Authorize.net Internet Merchant Account Questions

Q. What is a Authorize.net Internet merchant account?
A. Authorize.net is the world's largest Internet payment gateway. This allows businesses to connect their merchant account to the equivalent of a credit card terminal, except there is no physical black box credit card terminal. This system is all Internet based and allows for real-time credit card processing from the merchant's website and/or manual processing through the virtual terminal.

A merchant account is required in order to get the Authorize.net payment gateway.

Q. How does Authorize.net work?
A. You simply choose a connection method that is right for your business. The options you will have are:

- Link to the Authorize.net secure hosted payment form.

- Host your own secure payment form.

- Use a shopping cart that is already configured to work with Authorize.net. Most shopping carts will work with Authorize.net. Check with the cart vendor if you are unsure about the cart you want to use. If you are hosting your website with us, or plan to, we provide three different FREE shopping carts, all of which work with Authorize.net.

- Develop your own application. Authorize.net will provide the application programming interface (API) to developers free of charge.

Q. Do I need a secure server certificate (SSL) to use Authorize.net?
A. Authorize.net provides a secure hosted payment form for you to use. If you plan on hosting your payment form, or use a shopping cart, then you will need a secure server certificate.

If you host your website with us, we provide a shared secure server certificate for all of our clients to use, free of charge. You can also purchase a secure server certificate from us. Just contact sales if you want to purchase a certificate.

Q. Will I be able to generate reports and manage transactions?
A. Yes. You will be able to manage and review transactions, configure account settings, view account statements, download reports, and more via a password-protected Web site.

Q. Can I do batch uploads?
A. Yes. The Virtual Terminal and Batch Upload features of the Merchant Interface allow you to enter and upload individual and batch transactions manually.

Q. Does Authorize.net work with QuickBooks?
A. Yes. Authorize.net provides a free QuickBooks module that allows you to easily import your store data, e.g. customer and transaction information into QuickBooks. The module allows you to download your credit card transactions in QuickBooks compatible IIF format. You then simply go into your QuickBooks software and import this IIF file through the File - Utilities menu.

Q. Will I have customer support?
A. Yes. Technical and account support team provides free support to all merchants via phone, e-mail or online chat.

Q. Is Authorize.net PCI compliant?
A. Yes. Authorize.net is PCI compliant

Q. How will I get my money?
A. Your money will be deposited directly into your current business checking account. Funds are usually available within 2 business days.

Q. How do I get the Authorize.net Internet Merchant Account?
A. Just fill out the online merchant account application, or call us @ 1-800-221-0528 to apply by phone.

Q. How long does the approval process take?
A. Often we can get you approved for a merchant account the same day you apply, if you apply before 1 pm est. It will be the next day if you apply later in the day. Occasionally our underwriters may request more information, which would delay the approval process a day or so.

It is recommended that you apply 2 to 3 weeks before you actually need to begin accepting credit cards. This will allow for time to get you approved, (in case of any underwriting request which can cause a delay), for us to get you the software, and to make sure you are properly trained. Waiting until the last minute to apply for a merchant account is never a good idea.

Q. Is there a service phone number that I can call if I need help?
A. Yes. Upon approval of your merchant account you will have live, toll-free merchant assistance available to you 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.