Information Center 

Which Credit Cards Can I Accept?

Q. Which credit cards can I accept with Card & Check Services?

A. All major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club.

Getting Started

Q. I'm new to this kind of payment processing. How can Card & Check Services help me?

A. Because Card & Check Services is a consultative business, we start by listening carefully, learning about your company, and paying close attention to your unique needs. Then we carefully craft a solution that addresses those needs. Along the way, we'll show you how to handle credits and chargebacks. And we'll give you more control over your cash flow with our flexible reporting tools, which provide real-time transaction data--anytime, anywhere--via the Internet.

Q. What do I need to get started?

Q. Do I have to open a separate checking account as well?

A. Not at all. Working with our sponsoring bank, Card & Check Services can facilitate the transfer of funds to any business checking account at any bank based in the United States. All you have to do is give us the bank and account information.

Q. I don't have anyone to develop my website. Can you help me with this?

A. Yes! Our sister company, Mountain Media, can provide graphic design work, internet marketing and ecommerce programming for a world-class site. Their team of skilled professionals will assist you with each step of the process from beginning to end.

Q. How do I apply?

A. Getting started is easy. Simply fill out our contact form and send it to us. A Card & Check Services representative will get in touch with you promptly to walk you through the application process.

Q. Is my application information confidential?

A. Absolutely. The only people who review your information are those who need to approve your application.

Q. How long does the approval process take?

A. Accounts can be approved in less than 3 business days; however, some accounts may take longer to approve.

Q. Will I have to sign a contract?

A. Yes, we'll ask you to sign a standard merchant account agreement--the same kind that's used throughout the payment processing industry.

Q. I'm a "brick and mortar" retailer. Will I have to buy or lease a point-of-sale terminal?

A. Yes--but we'll walk you through that process as part of our service.

Q. Will I need to buy expensive software for my e-commerce site?

A. No. All you pay is a one-time setup charge and a monthly fee for our Secure Internet Gateway, which will payment-enable your website.

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Chargebacks

Q. What is a chargeback?

A. A chargeback is a credit or debit card transaction returned by the cardholder's bank. The merchant's account is debited for the amount of the chargeback. Merchants may receive chargebacks because of a cardholder dispute, an instance of fraud, or a failure to comply with regulations and agreements.

Q. How can I reduce chargebacks?

A. With mail, phone, and Internet orders, you can reduce chargebacks in several ways:

• Authorize all transactions, regardless of dollar amount.
• Bill only for merchandise that you've shipped.
• Credit a customer's account immediately upon return of merchandise.
• Beware of temporary shipping addresses.
• Track "problem" accounts that feature prior chargebacks or suspect account history.
• Keep detailed records of customer information, as well as order forms, shipment slips, and similar paperwork. On those records, indicate the method of transaction (phone, mail, or Internet).

• Imprint the card.
• Obtain the customer's signature in every transaction. Compare it with the signature on the back of the card. If there is no signature on the card, do not accept the transaction.
• Check the card for a valid hologram.
• Check expiration and effective dates. Refuse cards that have expired or are not yet valid.
• Examine the card (and its signature panel) for alterations.
• Secure an authorization on all transactions.

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Security and Fraud Prevention

Q. Are Card & Check Services Internet transactions secure?

A. To ensure that the answer is yes, we have incorporated industry standards for network security in Card & Check Services products. For instance, 128-bit SSL technology protects your data from theft with sophisticated encryption techniques. Similarly, complete, secure data backup--on fault-tolerant, redundant Unix systems--guards against loss.

Q. What's the best way to combat fraud?

A. If you use a terminal, reprogram it to spot fraudulent transactions before they occur. That way, when you key in the last four digits of the account number on the card, the terminal rejects the transaction if those digits do not match the encoded digits on the card's magnetic stripe.

Also, stay alert for suspicious customer behavior. Suspect the possibility of fraud if a customer appears nervous, tries to rush the transaction, signs the sales slip in an unnatural manner, or charges high amounts on new cards. Most important, train your staff to look for these signs as well.

More Information...

Q. How long does it take for the transaction proceeds to be deposited into my business checking account?

A. About four business days.

Q. How can I get answers to other questions?

A. Simply use the contact form on this website to get in touch with us. Include your specific question, and we'll respond to you promptly.

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