processing solution will be built based on your businesses needs.

Why should my business accept credit cards?

Accepting credit cards in today’s society is quite essential for a business to strive and grow. Consumers often find it quick and easy to purchase a product or service through a credit card transaction versus paying with cash.

What types of businesses can you work with?

Merchant Processing Solutions works with most all business types, from multi-location, multi-million dollar a month merchants, to smaller mom-and-pop type stores.

What is a Merchant Account?

A merchant account is an account that a business owner (merchant) has set up with a bank in order to accept credit card payments from customers.

Do I really need to accept credit cards?

Accepting credit cards in today’s society is quite essential for a business to strive and grow. Consumers often find it quick and easy to purchase a product or service through a credit card transaction versus paying with cash.

Is there a minimum term agreement for a merchant account?

The standard merchant agreement with Merchant Processing Solutions is three years

What credit card equipment do you have for me to accept credit cards?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers many different types of credit card payment equipment including dial up, IP and wireless.

Is it cheaper for me to run debit transactions as PIN based or Offline?

This depends on the size of the transaction being run, however it is normally more inexpensive to run it with a pin number.

Do you have payment software solutions instead of credit card terminals?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers many payment software solutions, including PC Charge and options for web based software.

What if I want to buy an integrated cash register?

Merchant Processing Solutions does not sell integrated cash registers, but we are compatible with most vendors.

At what time do I charge the card – at the point of booking or shipping?

The card should be charged at the time of order..

Why are my rates higher than my retail account?

Rates for Telephone or Mail Order businesses carry a greater risk when accepting credit card payment, as the card is not presented and the merchant is not physically able to view the card being used to make the purchase.

How do I add tips?

Your POS (point of sale) can be set up to add tips at the time the transaction is made, or adjusted after allowing the customer to write it on a signed receipt

What if I forget to add a tip after I settle?

You would need to run the tip as a second (new) sale. However, this can lead to disputes.

What about server numbers?

Your POS can be set up to add server numbers.

Can I run tip reports by server?

Your POS can be set up for different reporting options. Merchant Processing Solutions offers many payment software solutions, including PC Charge and options for web based software.

Do you have a gateway available?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers various gateway payment options, including Authorize.net.

What credit card equipment do you have for me to accept credit cards?

As a full service payment solutions provider Merchant Processing Solutions provides our clients with a full suite of products including Credit, Debit, EBT, Check Conversion and Guarantee, and Gift & Loyalty Card Solutions .MPRO is at the forefront of technology with our recent introduction of our mobile payment solutions

How can I qualify for Level II & Level III?

To have your transactions qualify for level II pricing, you must use a certified product that collects and submits the data properly to Visa/MC.

Required Data to Qualify for Level 2:

• Standard Info - credit card number & exp, billing address, zip code & invoice number
• Customer Code - no longer required, but encouraged if they have it.
• Sales Tax - an amount must be submitted separately from the total transaction amount.

To have your transactions qualify for level 3 pricing, you must use a certified product that collects and submits the data properly to Visa/MC.

Required Data to Qualify for Level 3:

• Standard Info - credit card number & exp, billing address, zip code & invoice number.
• Customer Code - no longer required, but encouraged if they have it.
• Sales Tax - an amount must be submitted separately from the total transaction amount.
• Freight Amount - If unavailable, enter $0.00
• Duty Amount - If unavailable, enter $0.00

Line Item Details:

1. Product / Service ID (item ID)
2. Product / Service Description o Quantity
3. Item Amount (like $100) o Unit of Measure

Do you have a software solution?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers many software solutions, including PC Charge and options for web based software.

I already have a credit card terminal; can I just reprogram it to work with Merchant Processing Solutions?

Merchant Processing Solutions can reprogram most credit card terminals.

Can I see transaction information now, without having to wait for my statement?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers a Merchant Portal, a tool which allows the merchant to see current credit card transaction information.

When I have questions about my statement, rates, and changes in my account, who is available to talk to and what are their hours?

Customer Care and Support is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

What does "Authorization Only" mean when trying to process a credit card transaction?

"Authorization Only" means that you are obtaining an authorization for the amount send through the POS. This will not secure the transaction on the card; however will provide an authorization number that will allow you to complete an offline sale within 7 days.

How long does it take for my deposits from credit and debit sales to show up in my bank account?

Once your POS (point of sale) is settled/ batched, it will take approximately 2-4 days for your funds to show in your bank account.

When do my transactions get funded?

Once your POS is settled/ batched, it will take approximately 2-4 days for your funds to show in your bank account.

Do I have to change my bank?

You are able to use your current bank as long as they can accept ACH debits and credits.

Can I get internet access to see my transactions/settlements?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers Merchant Portal, a tool that allows merchants to see current transactional information.

How long does it take a refund to post to a cardholder?

Refunds normally are posted to a cardholder account within 48-72 hours from the time the transaction is settled.

What are Non- Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees?

NSF (Non-Sufficient Fund Fees) is brought about when a demand for a payment can not be honored because there is a nonsufficient amount of funds in the account from which the payment originally was drawn from.

Am I charged different fees for card-not-present transactions as opposed to card present transactions?

Normally Card-Not-Present transactions do have a slightly higher fee due to the additional risk involved with merchants accepting these credit card payments, as the merchant is not physically able to view the credit card being used to make the purchase.

What is a chargeback?

A chargeback is a credit card transaction that is billed back to the merchant after the sale of a product or service has been settled, always initiated first by the issuer.

What is a retrieval request?

The card issuer may request a copy of the transaction information document (TID), sales draft or terminal receipt of the payment transaction.

What is a transaction fee?

A transaction fee is a fee charged for each occurrence that happens through the POS system.

What are interchange fees?

Represent a small percentage of the dollar value; reimburse the issuer for the risk of loss (fraud and credit losses) and the cost of processing the transaction. The interchange fee makes it possible for issuing banks and acquiring banks around the world to exchange transactions and settle financially on a standardized and consistent basis.

What is the discount rate?

A discount rate is a fixed rate that is deducted from a purchase when an order is made.

What are the different types of discount rates?

There are many different types of discount rates; however the three main types are Qualified, Mid-Qualified and Non-Qualified.

Why do I pay more for Rewards cards, I don't get a reward?

Rewards cards offer a “reward” to the cardholder, so there is a slightly increased cost to processing these cards.

Why do I pay more for Corp/Purchasing cards?

Corporate and Purchasing Cards have a slightly higher risk involved to accepting them; therefore have a higher cost to process.

What is a ChargeBack Fee?

A chargeback fee is the fee charged when a chargeback is processed against your account. This fee covers the administrative work involved.

What is a Retrieval Fee?

A retrieval fee is the fee charged when a retrieval is processed against your account. This fee covers the administrative work involved.

My rates are too high, what can you do?

Merchant Processing Solutions offers to strive meet and beat any Competitive Rate Quote you may receive from another credit card payment processor. Simply, obtain a rate quote from another processor on their letterhead, and fax it to 888-573-1134 to receive a new quote from Merchant Processing Solutions.

Bank account

Bank Account changes require a Bank Account Change Request form and a pre-printed voided check or bank letter on bank letterhead for the new account that is being updated. The form requires a signature from all principals on the account.

DBA Name

DBA Name changes require a DBA Name Change request form to be completed, and a Corp Name change requires a CORP Name Change request form to be completed. Once that form is received a packet will be faxed or mailed to the principal on file to complete. We may require additional information, including an updated application, assumed name filing paperwork, site survey, etc.

DBA Address

An address change request form needs to be completed in order for the business address to be updated. This should be faxed to 888-573-1134, and may require additional information after review.

Legal Name

A Corporation Name change requires a CORP Name Change request form to be completed. Once that form is received a packet will be faxed or mailed to the principal on file to complete. We may require additional information, including an updated application, assumed name filing paperwork, site survey, etc. This information is to be faxed to 888-573-1134.

Contact Information

A written request is needed to change your contact information, such as your phone or fax number(s). This request should be faxed to 888-573-1134, and may require additional information after review.

High Ticket Amount

A written request to update the high ticket amount is needed. This should be faxed to 888-573-1134, and may require additional information after review

I’ve sold my business, how do I transfer my account to the new owner?

An Ownership Change Request form will need to be completed. This should happen 30-60 days prior to the change to ensure that all needed information is received.

Why do I need to verify the account?

When calling a Merchant Pro Customer Service Representative, the knowledgeable representative will want to verify it is the principal account holder by requesting the last 4 digits of the social security number or password set on the account.

How can my employees obtain information without my Social Security Number?

> A Merchant Pro Representative can set a password on the account. This request must be made in writing and signed by the principal account holder in order to setup a password.

Can my statement be emailed?

At the current time, Merchant Pro mails all statements.

How soon will I get my deposits?

Once your POS is settled/ batched, it will take approximately 2-4 days for your funds to show in your bank account.

How do I accept checks or gift cards?

Merchant Pro offers many different check processing and gift card programs, contact your sales agent to add these to your account.

How do I purchase additional equipment?

In order to purchase additional equipment, please contact your Merchant Pro Sales Agent, or Customer Service Representative to inquire about additional equipment.

Who do I contact if I need to cancel my account?

Please contact a Merchant Pro Customer Service Representative to cancel your account.

What is the difference between a check card and a debit card?

There is no difference in the card; however a check card normally has a Visa/MC or Discover, as a debit card does not. Also, depending on how the card is ran will affect how it qualifies.

How is a Monthly Minimum calculated?

The Monthly minimum is calculated by your qualified rate multiplied by the monthly volume.

What descriptions will appear on my account for debits and credits?

This depends on the back end platform on which your account is built.

Can you lower my rates?

We offer strive to meet and beat any Competitive Rate Quote you may receive from another processor. Simply obtain a rate quote from another processor on their letterhead, and send to 888-573-1134. We also offer internal rate reviews if you have been with us for more than three months. Contact Customer Service for additional information.

Can I add (PIN) debit to my account?

Most POS (point of sale) systems can handle pin based debit with the addition of an encrypted pin pad. Contact a Merchant Pro Sales Agent or Customer Service Representative for additional information.

Can I add EBT to my account?

Most POS (point of sale) systems can handle EBT with the addition of an encrypted pin pad. You are required to obtain an EBT Certificate from your state office. Once that is obtained, contact a Merchant Pro Sales Agent or Customer Service Representative for additional information.

What is the length of my Merchant Agreement?

With Merchant Pro a normal merchant agreement is three years.

Where in the Merchant Agreement does it state that my fees may be changed?

Merchant fees and the possibility that the fees may change are subject of the Merchant Agreement Amendments.

Where in the Merchant Agreement does it state that I have a 3-Year agreement?

The length of the Merchant Agreement with Merchant Pro is under Section Terms and Conditions.

Can I assign a minimum or maximum purchase amount?

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, merchants can assign a minimum to credit card transactions only (the minimum must not exceed $10.00). Merchants who are federal agencies or institutions of higher education can set a maximum transaction amount to credit card transactions only. These minimum and maximum transaction amounts do not apply to debit card transactions.

Can I add a surcharge or fee to my sales?

Merchants can offer customer discounts to pay with cash, check, or debit instead of a credit card. However, merchants cannot offer customer discounts to pay with one card brand instead of another.

How long should I retain my sales drafts?

Merchant Pro recommends that its merchants retain sales drafts for a minimum of two years.

What does "Pick Up" mean?

The phrase or term, "Pick Up the Card" means the issuer is declining the transaction and requesting that you take the card from the cardholder.

What is a downgrade?

A downgrade is the non-qualification of a card, usually causing a higher rate.

What does "Call Help" mean?

The phrase “Call Help” refers to a notification, notifying the merchant to call the Merchant Pro technical support number for assistance with the a credit card terminal.

What does "Call ND" mean?

The phrase “Call ND” refers to a notification, notifying the merchant to call the authorization number for a decision.

What does "Call Auth" mean?

The phrase “Call Auth” refers to a notification, notifying the merchant to call the authorization number for a decision.

What does "Code 10" mean?

The phrase “Code 10” refers to calls that are made when merchants are suspicious about accepting a credit card. The phrase "Code 10 authorization" is used to avoid alerting the customer to the fact that the merchant is suspicious of their card. The operator then asks the merchant a series of YES or NO questions to find out whether the merchant is suspicious of the card or the cardholder. The merchant may be asked to retain the card if it is safe to do so.

What does "Try Again ND mean?

This error message indicates the terminal received no response to the sales completion message.

What is the phone number for voice authorization?

The phone number for voice authorization depends on what platform the merchant is on, and can be found with your welcome kit.

What is the phone number for Touch Tone Capture?

The phone number for Touch Tone Capture depends on what platform the merchant is on, and can be found with your welcome kit.

What does the Merchant Club cover?

Merchant Club covers equipment swaps (shipped overnight) and supply orders. Call for more details.

What is PCI?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of requirements designed to ensure that ALL companies that process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Essentially any merchant that has a Merchant ID (MID).

Why am I being charged a PCI fee?

The Annual PCI Service Fee is assessed by Merchant Pro to mitigate the costs associated with becoming and maintaining compliance, updating terminal software, and replacing non-compliant hardware.

Why do I need to be PCI compliant?

It is a regulation. The PCI standard forms part of the operating regulations that are the rules under which merchants are allowed to operate merchant accounts. The regulations signed when you open an account at the bank state that the VISA regulations have to be adhered to. Even if you have been in business for decades, PCI still applies if you store, process or transmit credit cards.

Can you explain what other services are offered by your company?

We offer a full suite of products including Credit, Debit, EBT, Check Conversion and Guarantee, and Gift & Loyalty Card Solutions.

What is stage only means?

Stage only refers to the ability of obtaining platform information while utilizing a POS (point of sale) that may not usually be supported by Merchant Pro directly. This is normally used for software.

What kind of software supported by Merchant Pro?

Merchant Pro supports many different types of software. Our back end providers include Global, First Data and Vital.