If you don't have a Merchant ID, then you need to start at step one, and apply for one. There are several ways to get a Merchant Account. One, you can go to your bank and fill out there merchant application. If your bank is large, then you mail it in, and if your bank is small, then your personal banker will take care of the rest.

Once you mail in or submit your application, your application will be submitted to the front-end processors underwriter, who will do a risk assessment based on what your selling, how secure your website is, and other factors including how long you've been in business for, how often you have moved, product return policy, and more. Your Front-End processor sales representative will set your actual rates; the underwriter just gives the final approval.

Your bank is not the center of the universe. They are just a place to store currency without having to bury it in your backyard, or store it in a mattress. So get over the idea that they are the seeds to your success. Most banks are just representing a front end merchant processor, and the bank gets a monthly commission for signing you up. There are also many ISO's that represent merchant processors that do the same thing.

When the merchant processor needs to transfer money to your checking account, or pay you, they do a ACH check transaction, in which they write you a electronic check, that gets deposited to your checking account. When they need to charge you for services fees, they issue a debit to the account, sort of like a ATM transaction. The merchant processor is free to debit and credit your account several times a week.

ice5commerce has established relationships with several different Merchant Account Vendors, that are not affiliated with any bank, that can assist you in your Merchant Account Application. These vendors have access to many different processors, some are offshore, and some handle high risk business, which can assist you in getting approved. Once approved, you’re ready to begin your journey.

If you decide to choose the All in One Solution below, then they are the ISO that represents the front end processor and will provide you with a payment gateway selection. Some of them are pretty good, while others are like buying a car where they mix the numbers around to confuse you. The ones listed below are safe to use.