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North American Bancard
Thursday, May 07 2020
Becoming familiar with the prohibited and restricted merchant list

Knowing how to navigate the partner portal is extremely important if you are going to be a successful agent. The partner portal has all of the resources, information, and other tools that you will need and reference on a daily basis. One of the most important places inside the portal is the prohibited and restricted list. Naturally, you probably have a lot of questions about this list. It is one of the most common questions that we get with regards to the partner portal and the information contained within. In this short overview, we are going to answer some of the questions that you undoubtedly have about the prohibited and restricted list that is located inside the partner portal for maximum convenience.

Navigating to the list

The first step is navigating to the list itself. To do this, the first thing you need to do is go to the Tools section of the partner portal. At the bottom right there is a list of documents that is entitled Sales Partner Resources. In this list, you will find important resources related to your relationship as a sales partner. One of those documents is the restricted & prohibited list, which you can click to easily access.

 

If you are not able to locate the list for some reason, then you can also use the search function at the top of the page to search for the restricted and prohibited list and find it in a matter of seconds.

What is the restricted and prohibited list

As you can image, the restricted and prohibited list is a list that dictates what merchants are restricted and what activities are prohibited. This list is a great resource for you as a partner so that you don’t waste time on a merchant that you won’t be able to end up providing services to. You should consult this list any time you have a question about whether you are going to be able to provide services to any given merchant.

 

In this document, you will find a well-organized chart that tells you exactly which businesses are prohibited from using your suite of processing solutions. In addition, the sheet breaks it down by which banks prohibit which businesses, because different banks have different requirements for merchants. This quick reference sheet will save you time and frustration by allowing you to quickly reference it anytime you need to confirm whether you can provide services to a merchant.

 

There is also a remarks section in the document that will give you clarity on the requirements and industries that are allowed or prohibited. For merchants that require a certain additional documentation or submission, you will find those requirements on this sheet.

Benefit to agents

Not only does this sheet help save you time and prevent you from having to consult a complicated resources center to find the answers that you are looking for, but it also helps you to build trust and credibility with the merchants that you are working with. Being knowledgeable on which merchants you are able to provide processing for will make the sales process more smooth and successful.

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 09:43 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

How to Start a Payment Processing Business?

Starting a payment processing business can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning and consideration. The first step in starting a payment processing business is to conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for payment processing services in your target market. This research can help you identify potential competitors, determine pricing strategies, and pinpoint the needs of your target customers. Once you have a solid understanding of the market, you can begin to create a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, revenue projections, and marketing strategies.

After developing a business plan, the next step in starting a payment processing business is to choose a payment processor to partner with. This partnership is crucial, as the payment processor will handle the actual processing of transactions, so it is important to choose a reliable and reputable company. Additionally, you will need to secure any necessary licenses and permits to legally operate your business. Once you have everything in place, you can begin marketing your services to potential clients and building relationships with merchants who may benefit from your payment processing solutions. With hard work, dedication, and a strong business plan, you can successfully launch and grow a payment processing business.

With the rapid growth of e-commerce and online transactions, the demand for payment processing services has increased substantially. White label payment processing is a business model where a company offers payment processing services to merchants under their own brand name.

What is White Label Payment Processing?

White label payment processing is a service where a company provides payment processing services to merchants under their own branding. This means that the merchant will see the payment processor's branding, but the processing service is actually provided by a third-party company.

The white label payment provider takes care of all the technical aspects of payment processing, including payment gateways, security, and compliance, while the merchant focuses on growing their business.

Advantages of White Label Payment Processing:

  • Flexibility: White label payment processing allows merchants to customize the payment process to meet their specific requirements.
  • Branding: Merchants can ensure that the payment process aligns with their brand image, enhancing customer trust and loyalty.
  • Cost-effective: White label payment processing eliminates the need for merchants to invest in developing their payment processing system, saving them time and money.
  • Technical support: White label payment processing providers offer technical support to merchants, ensuring a smooth payment process.

How to Start Your Own Payment Processing Company

  • Research the Market: Before starting your payment processing company, it's crucial to research the market to understand the demand, competition, and potential opportunities.
  • Develop a Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your target market, revenue model, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
  • Obtain the Necessary Licenses: To operate a payment processing company, you will need to obtain licenses from regulatory authorities. Ensure you comply with all legal requirements.
  • Choose a White Label Payment Processing Provider: Select a white label payment processing provider that meets your requirements in terms of features, pricing, and customer support.
  • Customize Your Branding: Customize the payment processing service with your branding and integrate it seamlessly with your website or platform.
  • Market Your Services: Promote your payment processing services to merchants through marketing campaigns, partnerships, and networking events.
  • Provide Excellent Customer Support: Offer excellent customer support to merchants to build long-term relationships and grow your business.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Registered ISO for Merchant Services?

To become a Registered ISO (Independent Sales Organization) for merchant services, there are several costs involved, including:

  • Registration Fees: The registration fee to become an ISO can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the payment processor and the services offered.
  • Compliance Costs: ISOs are required to comply with industry regulations, which may involve additional costs for training, audits, and certifications.
  • Technology Costs: ISOs need to invest in technology infrastructure, including payment gateways, security systems, and software development.
  • Sales and Marketing Costs: ISOs need to allocate budget for sales and marketing activities to promote their merchant services and attract new clients.
  • Miscellaneous Costs: Other costs may include insurance, legal fees, and operational expenses.

In conclusion, white label payment processing is a valuable business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the payment processing industry. By partnering with a white label payment processing provider, you can offer payment processing services under your brand name, providing a seamless experience for merchants. Starting your payment processing company requires thorough research, planning, and investment, but with the right strategy and dedication, you can build a successful business in this growing industry.

    Shaw Merchant Group is a registered DBA of EPX, a registered ISO of BMO Harris Bank N.A., Chicago, IL, Fresno First Bank, Fresno, CA, and Citizens Bank N.A., Providence, RI.

    © Shaw Merchant Group, LLC.