Accepting Credit Card Payments for Small Businesses

Apr 2, 2023

The Complete Guide to Accepting Credit Cards for Your Business

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, accepting credit cards has become important for businesses of all sizes. With the increasing demand for convenient payment methods, customers expect a seamless and secure way to complete their transactions.

By offering the option to pay with credit cards, businesses can increase their customer base and improve their cash flow, streamline payment processing, and adapt to evolving payment technologies. From small startups to large enterprises, accepting credit cards opens up new opportunities for growth and customer satisfaction.

Close up of hand offering credit card for payment at checkout in flower shop. Female flower shop owner taking a customer credit card payment.

Well-known companies like Square and ApplePay have completely changed the payment industry, allowing businesses to accept credit card payments on the go with credit card readers or even through their smartphones. However, as more and more customers embrace digital wallets and contactless payment options, businesses must keep up with the changing payment processing landscape.

This comprehensive guide will explore the different ways of accepting credit cards, how to accept credit card payments and the benefits of using services such as PayPal and QuickBooks. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to expand your payment options or a larger company seeking to enhance your payment processing capabilities, this guide will provide the information you need to make informed decisions about accepting credit cards for your business.

How to Accept Credit Card Payments for Small Business 

To start the process of accepting credit card payments for your business, you need to consider the different methods available and choose the one that best suits your needs. 

Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to weigh them carefully. Here are some of the most common ways to accept credit card payments, along with their backgrounds and examples of how businesses can leverage them for growth:

Merchant Accounts

Unlike a regular account, a merchant account is a specialized bank account that enables businesses to accept credit card payments. The concept of merchant accounts dates back to the early days of credit cards in the 1950s when businesses needed a way to process card transactions securely and efficiently.

To set up a merchant account, you’ll need to work with a merchant services provider, which will facilitate the processing of transactions, provide you with the necessary hardware and software,  and ensure compliance and follows the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)..

Examples of merchant services providers include Fiserv (formerly known as First Data) and TSYS. By using a merchant account, businesses can streamline their payment processing, reduce the risk of fraud, and offer customers a seamless shopping experience, which would ultimately lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.

To accept credit card payments with a merchant account, follow these steps:

  1. Research and select a merchant services provider that offers competitive rates and services tailored to your business needs.
  2. Apply for a merchant account by providing the necessary documentation, such as your business license and financial statements.
  3. Set up the required hardware and software, including card readers and payment processing software.
  4. Ensure your system complies with PCI DSS standards to protect customer data and minimize the risk of fraud.

Payment Gateways

A payment gateway is a dedicated e-commerce service that enables you to process credit card payments for online and brick-and-mortar businesses. It is a secure intermediary between your website or point-of-sale system and the customer’s bank, ensuring the transaction is encrypted and secure.

Close up view over girl shoulder, hold cellphone and credit card paying or buying in internet. Easy safely and convenient usage of app digitally transfer funds, secure distant payment of money concept

Payment gateways emerged in the mid-1990s with the growth of e-commerce, providing a secure and reliable means for businesses to accept online payments. 

Popular payment gateways include PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net. Some payment gateways, like PayPal, offer merchant accounts, allowing businesses to accept credit card payments without setting up a separate account.

By integrating a payment gateway, businesses can expand their customer base, offer a seamless online shopping experience, and increase sales.

To accept credit card payments with a payment gateway, follow these steps:

  1. Research a payment gateway provider that meets your business needs and offers competitive transaction fees.
  2. Sign up for an account with the payment gateway provider and provide the necessary business information.
  3. Integrate and connect the payment gateway to your website or point-of-sale system using pre-built plugins or custom development.
  4. Test the payment gateway to ensure it works correctly and securely before launching it to customers.

Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems

Point-of-sale (POS) systems combine hardware and software businesses use to process credit card transactions at physical locations.

Shot of a young man using a POS machine to make a card payment at a restaurant

The development of POS systems can be traced back to the 1970s when the first electronic cash registers were introduced. These systems have since evolved into sophisticated, multifunctional tools that process payments and manage inventory, sales reporting, and customer relationship management.

Examples of popular POS systems include Square, Shopify, and Clover. By implementing a POS system, businesses can streamline their payment processing, improve efficiency, and provide customers with a seamless and convenient shopping experience. This ultimately leads to increased sales, customer satisfaction, and loyalty.

To accept credit card payments using a POS system, follow these steps:

  1. Research and select a POS system that meets your business requirements and offers competitive pricing and features.
  2. Purchase or lease the necessary hardware, card readers, receipt printers, and displays or touch screens.
  3. Set up the POS software, which typically includes payment processing, inventory management, sales reporting, and customer relationship management features.
  4. Ensure your POS system complies with PCI DSS standards to protect customer data and minimize the risk of fraud. Training staff on the proper use of the system is also essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent errors.
  5. Continuously update and maintain your POS system to keep up with the latest security measures and industry standards, ensuring an optimal customer experience and efficient payment processing.

Accepting Credit Cards with PayPal

As a small business owner, accepting credit cards can be a game-changer for your sales. PayPal is a popular and convenient payment option for many customers, and accepting credit cards through it is a great way to make it straightforward for your customers to pay you..

Setting Up A PayPal Account For Your Business

To set up a PayPal account for your business, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the PayPal website and click “Sign Up” in the top right corner.
  2. Select “Business Account” and enter your business name and email address.
  3. Provide the required information about your business, including your address, phone number, and website (if applicable).
  4. Link your business bank account to your PayPal account by providing your account and routing numbers.
  5. Choose your payment preferences, such as the types of payment methods you want to accept and the currency you will use.
  6. Verify your account by following the instructions provided by PayPal, such as confirming your email address and providing additional business information (if requested).
  7. Start accepting payments through PayPal!

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using PayPal

Here are some advantages of using PayPal for accepting credit card payments:

  1. Convenience: PayPal is a popular and widely recognized payment option many customers trust and use regularly.
  2. Security: PayPal offers seller protection and fraud prevention measures to help keep your transactions secure.
  3. Global reach: You can receive payments from customers worldwide, and PayPal supports over 100 currencies.
  4. Easy integration: PayPal can be integrated with many ecommerce platforms, such as Shopify and WooCommerce, making it easy to set up and use.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider: 

  1. Fees: Fees: PayPal charges a fee for each transaction, and it can add up, especially if you have a high volume of sales.
  2. Customer service: PayPal’s customer service can be slow to respond, which can be frustrating if you need help with a payment issue.
  3. Payment holds: PayPal may hold some payments for review, which can delay your access to the funds.

Overall, PayPal can be an excellent option for small to mid-size businesses looking to accept credit card payments.

Accepting Credit Cards With Quickbooks

QuickBooks is a popular and widely used accounting software that offers an integrated payment system for accepting credit cards with QuickBooks. By combining your payment processing system with QuickBooks, you can simplify your accounting and payment processes, save time and money, and provide a seamless payment experience to your customers.

Integrating Quickbooks With Your Payment Processing System

 To integrate QuickBooks with your payment processing system, follow these simple steps: 

  1. Sign up for QuickBooks Payments and link your bank account to your QuickBooks account.
  2. Create an invoice for your customer and include the payment options you want to offer, such as credit cards or ACH bank transfers.
  3. Your customer can then pay the invoice online using their preferred payment method, and the payment will be automatically recorded in your QuickBooks account.

Benefits Of Using Quickbooks For Credit Card Transactions

 Using QuickBooks for credit card transactions has many benefits, including:

  1. Convenience: QuickBooks allows you to accept credit card payments directly through your invoices, making the payment process easy and seamless for your customers.
  2. Integration: QuickBooks can be easily integrated with many ecommerce platforms, such as Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing you to streamline your payment processing system.
  3. Security: QuickBooks Payments uses industry-standard security measures to keep your transactions safe and secure.
  4. Flexibility: QuickBooks allows you to accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, ACH bank transfers, and checks.
  5. Lower fees: QuickBooks charges lower transaction fees compared to many other payment processing options, which can save you money in the long run.

Accepting Credit Cards as a Small Business 

Small businesses must offer convenient and secure payment options to their customers, and accepting credit cards can help meet this need. However, small businesses should consider the cost and choose the right payment processing solution that fits their needs.

Considerations For Small Businesses

One of the main costs to consider when accepting credit cards as a small business is credit card fees also known as credit card processing fees. Payment processors typically charge a fee for each transaction, ranging from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. Some processors may also charge additional fees, such as monthly fees or per-transaction fees. Therefore, small businesses should look for payment processors that offer competitive pricing and transparent fees.

Equipment costs can also be a consideration if a small business needs to purchase equipment, such as a credit card reader or point-of-sale system. Additionally, if a customer disputes a transaction, the business may be charged a chargeback fee by the payment processor. 

Choosing The Right Credit Card Processor

When choosing a payment processing solution, small businesses should consider several factors. First, the cost of the solution should be reasonable and transparent. The solution should also be easy to use and integrate with existing accounting and ecommerce platforms.

 Additionally, the solution should be secure and protect customers’ sensitive information. Finally, reliable customer support should be available to assist with any issues or disputes.

There are several payment processing solutions that small businesses can consider. 

  1. PayPal is a popular and widely recognized payment option that offers competitive pricing and seller protection.
  2. QuickBooks Payments is an integrated payment system that allows businesses to accept credit card payments directly through their invoices.
  3. Square is a mobile payment processing app that allows businesses to accept credit card payments on the go. Stripe is a payment processing solution that integrates with many ecommerce platforms and offers customizable payment options.

Accepting credit cards as a small business can provide many benefits, but it’s important to consider the costs and choose the right payment processing solution for your business needs. Small businesses should weigh factors such as cost, ease of use, security, and customer support when making their decision and explore options such as PayPal, QuickBooks Payments, Square, and Stripe to find the best fit for their business.

Accepting Credit Cards on Your Phone

Accepting credit cards on your phone has become an increasingly popular option for small businesses that require a portable and convenient payment processing solution. With the rise of mobile payment systems, businesses can now use mobile card readers to process payments through their smartphones or tablets.

Young adult consumer holding credit card and smartphone sitting on floor at home doing online banking transaction. E commerce virtual shopping, secure mobile banking concept.

Mobile Card Readers

Mobile card readers are small devices that are attached to your phone or tablet, allowing you to accept credit card payments on the go. The readers use Bluetooth to communicate with your mobile device and typically work with an app that processes the payments. These readers are affordable, easy to use, and provide a convenient way for small businesses to accept credit card payments on the go.

Some popular mobile card reader options for small businesses include:

  1. Square: Square is a mobile payment processing app that offers a free card reader and a competitive fee structure. It has a simple and user-friendly interface and offers features such as inventory tracking and digital receipts.
  2. PayPal Here: PayPal Here is a mobile payment processing system that offers a card reader and app for processing payments. It’s a popular choice for businesses that use PayPal as their primary payment processor, as it seamlessly integrates with the PayPal system.
  3. SumUp: SumUp is another mobile payment processing app that offers a compact card reader and a simple fee structure. SumUp integrates with multiple payment providers and offers additional features such as invoicing and product catalogs.

Security Concerns And Best Practices

While accepting credit cards on your phone can be a convenient option, it’s important to take security concerns into account.

The following are some of the best practices for ensuring that your customer’s sensitive information is protected:

  1. Use a secure connection: Ensure that your mobile device is connected to a secure Wi-Fi network or cellular network when processing payments. This will prevent any data breaches or fraudulent activities that could compromise your customers’ sensitive data.
  2. Encrypt your data: Ensure that the mobile card reader you choose uses encryption to protect your customers’ sensitive information. Encryption is a process that transforms data into a secret code that can only be accessed with a key.
  3. Keep your device updated: Regularly update your mobile device and the payment processing app to ensure that you have the latest security patches. Software updates often include security patches that fix any vulnerabilities that have been discovered.
  4. Securely store customer data: Avoid storing customer data on your mobile device and only keep the necessary information for processing payments. If you need to store customer data, ensure that it’s done in a secure manner.
  5. Verify identity: Verify the identity of the person making the payment by checking their ID or signature. This will prevent unauthorized access to your customer’s sensitive data.
  6. Use two-factor authentication: Use two-factor authentication for login and transaction approvals to prevent unauthorized access. Two-factor authentication requires two forms of identification, such as a password and a fingerprint, to access the account.

Accepting credit cards on your phone can be a convenient and affordable way for small businesses to process payments on the go. However, it’s important to consider security concerns and follow best practices to protect your customers’ sensitive information.

By using a secure connection, encrypting your data, keeping your device updated, securely storing customer data, verifying identity, and using two-factor authentication, you can minimize the risks of data breaches and fraud when accepting credit cards on your phone.

FAQ’s

Here are some frequently asked questions about accepting credit card payments for your business:

How Can I Accept Credit Card Payments For My Business?

To accept any credit card payments for your business, you will need to set up a merchant account with a reputable payment processor such as PayPal, Stripe, or Square.

Once you have a merchant account, you can integrate it with your business website or use a mobile card reader to process payments in person. You will need to pay processing fees for each transaction, which typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount.

Why Would Accepting Credit Cards Be Good For Your Business?

Accepting credit cards can be good for your business in several ways. First, it can increase sales by providing a convenient payment option for customers needing cash or checks. Accepting credit cards can also improve customer satisfaction by providing a fast and secure payment option. Finally, taking credit cards can help your business appear more professional and established.

 What Is A Disadvantage To A Company Accepting Credit Cards?

One disadvantage to a company accepting credit cards is the cost of processing fees. Payment processors typically charge a fee for each transaction, ranging from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount.

Additionally, if a customer disputes a transaction, the business may be charged a chargeback fee by the payment processor. Another disadvantage is the risk of fraud or chargebacks, which can result in losses for the business.

What Are Three Reasons A Business Should Accept Credit Cards For Payment?

There are several reasons why a business should accept credit cards for payment. First, accepting credit cards can increase sales by providing a convenient payment option for customers who may not have cash or checks.

Second, accepting credit cards can improve customer satisfaction by providing a fast and secure payment option. Finally, accepting credit cards can help a business appear more professional and established, improving its reputation and credibility.

The Future of Credit Card Payments

As technology continues to evolve, the future of credit card payments will likely undergo significant changes. Here are some emerging trends in payment technology and how businesses can prepare for the future of credit card transactions.

Emerging Trends In Payment Technology

One of the emerging trends in payment technology is the use of mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, which allow customers to store their credit card information on their mobile devices and make payments by tapping their device at the point of sale. Another trend is contactless payments, which allow customers to make payments by waving their card or mobile device near a reader.

Preparing Your Business For The Future Of Credit Card Transactions

To prepare your business for the future of credit card transactions, it’s important to stay up to date with emerging trends in payment technology and be ready to adapt as needed.

Here are some steps businesses can take to prepare: 

  1. Offer multiple payment options: To cater to different customer preferences. Businesses should offer multiple payment options, including mobile wallets and contactless payments.
  2. Stay updated with security measures: As new payment technologies emerge, it’s important to stay updated with the latest security measures to protect customer data.
  3. Be ready to invest in new technology: To remain competitive, businesses should be prepared to invest in new payment technology as it becomes available.
  4. Offer incentives for using preferred payment methods: To encourage customers to use preferred payment methods, businesses can offer incentives such as discounts or loyalty rewards.
  5. Partner with payment providers: Partnering with payment providers can help businesses stay up to date with the latest payment technology and provide a seamless payment experience for customers.

The future of credit card payments is likely to undergo significant changes as technology continues to evolve. Businesses can prepare for the future by offering multiple payment options, staying up to date with security measures, being ready to invest in new technology, offering incentives for using preferred payment methods and partnering with payment providers. By staying ahead of emerging trends in payment technology, businesses can provide a seamless payment experience for their customers and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Summary

Accepting credit card payments is an essential part of running a business in today’s market. By offering customers a convenient and secure payment option, businesses can increase sales, improve customer satisfaction, and establish credibility.

Whether it’s through traditional point-of-sale terminals, mobile card readers, or emerging payment technologies like mobile wallets and blockchain, businesses should be prepared to adapt to changing payment trends and invest in new technology as needed.

 Some key takeaways from this article include: 

  1. Accepting credit card payments can increase sales, improve customer satisfaction, and establish credibility for businesses.
  2. Businesses can accept credit card payments through traditional point-of-sale terminals, mobile card readers, or emerging payment technologies like mobile wallets and blockchain.
  3. Businesses should consider factors such as processing fees, security measures, and customer preferences when choosing a payment processing solution.
  4. Offering multiple payment options, staying up to date with security measures, being ready to invest in new technology, offering incentives for using preferred payment methods, and partnering with payment providers are all important steps for businesses to take when accepting credit card payments.

Accepting credit card payments is a crucial part of running a successful business in today’s market. By understanding the benefits and challenges of accepting credit card payments and staying ahead of emerging payment trends, businesses can provide a seamless payment experience for their customers and stay competitive in the marketplace.

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