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FAQ/Help
Q: How does your program compare to what my local bank
or other Merchant Account providers may offer?
A: The ASI Merchant Account Program has a low discounted group rate that
is only made possible because of the large processing volume NPC receives
collectively from all of the participating ASI Members. The volume that you will do on
an individual basis may be almost inconsequential to a provider. The
large collective volume from ASI Membership also allows us to waive the
customary monthly minimum fee that almost all other merchant account
programs have.
Q: How much can I expect to save with the ASI program?
A. The overall resulting processing costs with the ASI program are typically 1/3 less than other provider’s programs. But we also have members that are saving as much as 50%.
Q: Does the amount of processing I do affect the rate I receive?
A: No, even if you have a very small credit card volume, you still get the special ASI Group rate that is already discounted for the massive, collective ASI group volume.
Q: If I have no transactions for the month, what will my
costs be for the month?
A: The only mandatory monthly cost associated directly to your merchant account is the $5.00 monthly statement fee. There are NO customary monthly minimum fees on top of your statement fee that most other providers charge. You will have an additional $15.00 monthly gateway fee if you opt for the Payment Gateway as your processing solution.
Q: How are the processing fees paid/deducted?
A: The percentage (discount rate) is deducted from the proceeds that are electronically
deposited into your checking account. Any additional fees due (transaction
or statement) are electronically withdrawn from your checking account at the
end of each month.
Q: How can I keep track of the fees I am paying monthly
and how can I reconcile my merchant account activity with my checking
account?
A: You have the option of receiving a monthly statement from NPC in the mail or accessing all of your activity detail and monthly statements online. The online reporting is available and posted to www.my
merchantdata.com 24 hours from being processed. Since the cost is the same $5.00 monthly fee and you have access to much greater detail with the online reporting, the online reporting is the recommended way to go.
Q: What credit cards can I accept through the program?
A: You can accept any of the major credit-cards (Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, Discover, even Diners Club), while processing
with NPC. However, the transaction rates and transaction fees for
American Express, Discover & Diners Club are ultimately established
individually by each respective card issuer. We can provide current
rate and transaction fee information for each of the other card
issuers at any time upon request.
Q: Can I start out accepting Visa and MasterCard only
and add other cards at a later date?
A: Absolutely, but keep in mind it will take a couple of days
to set up.
Q: Are there any requirements for me to participate in
the program?
A: The only requirement for participation is that you must be a
member of ASI.
Q: How long does it take to get a merchant account and
start accepting credit cards from my customers?
A: It usually only takes a total of 2 to 3 business days from the
time we receive your completed application until you can begin
accepting.
(The application can be sent and received via fax).
Q: How long does it take for me to receive the funds after
performing a transaction?
A: Visa & MasterCard funds are electronically deposited into
your checking account within 24-48 hours. All other cards can
be up to 72 hours.
Q: What are my up-front costs to establish a merchant
account?
A: There are no application fees or other upfront costs except
for establishing an electronic mode of submitting your credit-card
transaction activity to us for authorization and payment. We
have credit card processing software available for purchase ($395)
or Payment Gateways for on-line processing ($15 per month / $99
annually) or numerous “swipe” terminals and even wireless
equipment at various prices and capabilities for those members
that have face-to-face credit card sales.
Q: I already have a credit card terminal. Can I
use it and not have to buy anything?
A:
Most terminals are compatible and can be reprogrammed. If
you provide the make and model, we can confirm its compatibility. If
compatible, you would not need to purchase any additional processing
solutions. The only cost you would incur is a one-time
$50.00 charge for reprogramming your terminal.
Q: I have been told by my current provider that my existing
credit card terminal is not compliant and I need to purchase
a new one. Would this be the same case with you?
A:
In most cases, your terminal can be reprogrammed to meet current
processing requirements. Unfortunately, current compliance
issues are sometimes used as a means for providers to sell additional,
unnecessary, expensive equipment.
Q: I have never accepted credit cards before. Which
is the best processing option for me?
A: Since most ASI members do not sell in a retail, face-to-face storefront setting,
the typical “swipe” terminal you find in stores is not the best processing
option for the typical ASI merchant. Since your transactions are typically
going to be key entered instead of “swiped”, a computer based
processing solution that will allow you to type all of the necessary credit card
information is a far more practical solution. There are 2 computer based
processing solutions available. The first is a Software based solution
which basically turns your computer into (and provides the same functionality
as) a credit card terminal. The second is an Internet based processing
solution called a Payment Gateway. The Payment Gateway also allows you
to process using your computer and is more feature rich than software (i.e. ability
to process from any computer that has Internet access, built-in ability to process
website e-commerce sales in real-time and an automated email credit card receipt
option). Access Group’s knowledgeable sales staff will be able to discuss
all the various options and make recommendations that will best suit each member’s
individual needs.
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