Master Merchant

Master Merchant

Master Merchant contracts help online merchants who do not receive a credit card acceptance contract. Companies with a Master Merchant contract enter into subcontracts with smaller online stores, Internet service providers or other individuals who are not normally accepted as merchants by credit card companies, enabling them to implement debit and credit card payment in their web store or for their online service.

Credit card payment possible for any web store

The regulations for a credit card acceptance contract are extremely rigid and are not fulfilled by all interested parties. Especially for newly founded companies or smaller sole proprietorships, it is difficult to meet the high requirements of the acquirers acting on behalf of the credit card companies. Nevertheless, even online merchants with low turnover do not have to do without the credit card payment option in their offer. Through certain providers, also known as master merchants, even small service providers can offer various forms of payment for their customers.

Interface between acquirer and online merchant

Master merchants are, so to speak, the link between acquirers and online merchants. They have a master merchant contract with an acquirer. Master merchants can offer subcontracts to online merchants and content providers and thus realize the offer of credit card payment for every online store. They handle all the payment transactions that occur via credit and debit cards for the web store.

Frequently shorter contract terms than a credit card acceptance contract

These providers can usually offer much shorter contract terms (12 months). This allows web store operators to test whether the credit card payment option is actually used by their customers or whether customers prefer other forms of payment. In contrast, credit card acceptance contracts with acquirers usually bind online merchants for longer. They also help merchants find the best rates and services from acquirers as their monthly transaction volume grows.
Master merchants don’t just handle all the payment processes. They can also help their customers meet all the requirements for a credit card acceptance agreement and comply with the strict Visa and Mastercard standards.

Help on the way for your own credit card acceptance contract

Master merchants don’t just handle all the payment processes. They can also help their customers meet all the requirements for a credit card acceptance agreement and comply with the strict Visa and Mastercard standards.