Is your business new to card payments?

Before you can start to enjoy all of these great benefits, you will need to install the necessary card payment processing infrastructure. A merchant account is the first thing any business needs in order to take card payments. Using a merchant services account, businesses are able to accept payments from most of the major types of debit or credit card. Contrary to what you may think, opening a merchant account is also surprisingly easy.

To open an account you will need to provide information relating to your business including details of your expected card turnover, average transaction value and details regarding the goods or services you will be providing to your customers. In addition to this you will need to provide details relating to the ownership of your business and where it is located. If you plan to take payments through your website, you will also need to set up a payment gateway which can also be provided directly from UTP.

There is a wide range of reasons as to why independent businesses must embrace card payment terminals. Quite simply, the move could help to ensure that you broaden your customer base, attracting a new audience by simplifying the transaction process. And by welcoming card payments, you can help to boost impulse buying, thereby ensuring that consumers spend more money, more often.

What’s more, owing to the fact that card terminals mean less cash and cheques to deposit, you’re likely to incur fewer bank fees. And if you’re worried about security, then you needn’t be. Once the necessary infrastructure is in place, you can receive authorisation that funds from card transactions are being sent directly to your bank account.

There are two types of costs involved with using a merchant account. Firstly there will be a charge for the rental of the card payment machine which will be fully inclusive of any costs relating to the support and maintenance of the equipment. Secondly you will be required to pay transaction charges relating to the actual card transactions processed on the terminal (or via your website). These charges will depend both on the type of card processed and the nature of business which you are running.

Rest assured that in relation to the above charges, our team will work with you to select the most appropriate and cost effective solution for your needs.

Card processing is highly versatile these days and it’s possible to accept card payments in-store, online, over the phone and on the move.

Credit card machines are used by millions of businesses around the world to process card payments in-store, with most retailers and restaurants installing these easy to use terminals next to their tills or cash registers. Another popular type of card machine is the portable card machine. This features Bluetooth or wireless technology which allows the unit to be used anywhere on your business premises. Mobile card machine, meanwhile, are perfect for businesses that need to take payments on the move. Thanks to cutting-edge GPRS technology, they are able to process transactions immediately from anywhere in the UK that has good phone coverage.

Alternatively, a virtual terminal is the perfect solution if you receive orders via telephone, fax or mail order.

The funds relating to transactions processed will be batched on a daily basis and will be settled directly into your business bank account within two to three working days after the transaction is processed. Alternatively, take a look at our same day funding options.