How to Prepare your Website for a Merchant Account Approval

The eCommerce industry is growing rapidly, and accepting credit card payments is crucial for success. This guide outlines the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a high-risk merchant account for your eCommerce site.

Website Compliance Checklist

Requirements:

• Showcase the Name of your Business (DBA)
• List your Products or Services with prices and descriptions
• Display your Return, Refund, and/or Cancellation Policy
• Secure your Website's Order Page

Recommendations:

• Ensure customers know your Country of Permanent Establishment
• Show your Customer Service Address (no P.O. boxes)
• Post your Customer Service Phone # or Email Address
• State your Privacy Policy and make it easily accessible
• Advise customers of Delivery Method and Timing
• Illustrate your Card Brand Acceptance Marks

Detailed Requirements

1. Showcase the Name of Your Business (DBA)

• Clearly post your business name on the site
• Ensure the name closely matches the DBA listed on your application

2. List Your Products or Services with Prices and Descriptions

• Provide clear descriptions of products and services
• Display pricing with currency marks
• Ensure full transparency

3. Display Your Return, Refund, and/or Cancellation Policy

Options:

• Show the full policy near the checkout/submit button
• Allow customers to manually accept the policy at checkout

Note: Failure to display this policy properly could affect chargeback disputes.

4. Secure Your Website Order Page

• Ensure the payment information page is secure and encrypted

5. Include Your Country of Permanent Establishment

• Display this information before checkout (footer is ideal)

6. Show Your Customer Service Contact Information

• Include address (no P.O. Boxes), email address, or phone number
• Make this information easily accessible

7. State Your Privacy Policy

• Make the policy accessible and fully displayed on your website

8. Advise Customers of Delivery Method and Timing

• Clearly state shipping methods and estimated delivery times
• Keep customers informed about shipment status and delays

Importance of Compliance

Adhering to these requirements is crucial for:

• Maintaining your high-risk merchant account
• Reducing chargebacks and customer complaints
• Ensuring payment processing success
• Demonstrating legitimacy to merchant account providers

Remember, failure to comply with these requirements may result in the deactivation of your payment processing capabilities.