It is extremely important that you obtain the correct information from your processing network or merchant account provider. Otherwise, your account will not function properly.
Note: Your bank may not have the information you need. You may need to contact your processing network directly.
What is a credit card processing network?
The bank or agency that helped you establish your credit card merchant account doesn't actually process your credit card transactions. The transactions are processed by a separate company called a credit card processing network.
How do I find out who my credit card processing network is?
Contact the representative who helped you establish your credit card merchant account.
I already have a "terminal" on my desk that I use for credit card transactions. Do I just need to give you information from this?
No. You MUST contact your processing network and you MUST tell them that you are setting up credit card processing software in addition to your terminal. If you do have a "terminal" such as a TRANS 330 machine, your processing network must know that you will be using software in addition to your "terminal." In most cases they will need to set up an additional terminal ID for your software setup.
If you DO have credit card processing software, your processing network must assign new IDs for your software setup. Depending on the processing network, these could include the store number, terminal ID, terminal type, and so forth.
I called my bank/merchant account provider but they didn't have the information I need. What do I do now?
Someone at your bank/merchant account provider should at least know who your processing network is. You may have to ask to speak with someone who is familiar with credit card processing software. Don't give up. If they setup your credit card merchant account, they MUST know.
My bank/merchant account provider insists that I need software and/or hardware before I can accept transactions online.
The person who told you this has been misinformed. You only need a merchant account. We will take care of everything else.
VISANET is my processing network. What is the "store number" and the "Terminal ID?"
These are the MOST IMPORTANT pieces of information that you give to us. The Terminal ID is also referred to as your V Number. If we receive an incorrect Store Number or V Number, you may be able to accept transactions, but we won't be able to settle the daily batches. This means that the funds from the transactions will not appear in your account. Please verify that you have the correct Store Number and V Number before submitting your information.
One other note about the Store Number and V Number. If you have a TRANS 330, or other credit card processing software, VISANET must assign you a new Store Number and V Number for software use. If they do not, your batches will not close and funds will not be deposited into your account.
Can you obtain my processing network information for me?
Your processing network will not release the necessary information to anyone but you.
What is a "Terminal Type" or "Terminal ID?"
This is NOT referring to a piece of hardware. This is generally referring to a merchant type.
