With all the stories out there about credit card fraud, you as a merchant probably wonder why some people bother accepting credit or debit cards at all. Surely cash and checks are safer and less likely to be fraudulent or lead to stolen identities and/or funds?

Even if you are not worried about the security risks, isn’t processing credit cards complicated and expensive, requiring knowledge and equipment that you as a small-business merchant do not have access to?

While not accepting credit card payments may seem like a good idea initially, business-wise it is a bad decision. By not accepting credit cards, you limit your reach as a merchant and can actually be exposed to different types of fraud.

Accepting credit cards is a major convenience to your customers, particularly if you are operating an online business or service. People are more inclined to order products and services that they can pay for and receive a receipt for immediately and will therefore be shipped or provided immediately than they are to purchase something the have to send cash or a check for and then wait for the order to be processed.

Also, as checks become more outdated, accepting credit cards is a sign that your business is up-to-date and with the times. Many people would be leery of a business that was incapable of accepting credit cards, more likely to write it off as illegitimate or as a scam.

As an online merchant, you would also be closing off a valuable international customer base by not being able to accept credit cards. Many credit card processors can work with you to accept foreign currencies and debit cards, but not many people are going to send you a check from overseas.

Last but not least, accepting credit cards can actually help protect your company against fraud investigations. A number of identity hijackers operate by setting up phony merchant accounts under the names of legitimate businesses that do not actually take credit cards. They then set up imposter web sites and accept credit card transactions on behalf of the company. By accepting credit cards to begin with, your company is not exposed to this kind of threat. In addition, credit card processors often send out detailed statements and have customer service teams in place to answer questions, making it easier for you to keep track of all transactions and stay on top of your business.

Are you an online merchant who would like to start accepting credit cards? Have you thought about setting up a merchant account in the past but been turned down for being a high risk merchant or high volume merchant? High Risk Credit Card Processor can help you set up merchant accounts to meet your business needs. Regardless of business type or volume, we'll get your account approved quickly and keep it running smoothly.  Let our staff of processing industry veterans find the solution that's right for you.