Combining merchant accounts and iPhone apps

Combining merchant accounts and iPhone apps

Merchants can now do business anywhere and at anytime with iPhone and iPod Touch apps that process credit cards. There are apps for iPhone and iPod Touch owners who need to make a sale outside of a traditional store environment. Merchants can now do business anywhere, anytime without having to rely on a phone line or credit card processing machine.

Instantly accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. This fast and easy way to accept payments with your iPhone or iPod Touch works in conjunction with a merchant account program.

Merchant accounts for iPhone apps
You will first need to download the application to your iPhone and set up a Authorize.Net payment gateway or a configured compatible gateway credit for card authorization. The next account to set up is a merchant account for your company.

Compatible merchant accounts include retail, online and mobile merchant accounts. Mail-order merchant accounts can be used as well.

Customers can also make payments through PayPal on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Regardless of which bank provides your merchant account, both accounts will be linked so that incoming funds are automatically transferred to your bank account.

Be sure to check out what the total operating costs are for the app's service. Merchants should consider the cost per transfer and the possibility of monthly fees. Some apps will have a month-to-month or binding contract agreement.

Selecting the right iPhone app
There are a few features that you should look for when selecting an app that will fit your business's needs. Potential users who can benefit from setting up a merchant account with an iPhone or iPod Touch app include delivery drivers, direct sales representatives, trade show exhibitors and catering companies.

The basic features that you should look for in an app are the ability to make charges, provide refunds and render transaction void. Being able to place a hold on the card can be useful as well. Each application's Web site will list its features in detail.

Some apps have a gratuity feature and can collect a customer's signature. iPhone apps like ProcessAway, iSwipe and iMerchant Pro allows users to key in a customer's credit card information and track the payment. They also send receipts via e-mail as soon as the payment is authorized.

You'll want to select an app that has security features that will not store personal data onto your iPhone or iPod Touch while doing business. SSL encryption will also establish trust with your customers so that they feel confident about making a purchase.

Published: April 1,2024