Learn Center»  Frequently Asked Questions»

Below is a list of questions that merchants have frequently asked our customer service representatives and how we address and answer each question.

What is a Merchant Account? 


A merchant account is a bank account established by contractual agreement between a merchant/business and a payment processor/bank for the settlement of credit card and debit card transactions. A merchant account enables a business to get money from their customer’s credit card and debit card transactions into their local checking account.

Do I need to setup a new checking account to open a merchant account?


No. A business does not have to setup a new separate checking account to establish a merchant account, but instead can use the current checking account that it has with its local bank. If a business operates as either a sole proprietorship or a partnership, a personal checking account can be used as a merchant account. If a business operates as a corporation or an LLC, a business checking account is required.

What do I need to open a merchant account?

In most cases you will just need to fill out and sign the merchant account application/agreement that we provide you with, and supply us with a copy of a voided check linked to the account where you would like to have your funds deposited.

How do I apply?

Simply fill out the form to the right or call us at 1-800-480-8472 to receive a customized rate quote and a merchant account application with our terms and conditions.

What if I do not have checks to my checking account? 


Instead of faxing us a copy of a voided check, you can have your bank fax us a signed letter on bank letterhead stating your account name with the routing number and account number to your account.

Can I use a blank starter check? 


Yes you can use a blank starter check as your copy of a voided check. How long does the approval process take after I send in my paperwork? 
Once all the necessary paperwork is received, accounts can be approved within 4 - 5 hours. 

What if I have less than perfect credit?


Not a problem. National Bankcard has one of the highest approval rates in the industry due to our highly effective chargeback and fraud department. So even if you have less than perfect credit you are likely to get approved.

How much will it cost to get my account setup?


National Bankcard does not charge a setup fee or application fee. We also setup Internet merchant accounts with the Authorize.Net Payment Gateway for free. The only upfront cost that you may incur is if you are in need a credit card terminal. National Bankcard carries over thirty different types of terminal from all the major carriers.  To view a list of credit card terminals that we carry click here.

What credit cards will I be able to accept? 


You will be able to accept Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover® and debit cards. We also offer Diner's Club® and JCB®.

Do you offer free Tech support so I can be trained on how to use my equipment?


Yes. You will have access to our Tech Department via a toll free 1-800 480 VISA to call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for any training or help that you may need with your equipment.

Do you offer free Customer Service if I have questions about my merchant account or merchant statement?


Yes. You will be setup with a personal account manager for the life of your account. You will also have access to our Customer Service Department via a toll free 1-800 480 VISA to call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to have any questions that you have answered.



How do I receive my money?


Your money is deposited directly into the checking account that you have linked to your merchant account, within 48 - 72 hours.

Will I receive a monthly statement?


Yes. A statement is mailed out to you each month with detailed information on all deposits into your account, your total sales volume, and charges. You also have the ability to access your account daily, over the Internet, with our live online reporting website iAcess.

Can I access my account daily online?


Yes. With National Bankcard you have the ability to view your account activity online with our live online reporting website. The site will show you live detailed information of your account balance, total sales volume, and charges.

If I purchase equipment or supplies, how is it shipped to me?


You choose your desired shipping method.

Do I need a separate phone line to operate my credit card terminal?


No. Terminals have dual phone jacks that offer you the ability to connect your terminal to your existing line.

When the terminal/software dials out for approval, am I charged any long distance or communication fees?


No. Communication passes through a toll-free line.

What is the discount rate?


The discount rate is the percentage of each transaction that the processing company charges to handle the transaction for you.

What are "card present" or "swiped" transactions?


A transaction qualifies as a "card present" or "swiped" transaction when the customer and credit card are present at the point of sale and the card is swiped through a credit card processing system (credit card terminal, POS system or card reader) that obtains the card holder's information by reading the black magnetic stripe on the back of the card.

What are "card not present" or "keyed' transactions?


A transaction qualifies as a "card not present" or "keyed" transaction when the credit card information is keyed into a credit card processing system (credit card terminal, POS system, software program, or payment gateway) usually without the credit card or customer present at the time of the sale. The discount rate for a "card not present" transaction is slightly higher than that of a "card present" transaction because the likelihood of fraud is greater when the card is not present at the time of the sale.

Why are there different rates for different accounts?


The rates for different types of merchant accounts vary depending on the amount of risk involved in the transaction. The accounts with the lowest rates will always be the ones where the customer is present and the card is swiped in a face-to-face transaction. Non-face-to-face transactions such as Internet transactions and transactions where orders are taken by phone or mail are generally considered higher risk and are charged a slightly higher discount rate.

What type of equipment do I need to process if I own a retail business?

If you own a retail business where most of your transactions will be "swiped" with the card present at the point of sale, we suggest purchasing a credit card terminal with an internal thermal printer. While it is not necessary to purchase a printer, it is recommended to keep a copy of each receipt for your records. With only a small price difference between a stand-alone terminal and one with an internal thermal printer, it is recommended to buy the latter. PC Charge or the Authorize.Net VPOS can also be used to process "swiped" transactions in a retail environment using a Magtek Card Reader connected to your computer via a USB cable. See our full list of credit card terminals, and Internet and PC Payment software to learn more.

Can I use my PC (personal computer) or wireless laptop as my credit card terminal for "swiped" transactions in my retail business or at my wireless location?


Yes. You can use your PC or wireless laptop as your credit card terminal with PC Charge, or the Authorize.Net VPOS to accept "swiped" transactions in your retail store or at your wireless location using a Magtek Card Reader connected to your computer via a USB cable.

What type of software will I need if own an Internet business?

In order to accept credit cards over the Internet, you need a payment gateway to process your transactions. A payment gateway essentially acts as an online credit card machine. We recommend using the Authorize.Net Payment Gateway, today's e-commerce tool of choice for accepting payments over the Internet. Their software is the most cost effective, user friendly, and can handle businesses of any size.

What is the Authorize.Net Payment Gateway?


Authorize.Net is an Internet based software tool that simulates the behavior of a credit card terminal in a secure, real-time environment. Authorize.Net can be used in three ways:

1. It can be integrated into your website's shopping cart as the Authorize.Net WebLink
2. It can be used as a 'Virtual Terminal' for manual key entered transactions without website integration as the Authorize.Net Virtual Terminal
3. It can be used in a Retail setting as the Authorize.Net Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS) utilizing a Magtek card reader to swipe your customer's card present transactions. To find out more about Authorize.Net click here.

With Authorize.Net, can multiple users sign in under the same password?


Yes. This makes Authorize.Net an ideal option for large sales forces because an unrestricted number of users can log into one account. Authorize.Net will grow with your business by supporting an unlimited number of transactions and almost any business model.

Can I use my merchant account on multiple websites?


Yes. You can place order buttons on as many websites as you like and on as many domains as you like if the products that you are selling are related. Keep in mind that only one DBA name can be used per merchant account. The DBA name is the name that will appear on your customer's receipts.

What type of equipment or software should I use for a Mail Order/Phone order merchant account?


With a mail/phone order merchant account, you can use either a credit card terminal, or the Authorize.Net payment gateway. Call us so that we can assist you in customizing a solution that's right for your business type.

What type of equipment or software should I use for a Wireless merchant account?

With a wireless merchant account you can use either a wireless credit card terminal, or the Authorize.Net Payment Gateway on your wireless laptop.