Even when the answer has become obvious to most, some merchants still question the benefit of accepting credit cards. They think all the time about risks but they do not realize how much these are easily outweighed by advantages. In fact, an average credit card sale could be higher by as much as 23% compared to an average cash sale. Although most stores downtown accept credit card payments, home-based and especially online businesses may well do the same. Besides, it remains a basic fact of business that those who accept credit cards will likely sell more than those who don’t. If you’re finally thinking about getting a merchant account credit card, which is what you need to accept card payments from customers, you have to review the type of business you’re in. Each merchant bank or account provider will have their own set of guidelines for approval of applications. Generally, retailers are the most favored because they are considered least risky. For example, if you’re running a home-based business, you will have less chances of being approved than if you ran a stationary retail store. However, if you happen to be anything but a retailer, you can still get a merchant account through a third party company or bank that will vouch for you. Typically, the initial cost of getting a merchant account is anywhere between $ 200 - 0 and may cover application, equipment and installation, deposits and other additional costs. Your investment in equipment will also vary depending on which types you will use. Leasing those machines may cost you up to per month consisting a terminal, automatic printer and software. If your business requires real-time processing and shopping carts, the amount will vary depending on the type and degree of customization you need. For your last minute doubts about needing to accept credit cards, just put yourself in your customers’ shoes. Wouldn’t you appreciate that freedom of being able to manage your finances with less pressure as what these ever useful plastics provide? Online merchants, specifically, would benefit greatly from these cards considering that online shoppers mostly shop on impulse. If you don’t have an automated credit card payment feature on your site, how would you catch that impulse and turn it into a sale? Surely, if you’re going to have your customers mail you a checque, you will have lost them before your site even finishes loading the instruction page about your outdated payment mode. If you want to find out about Merchant Accounts, you can read the following article. 5 Questions to Ask A Possible Internet Merchant Account Provider Retail Merchant Account, Credit Cards And Your Business 5 Questions to Ask A Likely Internet Merchant Account Provider