Okay we all know that accepting credit cards for your business is very vital, as you offer more to your consumer in payment options. But there are many companies that provide this service and they differ in their rates. I would like to know which companies you use to offer this service for your business and your experiences with them thus far. Also, your opinions of the best companis out there that offer this service.

You should check out merchantservicesinc on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Exclusive-Low-Ra...QQcmdZViewItem

I've used them for a few of my customers and they seem to be the real deal. Their rates are the lowest I could find and setup was quick and easy. Their feedback is 100% positive which, considering they are selling merchant accounts, that's got to be a good sign.

Be sure to ask what the rates are for Visa Rewards cards, MC World, and all commercial and corporate cards. Ask about batch fees and annual fees. Don't sign a term agreement unless you absolutely have to do it.

There are too many resources out there for you to end up with "hidden fees". Be sure to investigate and find the right processor for you and not the right one for your neighbor.

Good Luck!!!!!

I use LoudCommerce for my merchant account processing needs and the LinkPoint Gateway for the electronic payment gateway.

I use processing through my local bank that I use for my business accounts. They charge a flat rate of 2.54 percent for all MC and Visa. Most of the other processors call soliciting business and ask about rate, and then they say, "Well, I can get you 1.69 percent! You should sign up now!"

Of course, they don't tell you about the 25 cent per transaction fee, $10 monthly statement fee, your non-swiped transaction rate is up to 3 percent, and whatever batch fee... with most of these, when I have run my numbers, it is almost equal to my local bank. BTW, my bank includes all supplies.

On a large transaction, I may save with one of the discount people, but for most transactions under $60, it is a wash. When I couple that in to the local service from my local bank, it really is not worth it to switch.

Of course, this is for in person credit card sales. I do not sell over the web, so I don't know what to use for that.

1.69% is usually for those brick and mortar accounts as well. And then of course you see sites that say 1.33% etc and once you read the fine print, it is for those debit accounts etc.

Ask questions - especially on the message boards and then you will know what to ask when you talk to a couple of people.

Network 1 Financial and Usight Gateway.

Seamless and no problems with either.

In Europe the cheapest merchant accounts are those that you obtain directly from your local bank. The third party merchant account providers are more expensive as they charge higher transaction fees.