--- title: What Is ISO Credit Card Processing? description: ISOs are independent sales organizations. Learn how to obtain a merchant account when partnered with an ISO. image: https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/iso-credit-card-processing.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. 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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) # What Is ISO Credit Card Processing? ![What Is ISO Credit Card Processing?](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/iso-credit-card-processing.svg) [![Picture of Christina Lavingia](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg) Christina Lavingia](https://blog.payjunction.com/author/christina-lavingia) 11/20/2018 Independent sales organizations (ISOs) are companies that manage the sales and marketing of credit card processing products and services. Unlike [Payment Facilitators](https://blog.payjunction.com/payment-facilitator-definition/), which provide one shared merchant account to all of their customers, ISOs underwrite each business they work with to provide them with an individual merchant account. ISOs are synonymous with [Merchant Service Providers](https://blog.payjunction.com/merchant-service-provider-essentials/). There are two additional types of ISOs: registered and super ISOs. Registered ISOs are allowed to use their own logos and marks on merchant agreements and are required to note their acquiring banks on their websites. In contrast, super ISOs have a direct agreement with a member acquiring bank and may have sub-ISOs nested beneath them. ## 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 ## Benefits of ISO Credit Card Processing Because ISOs individually underwrite each of their merchants, they’re able to provide various rate plans. This setup is beneficial for larger businesses that process high credit card volume because the alternatives provided by Payment Facilitators are [not cost-effective](https://blog.payjunction.com/interchange-plus-pricing-flat/). Payment Facilitators typically offer Flat-rate pricing. While simple to understand, this plan charges one high rate for every transaction to cover all price points. This plan prevents businesses from paying the true cost of each transaction and saving money on low- and medium-risk transactions. Additionally, because their financial risk is assessed up front, these businesses don’t face the risk of [held funds](https://blog.payjunction.com/paypal-holding-funds/) — the practice of freezing a high-ticket transaction in the event that the transaction is fraudulent. Businesses that experience held funds suffer from delayed cash flow, which can complicate bookkeeping and make sustaining and growing their businesses challenging. The [process](https://blog.payjunction.com/merchant-account-setup/) of being underwritten typically requires an application, a voided check, current merchant statements or proof of legitimacy, processing volume estimates, and financial history information. While there’s more work involved, the perks of partnering with an ISO are evident in the lower processing costs and faster access to funds. Additionally, ISOs typically offer a more boutique customer service experience, ensuring that your needs are met and your questions are answered in a timely and easy manner. ## When Should You Partner With an ISO? Brand-new businesses that lack an established financial history may not qualify for ISO credit card processing. In these cases, opting for a Payment Facilitator is the best choice. Setup is fast and the higher credit card fees are less of a concern for low-processing companies. Once you have an established business location, client base and strong financial history, you can start looking for ways to save money. Switching to ISO credit card processing allows for cost-effective Tiered or Interchange-plus plans and heightened support — benefits that matter most when you’re established and looking to grow. Because the best fit for your business will change as you grow, we recommend avoiding unethical long-term contracts, especially ones that [auto-renew](https://blog.payjunction.com/contract-terms-unethical-billing/). It can be challenging to cancel within the allowed window of time, which can make it harder to justify making the switch to a better-fit provider. If you find yourself in this position, there’s still hope. Some providers will match or beat your existing rates, allowing for a smooth transition from one provider to another. You can simply use the ISO’s credit card processing services alongside your current provider to test their system and break even over time. ## Want to learn more about ISO credit card processing? [![READ OUR GUIDE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/635739/9b052fab-f309-4c81-b223-7294f6710c57.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/635739/9b052fab-f309-4c81-b223-7294f6710c57) Where is your business in its development? We’d love to provide answers to any questions you have. [Merchant Account](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/merchant-account) [Questions and Answers](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/questions-and-answers) [Credit Card Processing](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/credit-card-processing) --- ##### [![5 Benefits of Signature Capture](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/signature-capture.svg) 5 Benefits of Signature Capture](https://blog.payjunction.com/signature-capture) ##### [![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) ###### About Author ![Picture of Christina Lavingia](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg) ### Christina Lavingia Christina Lavingia delights in crafting content that helps business owners fight fraud, reduce risk and process payments with ease. ###### Related Posts ## [![ONTRAPORT Integrations: Affordable Payment Processing via PayJunction](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/ontraport-integrations-payjunction.svg) ONTRAPORT Integrations: Affordable Payment Processing via PayJunction As your business develops, it’s natural to add on an e-commerce component or a marketing team to grow your reach and brand awareness. Even as a curious business owner, you might be wondering who your ideal customer is, what your customer journey looks like and how interested buyers are finding your product or services. When your business reaches this apex, it’s wise to consider your options for marketing automation software.](https://blog.payjunction.com/ontraport-integrations-payjunction) ## [![eCommerce Merchant Account: 6 Key Tips for Choosing](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/ecommerce-merchant-account.svg) eCommerce Merchant Account: 6 Key Tips for Choosing Ecommerce presents exciting opportunities for business owners: to better meet the needs of existing customers, to tap into new markets and to grow the value of individual transactions over brick-and-mortar purchases.](https://blog.payjunction.com/ecommerce-merchant-account) ## [![What Is a Monthly Minimum Fee?](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/monthly-minimum-fee.svg) What Is a Monthly Minimum Fee? It’s said there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and the adage definitely holds true for the payments space. Whenever a service is rendered, it generally comes at a cost, which is why Merchant Account Providers charge monthly minimum fees.](https://blog.payjunction.com/monthly-minimum-fee) ## 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. 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