"Forte is all we need"
Consumer Services | Used Software for: 1-2 years
Forte makes it very easy to collect online payments and helps to identify any fraudulent payments.
— Verified Reviewer
Small & Medium Businesses Payment Processing
Accept payments with peace of mind. Continue reading to learn more about our small business merchant services.
Merchant Services for Small Businesses
Small business merchant services are essential for efficient payment processing, improved customer experiences and data protection. Merchant accounts for small businesses allow companies to accept various payment forms, including credit and debit cards, which is crucial in today’s increasingly cashless society.
By taking multiple forms of payment, small businesses can cater to a broader customer base and increase sales. Merchant service providers also offer a secure and reliable payment processing system. This ensures transactions are processed quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of errors or fraud.
Read on to discover how merchant services work and how CSG Forte can help.
Types of Merchant Services
Payment Operations Platform
The CSG Forte DEX payment platform is a robust payment processing solution with an intuitive dashboard that simplifies managing your daily payment operations. Save time and hassle and get the info you need to reconcile your transactions, view order details, track funding, handle disputes and manage locations and employee access—all in one place.
ACH SERVICES
In-house processor of ACH and Same Day ACH reduces your cost per transaction by as much as 80% compared to processing through credit card networks. Receive and access payment funds faster with Same Day ACH. The automated clearing house (ACH) is an interbank system that facilitates electronic money transfers between credit unions and banks.
POS SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT
Enterprise-grade point of sale (POS) terminals with advanced security features and the ability to accept any payment type will impress customers. You can integrate CSG Forte’s award-winning POS solutions with your existing software or use them as stand-alone devices.
What Is a Merchant Account?
A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments through credit or debit card transactions. When a customer makes a credit or debit card purchase, the payment is processed through the merchant account and the funds are deposited into the business’s bank account.
To set up a small business merchant account, the business must apply with a merchant service provider or a bank. The provider will review the business’s financial history and creditworthiness to determine their eligibility for a merchant account. If approved, the company will receive a merchant identification number and access to a payment gateway, which is a secure online portal for processing transactions.
Ability to Accept More Forms of Payment
A merchant service provider is essential for businesses that want to accept credit and debit cards and other forms of payment. It enables businesses to expand their products or services to a wider customer base by accepting forms of payment other than cash and checks. By accepting credit and debit card payments, businesses can grow their customer base and increase sales.
Greater Support
Operating a small business is easier when you have the proper support. Merchant service providers offer a range of services that help businesses process and manage payments. You can rely on a merchant service provider for the following types of services and support:
- Merchant account setup
- Access to a payment gateway
- Transaction tracking tools
- Chargeback management tools
Merchant service providers also offer customer support and assistance with any issues that arise. They can help businesses troubleshoot payment processing problems, manage chargebacks and resolve customer disputes. Small businesses can save time and reduce administrative costs by having access to this customer support.
Safe Payment Processing
In addition, merchant services for small businesses offer safe, dependable payment processing systems that help owners reduce the risk of fraud and errors. Merchant service providers use advanced encryption and security measures to protect sensitive customer data and ensure transactions are processed quickly and accurately. As a result, small businesses can build trust and credibility with their customers—patrons are more likely to do business with a company that offers secure, convenient payment options.
How to Find the Best Online Merchant Services for Small Businesses
When searching for the best small business payment processor and merchant services, focus on the following factors:
- Accepted payment types: Does the payment processor allow you to accept all major payment types, such as credit and debit cards and contactless payments? Some merchant service providers only accept certain credit cards or lack the option for contactless transactions.
- Safety: Your small business payment processor should feature point-to-point encryption (P2PE). This encryption method uses an unreadable code to encrypt card information when a customer makes a payment, transmitting the code and a decryption key to the payment processor. The decryption occurs virtually, so your customers can rest assured that your business never comes in contact with their payment information. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Council accepts P2PE encryption, so ensuring your payment processor uses this method is important for compliance.
- Transparency: You can save a significant amount of money by choosing a merchant service provider with no hidden fees or surprise costs.
- Compatibility: An online merchant service provider’s platform and tools should seamlessly integrate with your POS or eCommerce platform. Choosing a provider with a compatible system facilitates smooth payment processing.
- Customer support: The best merchant service providers offer responsive technical assistance and customer support.
- Scalability: Your merchant service provider should be able to scale with you and support your business as transaction volumes increase and product offerings expand.
How to Set up Merchant Services
To get started with merchant services, you will need to do the following:
- Register your business: To partner with a merchant account provider, you will need to register your business as a legal entity. Depending on your location, this step may only require you to register your business name with local and state governments.
- Obtain an employer identification number: An employer identification number (EIN) is a unique number the Internal Revenue Service uses to identify your business. If you operate as a sole proprietorship, your Social Security number serves as your identifying number.
- Fill out an application: Fill out an application to learn more and sign up for merchant services.
- Integrate merchant services with your eCommerce platform: After choosing a merchant service provider and signing up for services, you can integrate your eCommerce platform with your new merchant account and tools. CSG Forte offers support to facilitate a seamless integration.
Credit Card Processing Services for Small Businesses
CSG Forte’s suite of payment processing solutions enables small businesses to collect payments any way the customer chooses—in person, online or over the phone.
In-Person Payments
CSG Forte makes it easy for small businesses to accept in-person payments with point-of-sale (POS) terminals designed to be user-friendly, reliable and secure. From traditional countertop terminals to wireless terminals and mobile card readers for smartphones and tablets, CSG Forte’s POS equipment allows small businesses to accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
Online Payment Processing
With CSG Forte, small businesses can set up a virtual terminal to process credit and debit card payments through their websites. The virtual terminal is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with most eCommerce platforms.
Our online payment processing service lets businesses receive payments from customers worldwide, making it an excellent choice for those with an international customer base. CSG Forte’s online payment processing service also offers advanced fraud protection and chargeback management to help small businesses minimize risk and protect their bottom line.
With competitive pricing and exceptional customer support, CSG Forte’s online payment processing solutions are a great tool for small businesses looking to expand their online presence and improve their customer experience.
Over the Phone
Small business owners can process credit and debit cards over the phone by entering the customer’s payment information into a secure virtual terminal. This service is ideal for businesses that offer services remotely or take orders over the phone.
Transparent Pricing
With CSG Forte’s merchant services, small businesses can expect competitive pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. Our pricing is straightforward, with no complicated pricing tiers or confusing contracts.
We offer a range of pricing plans to fit the needs of different businesses, from pay-as-you-go plans to monthly subscription plans. Our transparent pricing allows small business owners to accurately forecast payment processing costs and make informed decisions about their needs.
Enhance Customer Services and Boost Revenue With CSG Forte's Merchant Services
Online merchant services streamline payment processing to help small businesses enhance customer experiences, increase revenue and save time and money. Merchant services offer comprehensive solutions so you can handle transactions, track funds and access your money quickly and easily, giving you more time to focus on growing your business. Choosing the right merchant service provider is essential for avoiding hidden fees and facilitating smooth payment processes.
CSG Forte is committed to providing unequaled customer service, transparent pricing and advanced security features. When you partner with us for your payment processing needs, your business can accept credit and debit card payments in person, online or over the phone.
Our solutions are tailored specifically to the needs of small businesses, with user-friendly interfaces and competitive pricing. Plus, with fraud protection and chargeback management, you and your customers can enjoy a secure, reliable payment experience. Learn more about our merchant services to get started.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US ON CAPTERRA
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CSG Forte’s seamless payment integrations help leading organizations streamline payment management capabilities and increase revenue.