--- title: How to Start Accepting Credit Cards description: Ensure a successful start to accepting credit cards by following these four steps. image: https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/accepting-credit-cards.svg --- [tel:1-800-601-0230](tel:1-800-601-0230) 800-601-0230 - Features - Solutions - Developers - [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) - Resources [See a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/tour-payjunction) Features - EXPLORE PRODUCTS [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) - ACCEPT PAYMENTS [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH Electronic Checks](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - EXPLORE CAPABILITIES [Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integration Marketplace](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Remote Signature](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) Solutions - [Veterinary Streamline payment workflows and get paid faster with up-front deposits and payment schedules for high-cost procedures. Get time back and spend it with furry patients.](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) - [Dental Simplify patient payments with multiple means of collection at your dental practice. Meet patient expectations and elevate the payment experience.](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) - [Auto Dealer Manage dealership payments by department, brand and location. Get automated reports for simplified end-of-day close and save on processing fees.](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) Developers - [API Documentation See how to embed omnichannel payment features into your software, using your choice of our intuitive integration methods.](https://developer.payjunction.com/) - [Developer Experience Explore the developer journey and learn how our full-service partnership model helps you maximize merchant payment adoption rates.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) - [No-code Payments Integration® Rapidly integrate payment acceptance features into any SaaS application in minutes using our easy-to-use Chrome browser extension.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) - [Integration Marketplace Check out our growing marketplace of integrated solution partners that streamline payment acceptance and help businesses automate and scale.](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) Resources - [About Us Learn how our people-first culture at PayJunction helps us earn widespread recognition and awards.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) - [Careers Join us in our pursuit to deliver exceptional experiences to customers and partners.](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) - [Support Get helpful information about how to use features, troubleshoot problems and contact us.](https://support.payjunction.com/) - [Blog Gain useful insights into payment industry trends and PayJunction solutions.](https://blog.payjunction.com/) - [Guides Up your payment processing knowledge with our in-depth eBooks and White Papers.](https://guides.payjunction.com/) - [Tutorials Read articles and watch videos about how to use valuable features on the PayJunction platform.](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/pj-university) # How to Start Accepting Credit Cards ![How to Start Accepting Credit Cards](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/accepting-credit-cards.svg) [![Picture of Ursula Librizzi](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ursula_Librizzi.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=Ursula_Librizzi.jpg) Ursula Librizzi](https://blog.payjunction.com/author/ursula-librizzi) 11/29/2018 Becoming a business that accepts credit cards is a process. Both before and after the application there are certain steps that we strongly advise you to take. Follow the steps below to start accepting credit cards at your business and be successful from the get-go. 1. ## Research Your Options You wouldn’t apply for a bank loan without thoroughly researching your options, right? The same should go for accepting credit cards. You need access to a [merchant account](https://blog.payjunction.com/merchant-account/) to process credit and debit transactions, and like most service industries, there are an overwhelming number of options to choose from. To cut through the chaos, consider the [size of your business](https://blog.payjunction.com/merchant-service-provider/) and your plans for its future. Depending on where your business is now and where you see it going, there are certain pricing plans, features and equipment to look for as you research providers. Once you narrow your research pool to a few options, it’s time to request demos and gain current customer insights. Do your homework before the demos to prepare yourself with questions. This will ensure you have a meaningful conversation with each provider’s representative. After a demo, a provider will typically offer a pricing proposal. ## Payment Processing Demo Schedule 15 minutes with a payments expert Get a customized PayJunction product walk-through Understand requirements and pricing Determine your SAVINGS! GET DEMO NOW 2. ## Apply You’ve done an in-depth review of your options and have narrowed them down to your first pick, congratulations! Now it’s time to apply for a merchant account. Depending on your business, you may have opted for a quicker solution with a [Payment Facilitator](https://blog.payjunction.com/payment-facilitator-definition/) (think Square or PayPal). With this type of provider, no actual application is required; it’s a relatively fast set up. However, with a traditional Merchant Service Provider, you must apply and go through an underwriting process. [Applying for a merchant account](https://blog.payjunction.com/merchant-account-setup/) usually consists of a formal application, a void check (for the depository bank account) and certain supporting documents depending on your business type and anticipated processing volumes. The entire process typically takes two to five days from submission of paperwork to approval. 3. ## Choose Your Equipment Depending on the provider you select, you may choose your equipment during or after the application process. One absolute for your [credit card reader](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-terminal-guide/) is EMV capability. Chip-enabled credit cards are the new norm, and without an EMV-capable reader, you’ll put your business at risk for fraud and [bank-initiated chargebacks](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-chargeback-banks/). Though NFC isn’t as widely adopted as EMV, its adoption increases every year. Opting for equipment that stays up-to-date with consumer trends is a smart move for your business. If your future plans include the need for payments on-the-go, consider mobile card readers during your application or set-up process. It’s important to opt for a mobile card reader that is, at least, EMV capable. If it’s also NFC capable, that’s a plus. 4. ## Set Up Additional Features You’ve been approved, you’ve chosen your equipment and have started processing. Now that you’ve had some time to get used to your credit card processing service, it’s time to set up additional features. Are you looking to test online sales? Hosted payments is a great way to integrate payments to your website (sometimes with no extra cost). If you find online sales is a viable sales medium for your business, you can upgrade to an integrated shopping cart. Explore the additional, no-cost features your new provider offers to see how you can streamline your business in new ways. Tools like recurring payments and securely stored cards on file can decrease time spent running transactions and increase customer satisfaction. ## Learn how to maximize your payment solution. [![READ ABOUT PCI COMPLIANCE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/635739/aa54da3f-e3c7-4487-bd5e-700d3e931656.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/635739/aa54da3f-e3c7-4487-bd5e-700d3e931656) Are you looking to start accepting credit cards? Ask us any questions you may have in the comments section below. [Business Tips](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/business-tips) --- ##### [![10 E-Commerce Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Product](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/e-commerce-mistakes-to-avoid.svg) 10 E-Commerce Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Product](https://blog.payjunction.com/e-commerce-mistakes-to-avoid) ##### [![6 Information-Security Risks to Know About as You Prepare for 2019](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/information-security-risks.svg) 6 Information-Security Risks to Know About as You Prepare for 2019](https://blog.payjunction.com/information-security-risks) ###### About Author ![Picture of Ursula Librizzi](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ursula_Librizzi.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Ursula_Librizzi.jpg) ### Ursula Librizzi Ursula is the sales and marketing operations manager for PayJunction. She oversees daily marketing tasks and liaises between the sales and marketing departments. ###### Related Posts ## [![What Is EMV Credit Card Processing?](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/emv-credit-card-processing.svg) What Is EMV Credit Card Processing? EMV credit card processing entails a series of steps to authenticate a payment by ‘dipping’ or ‘inserting’ an EMV-chip card. To correctly process an EMV credit card, a level-3 EMV certified card reader is required.](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-credit-card-processing) ## [![The Future of Card Readers](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/card-readers-future.svg) The Future of Card Readers Not long ago, businesses were processing credit cards with a carbon copy imprinter. Since then, the payment processing industry has taken major strides in advancing its technology, and it’s only changing quicker these days.](https://blog.payjunction.com/card-readers-future) ## [![Credit Card Readers: 6 Things to Avoid](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/credit-card-readers.svg) Credit Card Readers: 6 Things to Avoid If there’s one thing to take away from this post, it’s that all credit card reader are not made equally. Despite looking similar, they vary greatly in features, business benefits and cost.](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-readers) ## Meet a Payment System You’ll Love - ###### FEATURES [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) - [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) [Remote Signatures](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) - ###### RESOURCES [Product Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Blog](https://blog.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Support](https://support.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) - [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) - ###### RESOURCES [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) ##### 800-601-0230 SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER  Become a better advocate for your business. Get Email Updates GO Thank you for subscribing! PayJunction is a Level 1 PCI Compliant Provider. PayJunction is a registered ISO of PNC Bank, N.A., Pittsburgh, PA. © 2026 PayJunction. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://support.payjunction.com/hc/en-us/articles/211053648) and [Terms of Use](https://support.payjunction.com/hc/en-us/articles/211053628). ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Ursula Librizzi" }, "dateModified" : "2023-03-13", "datePublished" : "2018-11-29", "description" : "Ensure a successful start to accepting credit cards by following these four steps.", "headline" : "How to Start Accepting Credit Cards", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/635739/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/accepting-credit-cards.svg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://blog.payjunction.com/accepting-credit-cards", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/635739/logo-400px.png" }, "name" : "PayJunction" } } ```