By Kyle Hall
2 min read
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.