Friday, November 30, 2018

Few Tips To Choose your Merchant Service Provider


A merchant account is an account, which allows a business owner or in other words ‘merchant’ to accept payments done by the customer by various cards, debit, and credit card most of the time. Now, the problem lies in understanding how to choose the best merchant service provider. Choosing a merchant account is not an easy task, you need to be aware of the services before opting for a provider. Not every merchant account provides the same kind of service level. In this article, we will try to focus on some important factors that can help you to choose the best merchant service provider for your business.



1. Clear and Transparent Fee Rates

This is the most important thing to study before selecting a merchant account. Many a times, a provider will charge you very less processing fees to entice you to open an account with them but may charge very high fees in the name of other fees. A PCI fee is one such fee that a merchant has to pay to safeguard both merchant’s and customer’s account information. So, you need to consider all the rates and then finally choose best merchant service provider with transparent fees structure.

2. Study the Fraud Detection Program

We have seen a lot of evidence of fraud happening in the cyber world in the recent times. Fraudsters are now moving toward the small and medium-sized merchants because they are considered to be and ‘easy target’. So, one need to be aware of the data breach security program covered by the service provider.

3. History of the Merchant Account Provider

Last but not the least, you need to figure out the behavior of the merchant account provider with the proper market research. A proper market research will guide you in terms of examining the previous background of the provider. So, we hope that this article will give you a good idea on how to choose best merchant service provider for your business.

Merchant stronghold specializes in high risk and offshore merchant account. For more information on merchant services, payment gateway services, credit card and shopping cart services you can reach out to us via 24/7 email support at info@merchantstronghold.com - You can also call us at our toll-free number+1 (888) 622 – 6875.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Important Things About Terminated Merchant Files

Terminated Merchant File – Most merchants do not know about the Terminated Merchant File until they have been added to one. Once you are added to the TMF, the merchant service providers refuse your request to open a new merchant account. When the merchant does not follow the norms of business properly, owns a high-risk business and/or has a great number of chargeback in previous processing, the MasterCard can put the merchant in the Terminated Merchant File.


Match List & It’s Pros & Cons

Created and maintained by MasterCard, the MATCH list is the information of the comparatively high-risk merchants. Other networks such as Visa and American Express can also access this list or data. The MATCH stands for Member Alert To Control High-Risk.

This list has its benefits and loss that can affect a merchant and the business.

Pros of MATCH List:  

The main advantage is for the Acquiring bank.
The bank can choose not to deal with the merchant if it's MATCH List merchant.
Furthermore, it helps banks to decide whether the merchant should get the credit card processing or not, depending on their previous records.

Cons of MATCH List:

The merchant will not know that he is on the list until he changes the merchant service provider or applies for a new merchant account.
The list cannot be 100% accurate as there is always the possibility of data error.
Once added to the MATCH List, the merchant has to face consequences for the rest of his business life.

Previously, it was known by the name TMF (Terminated Merchant File). But then the rules were updated and became more comprehensive. That leads to a change in the name too.

Terminated Merchant File/ MATCH List

The Terminated Merchant File is a file or a list, in which a merchant with bad business records is put under. This list has other names as well:

MATCH – Member Alert To Control High-Risk
TMF – Terminated Merchant File

The merchant can use preventive measures to avoid getting into the Terminated Merchant File or Member Alert To Control High-Risk. You can contact Merchant Stronghold for details related to TMF or MATCH. We also have a 24/7 open toll-free number +1(888) 622-6875 for the users.
Furthermore, in this article, we will discuss the various aspects of the MATCH or TMF.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

How the ACH Payment Processing Saves Time and Money?

ACH Payment Processing Saves Time and Money – To maximize the profit and increase the customer, you need to choose the best business practice for the business. This includes the payment methods or payment system as well. The credit card has revolutionized the payment industries and, the security and benefits provided by the service providers have encouraged the users to these services.


How does ACH Payment Processing Save Time?

The ACH is proved to be faster than other payment modes. This is because, when using the ACH, a unique routing number is provided that initiates the transaction. The money is then taken from the customer’s account and put into the merchant’s account. It is somewhat like a paper check but faster.

Generally, the ACH takes 2-3 working days to complete, from customer’s account to the merchant account.
Same day processing is also available for the merchants.
Also, the authorization is fast and secure that is attracting many merchants.

For more information, we recommend you to contact an expert. Call at the toll-free number+1 (888) 622 – 6875 of Merchant Stronghold and get an expert to guide you.

Now we know that the ACH processing saves time. It also saves a huge chunk of money as well. When using a credit card, the merchant has to pay a fixed amount to the credit card processor to use their credit card service. The ACH removed this fixed charge because this service is between the merchant and the customer.

Saturday, November 17, 2018

What are the Common Merchant Account Complaints

Every year, a plethora of complaints are registers that badly affect the business of the merchant. In this article, we have listed the Common Merchant Account Complaints and the tricks to avoid such issues in your organization. This article can help you look at both potential risks and rewards of working with a given company.


Poor Customer Service

Now your business and payment processing system cannot be perfect every time. And customer faces an issue with the management. At those times, it is the responsibility of the customer service team to provide the demanded attention to a specific topic.

But if the customer support is unable to offer the desired support then the customer has no other option but to avoid the company.

  • In such a case, you need to stabilize your customer support service.
  • Tracking your product and customer reviews should be evaluated.
  • You should take some time to minimize the customer waiting time.
  • And nobody wants to listen to the automated answering service.

Poor Agreement Management

Another complaint that is filed against the merchants is related to the agreement management. That could be related to the poor description, expensive services and many more.

  • Merchants always pay more when they are renting a terminal than just to outright buying one.
  • Leasing services are generally non-refundable that further leads to conflicts.
  • By the time, this all leads to costing thousands of dollars to the merchant.

Misleading Sales Practice

This is one of the worst sales practices. If you wish to lead a long profitable business then never apply such things to your business.

  • For a merchant, sales are very important and to increase sales they try every method.
  • Some merchants try these petty methods to increase sales.
  • But the customer with one bad issue can report the business of this unethical practice.
  • Advertise your product as it is.
  • And if you offer some discount then make sure you clear out the terms and condition to the customers properly.
  • Train your sales agent properly and tell them the customer satisfaction is always the priority.

Similar Queries – Merchant Stronghold

  • Who regulates merchant service providers?
  • What are leaders merchant services?
  • Who regulates credit card processing companies?
  • What government agency regulates credit card companies?
  • How to file a complaint against a credit card processing company?
  • Where to complaint about merchant services?
  • Flagship merchant services complaints
  • Flagship merchant services fees

For more information and guidance you can contact Merchant Stronghold at the toll-free number +1(888) 622-6875. We have also listed more Common Merchant Account Complaints in the headlines below.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Few Things you Should Know Before You Open Merchant Bank Account

Open Merchant Bank Account – You thought about growing your business and want to start using the card transaction for your products? The first thing that you need is to Open Merchant Bank Account. And, if you are just starting with the payment processors and card transactions then the procedures can be tricky sometimes. For guidance, you need an expert or specialist.


You can get such services by calling our toll-free number +1(888) 622-6875. We at Merchant Stronghold also provide help to the high-risk merchant and their credit card processing. Furthermore, you can read this article where we are going to tell you details related to the merchant bank account.

What is a Business Bank Account? – Open Merchant Bank Account

  • You can open a Business Bank Account anytime just by visiting the nearest branch. It takes hardly a few minutes to open a merchant bank account if your documents are ready and appropriate.

  • Even if you are the sole proprietor of the business, you need to create a Business Bank Account.

  • All you need is your merchant license or business license and EIN (Employer Identification Number).

  • Now, your business transaction can be carried out using this bank account.

  • Also, make sure you keep a certain amount in the account for processing fees and software fees.

How to Get the Business License?

The business license is a permit from the government or the responsible organization that allows you to sell goods and services. Depending on your geographical location, you can get a business license by providing the required documents.

  • You need to provide the documents that validate your business.
  • Also, provide details of your standing business.
  • An underwriting and review of the business also need to be submitted.
  • These business licenses generally have the expiration date. You may be required to renew the license to continue the business.
  • Then after the completion of the formalities, you can get your Business License and Business License Number.

To Open a Merchant Bank Account, you need to have a business license. If you are facing trouble to get a business license of account then contact the Merchant Stronghold at the toll-free number- +1 (888) 62- 6875.





  • Know about the Merchant Account Benefits
  • Choose for Online Application for Merchant Bank Account
  • Know about the Merchant Account Benefits
  • Ask Security and Payment Related Questions
  • A Few Tips for Merchant – Merchant Stronghold

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Compare The Best Payment Gateway Provider

You can follow this article to compare the Payment Gateway provider in the market. For more information, you can contact Merchant Stronghold for the assistance. Also, we can help you choose and compare Payment Gateway Provider.


Fees and Additional Fees for the Services

The transaction processing fees and other fees for the services can affect your profit. As a merchant, you should compare the payment processing fees of the services and then get the one that is required. Here are the different fees or charges that a payment gateway service provider can ask.
  • Customer service fees
  • Monthly fees
  • Termination Fees
  • Setup fees
  • Batch fees
  • IRS (Internal Revenue Service) fees
  • Contract Fees
  • Annual fees
  • PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance fees
  • Statement fees

These are the list of fees that a payment gateway provider can ask. There could be more than what is available in the list above.

Security and Customer Service

When you are Comparing Payment Gateway Provider, you must check the security and customer services provided by the different service providers.
  • Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the company.
  • Moreover, check the support provided by the gateway service provider in case of fraud and chargeback.
  • You must check the kind of security they provide.
  • A security breach can affect not only the merchant but also the customer’s money.

Allowed Card and Payment Types

Types of cards and payment types should be allowed while accepting the payment to help the merchants to compare Payment Gateway provider. Here is the list of popular Card Service Providers:

Visa – MasterCard - American Express – Discover – JCB – Diner

You must choose the card acceptance according to your customers. Also, compare Payment Gateway provider depending on the majority of card payments you get.

User-Friendly or Customer Friendly

The Payment Gateway should be interactive and easy to use for the customers. That means the customers with or without technical knowledge should be able to use the Payment Services with ease.
  • As most users now make their transaction using mobile phones.
  • Check whether the services are available on mobile phones or not.
  • Moreover, their response and the waiting time for each payment should also be taken into consideration.

We provide assistance with high-risk payment gateway, credit card processing, merchant processing services and many more. You can call us at the support number or access the 24/7 email support.

Monday, November 12, 2018

What Are The Benefits Of Opening Merchant Account With Bank

Merchant Account with Bank

If you own a small business or a large enterprise, it is necessary to open a merchant account with a bank. This is because the merchant account can provide many benefits to the merchant and customers, both.


Here are some benefits to use a merchant account for your transactions:

Better Customer Experience – The Merchant Account offers flexibility in terms of payment to the customers. They can access your services and get the products anytime they want by simply making the quick payment. This can result in an increase in customers and their satisfaction as well.

Increase in Sales – As mentioned in the above point that customer satisfaction leads to more customers. That helps your business to gain more loyal customers and increase sales. Furthermore, the merchant account handles and manages all the transactions without any issues and errors.

Accepts a wide range of payment methods – Every Customer uses a different mode of payment method as per their convenience. If you are a merchant then you should prepare your business to accept payment using various payment methods. This especially includes the credit card.

Prevent Payment Frauds – Payment frauds are common in the business. Moreover, there are many fraud tricks that can easily fool a person. But when you use a merchant account, you also get the security features provided by the bank to get genuine money for your original product and service.

To open a Merchant Account with the bank you need to understand the process or procedure. For such details, you can contact the Merchant Stronghold. Moreover, this article also includes some points that can make your decision easy while getting a new merchant account.

Frequently Asked Questions – Merchant Stronghold

  • What are merchant account requirements?
  • How to apply for a merchant account?
  • What is a merchant account?
  • Who are merchant account providers?
  • How to get online merchant account instant approval?
  • Should you Open Merchant Account with a Bank?
  • How to open a merchant account online?
  • Get chase merchant account
  • Do I need a merchant account?
  • What are the names of merchant accounts for small businesses?
  • How to get a merchant account with bad credit?

These are some of the common questions asked by our customers related to the “Open Merchant Account with Bank”. In case you are also having similar queries then feel free to contact the Merchant Stronghold. You can access our 24/7 email support and a toll-free number to reach our technician.

Online Sales And Ticket Booking Merchant Account

Booking a ticket or selling it online doesn't require payment gateway but all we need is a proper payment solution. In these fast times...