Published November 19th, 2015
by Fox Tail Editor
These days, both online and brick-and-mortar businesses are generally expected to accept credit cards. In order to securely process a credit card transaction, however, a business must have a credit card processing service. These services aren't free, which is what leads some small business owners to stick with cash and/or check as a preferred form of payment. In today's consumer world, however, accepting credit cards is a must—for numerous reasons.
Faster Checkout
For brick-and-mortar stores, there's no faster way to complete a transaction than via credit card. All it takes is a simple swipe and perhaps a signature; from there, the transaction is done. No need to count cash, give change, or process a personal check. As a result, your checkout line moves faster and your customers are happier.
Greater Convenience
These days, credit cards and bank cards are the
preferred form of payment across the United States. By giving your customers the convenience of letting them pay with their credit cards, then, you make them more likely to return in the future. After all, not all consumers these days carry cash or a checkbook with them at all times, but most carry their credit or bank cards.
Increased Security
Last but not least, credit card processing services are extremely secure, giving both you and your consumers the peace of mind in knowing that their information is safe and their transaction secure. The same simply cannot be said when paying by cash or even check.
Top Credit Card Processing Companies
With so many credit card processing companies out there these days, how can a business owner know which credit card processor is right for their unique needs? Well, there are a few top companies to consider doing business with.
Leaders Merchant Services of California is a top choice for many business owners; they're certainly one of the largest credit card processing companies out there, with more than 400 employees and more than 100,000 active clients. Some of their popular clients include Curves, Thrifty Car Rental, and the Hampton Inn.
Another company to consider for your business's credit card processor needs is Credit Card Processing Specialists of Michigan. This smaller company has been around for more than five years and has more than 1,000 clients, including the Discovery Network and ACE Hardware. In addition to credit card services, they also offer point-of-sale assistance.
Merchant Warehouse of Boston, Massachusetts, may also be worth looking into for your needs. This is another larger processing business that has more than 100,000 clients and an impressive 98% retention rate. They've also been around since 1998, so this is a great choice for those who want a company that has experience in changing landscapes and has been able to withstand the test of time. They also offer online processing services and retail processing at reasonable rates.
As you can see, there are many reasons to ensure that your business can accept credit cards. And now that you have an idea of some possible processing options, all that's left to do is research them for yourself and see which is right for your company. From there, you can begin enjoying the convenience of being able to accept credit card payments and reaping the benefits that come along with it.