Contents
What is a merchant account?
A merchant account is the main financial asset of a company that allows it to accept payments through various channels, primarily credit or debit cards, as well as cryptocurrencies. It functions as an intermediary that connects the merchant, the customer, and the acquiring bank, ensuring the smooth transfer of funds from the customer's card issuer to the company's (merchant's) bank account. At its core, a merchant account acts as a central hub for processing transactions. When a customer makes a purchase, the payment details are transferred through the merchant's acquiring bank to the merchant account. The acquiring bank then verifies the transaction and initiates the transfer of funds to the company's (seller's) account. An important aspect of a merchant account is its ability to securely manage electronic (online) payments. It uses advanced encryption methods and other security protocols to protect sensitive payment card or cryptocurrency voucher holder information throughout the transaction process, providing a safe and secure payment experience for both the merchant and the customer. Among other things, merchant accounts support a wide range of payment methods, In addition to traditional card payments, online gateways, mobile wallets, electronic invoicing systems, and crypto payments are now available to businesses. This adaptability allows businesses to meet different customer preferences and simplify online payment procedures across different online platforms. Merchant accounts also provide businesses (merchants) with access to valuable transaction data and analytics. This allows companies to track sales, identify emerging trends, and make informed decisions to optimize their operations and ensure revenue growth. By using this data, businesses (merchants) can gain a deeper understanding of customer behavior, preferences, and buying habits, enabling them to tailor their products and marketing activities accordingly. In addition, merchant accounts are often equipped with features and services that meet the unique (customized) needs of online businesses. These can include fraud prevention tools, chargeback management solutions, and customizable reporting features. These additional services help companies reduce risks, increase operational efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
Concept of transaction processing
Transaction processing involves the management of data during a financial transaction, essentially meaning the technological process of transferring funds from a customer to a merchant. While this process usually happens quickly, within a minute or less, it involves a complex network of different stakeholders.
Consider, for example, a scenario involving simple payments:
- A company representing the "seller" of goods or services; simple payments:
- The buyer who initiates a transaction.
- Issuer is the bank responsible for issuing the customer's card;
- Acquirer is a bank that accepts payments.
- Processing center is a company responsible for payment processing;
- An international payment system that controls the processing process;
At the center of this process is the classic (fiat) or updated to current realities (cryptocurrency) processing center, which contacts the issuer to check the status of the buyer's account. At the same time, the international payment system verifies the legitimacy of the transaction. Throughout this process, the purchase amount is either reserved or debited from the buyer's account and credited to the seller's account. In addition, various fees are charged by the international payment system, the acquiring bank, and possibly a payment intermediary. The processing center plays a crucial role in the execution of transactions. As a technology organization specializing in online payment processing, it coordinates the interaction of all participating parties, ensuring that transactions are completed within a fraction of a second. Contrary to popular belief, processing is not the exclusive domain of banks. While large banking institutions operate their own processing centers, there are specialized technology (fintech) companies, that develop specialized software, support and maintain it, and processing online payments.
Deciphering the areas of high-risk companies and unraveling the concept of niche categories
High-risk merchant accounts/companies often face the daunting prospect of being denied service. Many banks refuse to cooperate with companies operating in a certain "fraud" area, fearing potential risks or consequences from international payment systems. However, it is important to understand that being labeled as a fraud does not necessarily mean illegal activity.
Various factors contribute to the classification of businesses as high-risk:
- Startups and other newly established businesses;
- Companies with a high probability of chargebacks, which may incur additional processing costs if their volume exceeds 1%;
- Unfavorable credit history;
- Transactions with high-risk countries;
- Uncertain or questionable origin of goods and services;
- Insufficient documentation of the company's activities or registration;
- Mismatch between the volume of cash transactions and financial statements;
Effective navigation of the "high-risk" business landscape requires careful consideration of these factors and the development of a series of actions to address them and mitigate potential risks.
Signs of high-risk businesses
What parameters do payment service providers use to assess risk?
As mentioned above, each company sets its own criteria, but some factors are usually taken into account, such as:
- Excessive number of chargebacks;
- Limited transaction history, which reduces the trust of banks;
- Operations in countries under international sanctions or with an increased risk of fraud;
- Acceptance of several currencies;
- Engaging in seasonal or temporary business activities;
- Negative credit history;
Obviously, among these factors, some may seem harmless. For example, a simple desire to accept payments in different currencies may inadvertently lead to the classification of a business as "high risk," which could result in denial of service.
Opening a trading account in high-risk niches involves a number of important steps:
- Determine which payment services your business needs to avoid unnecessary costs, especially in high-risk sectors where fees are usually higher;
- Conduct thorough market research to compare the offers of different payment providers, taking into account differences in their terms and conditions;
- Ensure that the chosen provider is able to meet the unique needs of your business, such as processing multi-currency payments or bulk transactions;
- Go through a thorough check of your business's "biography", which is either carried out independently by the payment intermediary or sent to the bank for a thorough check;