The benefits of debit card processing with a merchant account
Most business owners and even merchant account holders are well aware that they should be accepting debit cards. However, many do not understand how to fully take advantage of debit card processing, how accepting debit cards will greatly increase their bottom line.
Please review the information below as it pertains to the basics of debit card processing, a free service with a merchant account from Flawebworks.
The most common way to accept debit cards is an "off-line debit transaction." In this format the merchant account owner accepts a debit card the same way in which they would accept a normal credit card. The debit card is swiped through the credit card terminal and the customer signs the receipt. As far as the merchant account owner is concerned there is no difference in the way a credit card or an off-line debit card is processed. The one thing merchant account owners must remember is that the debit card must have a VISA or MasterCard logo on it. Debit Cards that do not bear the Visa or MasterCard logo can not be processed off-line and will not be approved.
A newer and cheaper method of accepting debit cards at the point of sale is an "online debit transaction." In this type of sale the debit card must be swiped through the credit card terminal and a PIN Pad must be installed on the terminal. Instead of signing the receipt for the transaction the customer will be prompted to enter his or her PIN number into the PIN Pad. The terminal will pass the encrypted number to the bank for verification. The merchant account owner will then be paid for the transaction in the same manner and time frame that they would be paid on a credit card sale.
1. Transactions can not "downgrade."
With debit card processing, you will always pay the same flat fee as long as the customer enters their PIN number. You will not have to worry about paying expensive downgrade fees on transactions that did not qualify for the best rate. There's no risk in accepting debit card with your merchant account!
2. Faster check out time with debit card processing.
Most merchant account owners don't realize how much time it takes to hand a receipt and pen back and forth over the counter. Consumers appreciate the speed of online debit transactions and feel more comfortable making smaller purchases when they don't have to worry about holding up the line. Another good reason to accept debit cards with your merchant account!
3. Increased customer loyalty.
Every consumer has their own spending habits and preferences in how they pay for products. More and more consumers are getting used to entering their PIN at the point of sale and prefer to spend their money at places that accept debit card processing. These customers expect to be able to pay with their debit cards. Make sure you accept debit cards with your merchant account!
For more information on accepting debit card processing with your merchant account contact Flawebworks at 1-800-573-6268