Frequently Asked Questions
Q : What is a Merchant Account?
A: A Merchant Account is a special account that you setup with a credit card processor in order to accept credit and debit cards as a form of payment. The Merchant Account is used to process credit and debit card payments from your customers and then deposit the funds into your checking account. Ignite Payments uses First Data’s processing engine to make it easy, fast and secure for our merchants to accept virtually any form of payment from their customers.
Q: What is a Payment Gateway?
A: A Payment Gateway is a web-based software application that transmits your payment information to us in a secure format for processing. The First Data Global Gateway allows you to accept payments from a website or anywhere you have access to the Internet.
Q: Can I be approved if I have bad credit or no credit?
A: Yes, in most cases. We specialize in small and medium-sized businesses in both traditional and Internet environments. As a result, we have one of the highest acceptance rates in the industry, with most applications approved within two business days.
Q: I already have a Payment Gateway account. Can I just switch my Merchant Account to you?
A: YES! We are compatible with most of the Payment Gateway providers such as Authorize.net, Yahoo! Merchant Solutions, and CyberSource. Once your Merchant Account is live we will provide you with the MID and TID numbers you will need to reprogram your Payment Gateway account in order to switch your card processing to us.
Q: I already have a credit card machine. Do I need to buy a new one in order to switch my Merchant Account to you?
A: NO! We are compatible with most credit card machine manufacturers’ makes and models. Once your Merchant Account is live we will re-program your credit card machine to process with us for FREE!
Q: What payment cards will I be able to accept?
A: You can accept all major credit and debit cards with our service – MasterCard®, Visa®, American Express®, and Discover®.
Q: When will I receive the funds from my customers’ payments?
A: You will generally receive funds within 48 hours. Next day funding is available for some merchants. Please ask your Sales Representative if you qualify.
Q: How will I receive the funds from my customers’ payments?
A: Payments for American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover card transactions will be made daily via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system and deposited directly to the bank account you designate.
Q: How long does it take to be approved for a Merchant Account?
A: In most cases accounts are approved within 24 to 48 hours.
Q: Do you offer training to help me get setup?
A: YES! Once your account is live on our system we will provide free telephone training and assistance to help you install and use your new credit card machine or Global Gateway account.