What exactly is a Merchant Account?
Is Signature Card Services a charity?
What makes Signature different?
I am a new merchant. How can Signature help me to start growing?
I already have a merchant account. What can Signature offer me?
Why can't I just establish a Merchant Account through my current local bank?
Will I have to open a separate business checking account for these funds?
How do I apply?
Is there an application fee?
How long does it take to complete the application process and get going?
Will it be a big problem if my credit rating is less than perfect?
What happens if my request for a Merchant Account is turned down?
Once approved, what special software am I going need and how can I get it?
Will I have to sign an expensive, long-term lease to get the necessary equipment?
Once I run a charge, how long does it take for the money to show up in my business checking account?
What is a discount rate and how much will it cut into my sales?
What is a monthly minimum?
What are chargebacks and how will they affect my business?
What if I'm uncertain about something or experiencing problems and need to speak with someone?

What exactly is a Merchant Account?

If you want to accept credit cards, whether you are doing business online, or have a physical store, or a mobile business, you will need a merchant account. A merchant account enables merchants to accept and process credit card transactions. In other words, it handles transferring the funds from the shopper's credit card to the merchant's bank account.

Is Signature Card Services a charity?

Signature Card Services is not a charity; we are a unique payment processing company that supports causes that are important to our founders and our community while providing affordable and reliable merchant accounts. For over a decade we’ve been helping businesses build efficient payment processing systems. Our business success allowed us to create a mechanism of on-going giving to the organizations that support the community. We give all our new clients a discount of 20% off their current credit card processing rates and make a constant monthly donation to a charity of their choice of 20% of the net income from the account! We also make a one-time donation of $200 in merchant’s name to a charity of their choice.

What makes Signature different?

You've decided to accept credit cards for your business, did a little research, and are now perhaps a little confused by all the "we are the best, we are the cheapest" claims.

At Signature we want to make this choice simple for you. Compare us to the others and you'll discover that we're driven to providing you with exceptional service at a fair price. Our knowledge of helping businesses such as mobile, retail, internet, home-based, start-ups, and mail/telephone order obtain merchant accounts is unparalleled, which means a stress-free experience for you. We'll give you proven strategies and business specific expertise to help you become a profitable merchant.

What sets Signature apart from everyone else is our experience, dedicated customer service and online reporting. Imagine being able to view your accounts' activity online, everyday. Our reporting allows you to reconcile your account, look-up an individual's credit card history with you, reduce time spent on chargebacks, or see when funds will be deposited into your account. This is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost. Our current merchants rave about our reporting and how it helps them streamline and control costs for their business.

And above all, we are playing an active role in making our community stronger by providing ongoing donations to charities and organizations that support civil rights.

I am a new merchant? How can Signature help me to start growing?

Due to our years of experience in assisting new businesses, we offer sensible advice about what to expect when you decide to start accepting credit cards. To help you grow from the start, we'll educate you on how to handle credits and chargebacks if you happen to find yourself with an unsatisfied customer. We'll set you up with access to our online reporting system that will help you save time and money for your business. In turn, Signature is here to help you understand how fast, easy and profitable it can be to accept credit cards.

I already have a merchant account. What can Signature offer me?

We offer complementary, obligation-free statement analysis. Based on the review of your current statement, if we can save you money, we will provide you with a quote. We give all our new clients a discount of 20% off their current credit card processing rates! If your current merchant account fees are competitive, at least you will have your peace of mind knowing that you are not overpaying for your merchant services.

Beyond our years of experience, dedication to customer service, and low rates, we offer our merchants a new free terminal, complementary online reporting and ongoing donations in their name to their favorite charity.

Why can't I just establish a Merchant Account through my current local bank?

You can. However, you'll probably discover that when it comes to smaller businesses, especially ones that are startups, home based or online, the vast majority of the banking establishment would prefer not to have these types of customers. They see too much risk involved. At Signature we are eager to help you and, more importantly, we are able to help you. We specialize in placing these types of smaller and non-traditional businesses with banks that will provide them with Merchant Accounts for credit card transaction processing. Plus, we help the community while helping you!

Will I have to open a separate business checking account for these funds?

Absolutely not. Using ACH, Signature can automatically deposit your funds into any existing business checking account at any U.S.-based bank. You just tell us where you want it.

How do I apply?

Complete the entire Signature application package and submit it with all of the collateral material requested. That's it. We'll complete the underwriting process and let you know as soon as you have been approved.

Is there an application fee?

No. We do not charge an application fee or set up fee. In fact, it will cost you ZERO to start processing credit cards with Signature Card Services. It even gets better as we offer a brand new credit card terminal to retail merchants absolutely free! And that’s not all- we will donate $250 to a charity of your choice when you sign up with us.

How long does it take to complete the application process and get going?

We offer a one-hour turnaround on most retail accounts. If you are an Internet/MOTO merchant, we'll let you know within 1-2 business days if you have been approved for a Merchant Account. As soon as you are approved, you can begin taking credit card payments.

Will it be a big problem if my credit rating is less than perfect?

It will be no problem at all. This is one of our specialties. We have been able to get all types of merchants with all sorts of credit problems, even bankruptcies, set up with Merchant Accounts — without ANY extra hassles, ridiculous stipulations and conditions, or fees.

What happens if my request for a Merchant Account is turned down?

We are able to place over 95% of the merchants who come to us seeking our services with an appropriate bank, and we will exhaust every option at our disposal to get your business placed with a Merchant Bank.

Once approved, what special software am I going need and how can I get it?

If you operate in a non-face-to-face environment, most likely you will need a software to work in conjunction with your merchant account. Signature Card Services will provide you with various choices of simple and affordable gateway options that are most suitable to your business.

Will I have to sign an expensive, long-term lease to get the necessary equipment?

NO! Let us re-emphasize that. NO! We offer a new terminal absolutely free!

Once I run a charge, how long does it take for the money to show up in my business checking account?

Generally, in one business day. If you are an Internet/MOTO merchant, no longer than 3 days.

What is a discount rate and how much will it cut into my sales?

Discount rates are based on the type of business you are operating, the principal's credit rating, and length of business. The discount rate is the combined fee the merchant bank/processor/credit card company charge for handling credit card transactions. The rate can be as low as 1.2%, but can exceed 4% for risky businesses.

What is a monthly minimum?

Great question! Monthly minimum is the minimum amount of fees that Signature Card Services will charge monthly if you don’t process any credit card transactions.

What are chargebacks and how will they affect my business?

A chargeback occurs when a consumer tells their credit card company that they did not authorize a purchase item appearing on their account statement. Chargebacks only affect your business when you don’t provide a response to the chargeback inquiry.

What if I'm uncertain about something or experiencing problems and need to speak with someone?

In your acceptance packet, we provide you with a toll-free customer service number you can call any time you need assistance.