Credit Cards, Merchant Credit Card, Merchant Services
authorizenet, credit card, credit cards, credit card processing, accept credit cards, ecommerce, e-commerce, merchant ecommerce, merchant account, merchant accounts, merchant credit card, merchant credit cards, merchant credit card account, merchant credit card accounts, online payments, online transactions, electronic commerce, PCAuthorize, MacAuthorize,
PC Authorize, Mac Authorize, Signio, Verisign
Credit Card Accounts, accept credit cards, U.S., non U.S., international merchants, can accept credit cards. Secure order processing and payment solutions. Credit card transaction software and hardware. Automated transaction services. Accept credit card payments on-line.
Accepting Credit Cards - FAQ
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  • I DON'T HAVE TIME to Read!
    • JUMP TO 2.11% Internet Merchant Trans. Rate: Establishing a Merchant Credit Card Account
    JUMP TO ShopFactory Shopping Cart Software with FREE Secure SSL Service for your online credit card ordertaking.
    JUMP TO AuthorizeNet Real Time Online Credit Card Processing Service at $20 per month flat with NO Transaction Fees
    1. What is a Merchant Credit Card Account?
    2. Name every single thing I need to accept credit cards?
    3. Where do I get a Merchant Credit Card Account?

      4. SEE RATES & FEES: Author's Recommendation.
    4. Who's Who? And Who What Where is my Bank?
    5. What is Terminal Hardware and Software?
    6. What type of Terminal Hardware/Software do I need?
    7. Should I Lease or Buy the Terminal products .... And where?
    8. The Application or Setup Fee is reasonable but only if I buy the transaction software from them.
    9. What prices, terms and conditions should I look for in a Merchant Application?
    10. What about Secured Credit Card Transactions?
    11. What about Netscape Commerce Server security?
    12. Is a Merchant Liable for Credit Card Info Stolen Online?

      13. Q&A #s 13-30 relate to ICVerify, PCAuthorize, and MacAuthorize,
      and automated online real time credit card processing services VerisignSignio and AuthorizeNet.
    13. ....
    14. What about CyberCash vs. Transaction Software (e.g. PCAuthorize) vs. VerisignSignio and AuthorizeNet?
    15. What is IC Verify (DOS/winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software?
    16. Is IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize) Software all I need to process credit card sales?
    17. What extra step is required to setup a shortcut icon for IC Verify in Windows 95?
    18. Can IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) run in Windows 3.x? Win95? NT? What about UNIX and other systems?
    19. Which Credit Cards will IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) work with?
    20. Are there any extra fees, dial-up toll charges, or "hidden costs" associated with IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac)?
    21. How long will IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) take to process a credit card?
    22. Will IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) work with my Bank Processing Network? Can I see a list?
    23. How does IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) work with my existing Point of Sale software?
    24. ....
    25. ....

      26. Q&A #s 26-27 relate to the use of Transaction Software by Non U.S., Canadian, Overseas, or International Merchants.
      Keywords: Europe, Britain, England, Africa, Asia, Australia, Scandanavia, Russia.
    26. Can the transaction software be used by Non U.S., Overseas, or International Merchants?

      27. Or Can Non-U.S. Merchants Easily Qualify to Accept Credit Cards on the Internet?
    27. Oh Canada!....Hey, what about us up here?
    28. Can multiple merchants be setup on one IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) software program?
    29. Can recurring transactions (e.g. daily, monthly) be billed automatically?

    30. How do I setup a Merchant Credit Card Account? GOTO Three Smart Steps...
    31. ....

    32. Casino Gaming, Games, Gambling: Can Credit Cards be Accepted?
    1. What is a Merchant Credit Card Account?
    A Merchant Credit Card Account is a commercial bank account established to enable a merchant to accept credit cards from customers. The key players typically involved in "accepting" a credit card are:

    the merchant, the merchant bank, the credit card company, and the card processor network which has the task of actually "processing" the credit card transaction data.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    2. Name every single thing I need to accept credit cards?
    You will need a computer, a modem, and one of the following software products:IC Verify or PCAuthorize or MacAuthorize Software, which will allow you to transmit credit card sales through your modem to the Bank, and, of course you'll have to establish a Merchant Bankcard Account (merchant bankcard applications available at this website).
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    3. Where do I get a Merchant Credit Card Account?
    Getting a fair and competitively priced Merchant Account is by no means a simple task. Many of us would assume that the path to our own local bank is surely the path to take in pursuit of a fairly priced Merchant Account. However, such is clearly not always the case! In fact, the path to getting a Merchant Credit Card Account, for the uninformed, is better named not a path but an alley, and a dark alley at that. 
    Author's Recommendation:

    Look to the author's own recommendation of a Merchant Credit Card Service. It is offered in direct response to the ever-increasing e-mail received requesting such a recommendation. You can be sure that this author's recommendation for a Merchant Credit Card Service has been determined only after a thorough review of the industry which included personal interviews with responsible upper management individuals from all the major merchant credit card service companies.

    Click Here for RATES & FEES: Author's Recommendation

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    4. Who's Who? And Who What Where is my Bank?
    The Merchant Credit Card Industry is best thought of as the proverbial riddle within a riddle enshrouded by an enigma and, as if that wasn't enough, all of that then entangled in the web of the Internet.

    One must dig deep beneath the surface, removing layer upon layer, to ultimately reveal its true structure. Let me attempt an explanation by listing the number of players involved in the Merchant Credit Card Account arrangement.

    You would guess that only two players exist: the Merchant and the Bank. Well, that would be a close guess but you could be off by at least an additional two players bringing the actual playing field to four. Of course, your typical Merchant Game will sport a field of as many as six players. So, how did we catapult from the expected two players (the Merchant and the Bank) all the way up to a six count? O.K. Here we go. Let me tell you a little story. Now, you take the role of the Merchant in this story.

    You're boppin' along one day on the Net and the thought comes to you "Hey, I really should look into accepting credit cards from customers." O.K. So, maybe you figure you gotta go to your local bank and they'll set it all up for you. That would be pretty good figuring on your part. It makes sense, right? You want to accept credit cards. That means money. Banks deal in money.

    Well, even though it seemed like a good idea and all, what you just might have managed to do in that one quick trip or phone call it took to talk to your bank was yank in players number two and three into the Merchant Credit Card Game. And hey, you haven't even come close yet to lining up the real Bank that can process your credit card sales.

    So, in contacting your local bank, you might have allowed your bank in turn to contact a broker, the second broker to join your team of players. That's right. Don't forget now that it was you who initiated contact with the first broker, your bank.

    O.K. Now, just who is this second broker that your local bank brought out onto the field? This player is called an ISO. Sounds pretty impressive, eh? Well, in fact, ISO is just a fancy name for broker...(I)ndependent (S)ervice (O)rganization. There's a two-dollar name for ya.

    O.K. Let me try to pick up the pace here. Up till now you haven't done all that well in setting up your credit card account. But, take heart. You could have done worse. That's right. Your local bank could have referred you to that ISO alright, but not quite directly to the ISO. Yep, you could have been referred to an agent of that ISO, and then you'd be up to a four-man game. And, still no sight of the real Bank.

    Boy, four players and at least one more, possibly two more players before you've completed the circuit and can actually begin the process of obtaining your Merchant Credit Card Account. You know that this little family of brokers that you've put together represents a whole lot of hungry mouths to feed.

    But, of course, your local bank didn't refer you to an agent of the ISO. So, your player count is only at three with one to two more yet to join. However, for the sake of portraying just how badly you could have done in setting up your merchant account, let's go ahead and say that you were referred by your local bank to the agent of the ISO.

    O.K. now this agent of the ISO takes your application, and if you're real lucky, this agent isn't a ripoff link in the chain leading to your real Bank. Ah, but odds are you're being pretty much overcharged on app fees, setup fees, transaction rates, and especially on any terminal software (IC Verify, PCAuthorize, or MacAuthorize) or hardware.

    So, what's done is done. Too late to take back your application and start anew. Right about now though, you might be wondering just what's up with the ISO and where's my real Bank.

    The ISO has turned your application over to the real Bank. This means the ISO's job of getting customers (merchants) for the real Bank is done. The ISO is pretty much out of the picture now unless of course he managed to persuade you to lease terminal software or hardware at an outrageous monthly fee. This would give the ISO reason enough to stick around....collecting the rents.

    Of course had you known that you can outright purchase and own IC Verify (PCAuthorize, or MacAuthorize) Software right here at ... reco.html...you could have avoided any such terminal software or hardware leases.

    Anyway, your application is in. You figure you're done. No more players to add to the team now. Oh, but there is still another player to acknowledge. That's right. It's the Bank Card Processor. That's the outfit that pushes all the pencils and paper. It's the data processor. Hey, in this overcrowded playing field of six, count 'em six, someone's gotta do the actual work of credit card processing.

    And, there you have it. The loop is closed. The circle's complete. And, to think, it took six players including yourself. What do you figure the cost of operating this oversized six-man team will be? Ahh, you don't wanna know.

    And, that's the end of the story of the merchant and the credit card account. Need I bother to say whether or not the merchant lived happily ever after?

    Summary:...............................

    The major players in the Merchant Credit Card Game are most commonly:
    The Merchant, the ISO (Independent Service Organization), the Card Processor, and the Bank.

    The real Bank which can handle your credit card transactions is rarely if ever your local bank. Nonetheless, your local bank will happily accept your Merchant Credit Card Application. However, your application is most likely simply being brokered out to an ISO, or worse to an agent of the ISO. This is because the ISO, itself, can have agents acting as brokers within its own organization. Classic examples of the counterproductive Bank/ISO/ISO Agent arrangement abound on the Internet.

    The ISO, in most cases, is the closest you will be able to get to the credit card Bank. Most Bank's attitude on the matter goes something like this:

    "Bring me the head of Joe Vallaci!"

    Oh no, sorry, that's wrong. I'm obviously getting two very similar business organizations mixed up. The quote I was looking for describing the Bank's position in the Merchant Credit Card Game goes more like this:

    "Let the ISOs do the selling. Let them bring the merchants to me".

    ----------------------------------------------------
    Although the ISO, the Card Processor, and the Bank are usually three separate entities, various combinations or alignments involving these major players can occur.

    The alignment of choice for any merchant seeking a credit card account would be that in which the real Bank deals directly with applicants thereby eliminating the usually costly ISO. After months of research I am proud to announce that such an ideal situation does exist. See author's recommendation for details.

    It is my belief that with the passage of time we shall see the Banks and their associated ISOs if any, assuming a fairer much more competitive role within the Internet.
    ----------------------------------------------------

    Click for Author's Recommendation.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    5. What is Terminal Hardware and Software?
    Terminal Hardware and Software refers to those items which will enable you to transmit the credit card sales information to your Processor/Bank. The actual communication is done over telephone lines.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    6. What type of Terminal Hardware/Software do I need?

    Hardware devices such as credit card swiping machines requiring dedicated phone lines, have essentially been bumped into obsolescence by the introduction of IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software which now permits credit cards to be processed by computer modem thereby totally eliminating, in most merchant applications, the need for any of the hardware swiping devices of the past. And, for those merchants with customers at their site, remarkably inexpensive Computer Keyboard Add-On Card Swiping Devices are available.
    SEE Software & Add-On Cardreaders

    The IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software system allows cards to be processed in the following ways:

  • manual entry - using the computer keyboard.
  • cardswiping entry - using a keyboard with a built-in or attached cardswipe slot.

    • and
  • fully automated processing - from point of sale on through to bank settlement.

    • So, in answer to the question whether you need hardware or software for your terminal, it is likely all you will ever need is the IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software. However, some merchant applications might still justify the use of a cardswiping hardware device. For instance, the processing of cards might be required at a site away from a computer. However, one finds it difficult to imagine such a computerless site existing anywhere anymore.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    7. Should I Lease or Buy the Terminal products .... And where?

    ....the days of old when telephones had to be leased....

    No contest as to the issue of Buy or Lease especially when one considers the distressing fact that the Merchant Service industry is littered with used car salesmen. Stay away from the Lease pitch. And, stay away from the Buy pitch. In fact, when it comes to deciding on Terminal products it would probably be wise to stay away from your Merchant Credit Card Application source entirely. I am reminded of the days of old when telephones had to be leased from good old AT&T. Same scenario applies. Would you, today, even consider leasing a telephone? Whether it be hardware or software that you desire, both are products wholly independent from where you apply for your Merchant Credit Card Account. And, although your Merchant Application source might offer these Terminal items for sale or lease, you would be much better served to SHOP elsewhere for any such Terminal Hardware or Software.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    8. The Application or Setup Fee is reasonable but only if I buy transaction software from them.
    In this scenario, the applicant is being unfairly penalized when the merchant service offers its software (hardware) at highly inflated prices with the stipulation that the applicant cannot purchase the software (hardware) elsewhere without incurring a costly penalty. Certainly it can be understood by the applicant that the sale of terminal products is a main source of revenue for the merchant credit card service. However, it should also be understood by the merchant service company that such terminal products should be offered at fair market prices. Beware the merchant service that attempts to obligate you to highly inflated software (hardware) prices.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    9. What prices, terms and conditions should I look for in a Merchant Application?
    Look for the following prices, terms and conditions.
  • Transaction Software at fair market prices: $349.
  • Application Approval Time within 2 weeks
  • Address Verification Service
  • Minimal Monthly Statement Fee.
  • NO Modem Dial-up Charges (Toll-Free Card Processing)
  • NO Charge for Refunds or Credits.
  • $35 or less, Minimum Monthly Transaction Charge.
  • Avoid being Overcharged for Terminal Hardware/Software.
    • Avoid Renting Terminal Hardware/Software as part of the package.
    You can Purchase Terminal Hardware/Software instead.
    If you have a computer & modem, IC Verify, (PCAuthorize, or MacAuthorize) Software is all you need.
    And if you need to swipe cards, IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) offers a solution.
  • Don't get locked into their proprietary other software systems offered.
    • If you change card processors in the future, that proprietary software will be useless.
  • IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software, accepted by 99% of all merchant banks, are industry standards.

    • Remember, it is imperative you choose a sound financial institution. There are far too many risks involved in the credit card industry for you to be gambling with the security of your hard earned sales revenue. Consider the following:

  • Credit Card Fraud, obviously, is a very costly reality.
  • Bankruptcy is yet another liability of the industry.

    • And
  • Merchant Credit Card Service Mismanagement poses a real threat:
    • Accepting an Inordinate Number of Non-producing Merchant Accounts.
    Assigning Low Ineffectual Transaction Rates while Accepting High Risk Merchants.

    The possibility of credit card service mismanagement might seem, at first, somewhat of an unrelated concern for the individual merchant or applicant. However, this type of mismanagement, generating a zero or negative return, can seriously impact the economic stability of all parties concerned: the Bank, the Card Processor, the ISO, and ultimately the Merchant who runs the risk of losing and having to replace his credit card service company.

    In fact, the merchant credit card service industry is more likely to see an increase in the probability of such mismanagement in the near future rather than a decrease. This is attributed to the current phenomenon of highly competitive and potentially self-destructive price and rate cutting practices observed among some of the major players in the industry.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    10. What about Secured Credit Card Transactions?
    Credit card information, or any data, sent directly over the Internet is considered to be at risk and not secured if that information has not been encoded or encrypted prior to transmission.

    Any serious discussion of Secured Credit Card Transactions must address two major periods during which credit card information is at risk.
  • the Bank Processing period in which credit card info is processed or transmitted to the bank

    • and
  • the Online Transactions period in which the initial transfer of credit card info occurs from your customer to your IP site and to you (including the storage of that info), prior to or independent of any processing with your bank.

    • The first period of concern, the processing of credit card sales with the bank, is quite effectively and securely managed by way of secured modem dial-up communications as provided by IC Verify, PCAuthorize, or MacAuthorize Software terminal programs. In fact, the process is a totally secured transaction independent of the Internet "Online" environment. This is because the link between merchant and Bank is established by a non-Internet modem line direct dial-up connection.

    The second period of concern, Online Transactions, is best addressed through the implementation of a secured site commerce server such as Netscape Commerce Server which encrypts for storage the vital credit card information.

    As a merchant, you should address possible customer concerns about online credit card transaction security. The issue is not difficult to address and can be dealt with in any one of the following ways:

  • You can decide that the risks related to "unsecured" Online ordering are minimal. Consequently, you can choose not to add any security at all for Online transactions. You can allow orders to be placed Online in addition to by Fax, Phone, and Mail. However, be aware that in this scenario, you are assuming liability for any actual credit card data theft that might occur.
  • You can subcontract your entire Merchant operation to a specialized secure merchant mall management service. However, this will likely incur a high premium. Furthermore, the decision to relinquish your entire operation to such a merchant mall service can lead to some serious regrets. Would you consider leaving your baby at a daycare center 24 hours a day?
  • You can choose to: - secure your website order pages with Netscape's Commerce Server or a comparable product, and - purchase secure transaction software such as ICVerify, PCAuthorize, MacAuthorize, to enable offline processing of your orders to your bank via your computer modem.

    • OR,
  • You can

    • - Automate the Secure Online Order Taking with ShopFactory Shop Cart's FREE Secure SSL service. See ShopFactory shopping cart and webpage creation software.
    or
    - Automate the Secure Online Order Taking PLUS Processing to Bank with VerisignSignio or AuthorizeNet online realtime processing service. See VerisignSignio or AuthorizeNet.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    11. What about Netscape Commerce Server security?
    Netscape Commerce Server: Protects data while it is online only. In the case of an offline merchant, Netscape Commerce Server will not protect data during its downloading to that merchant's offline site. A customer can enter a Netscape Commerce Server protected online site and place an order. The relevant credit card info is secure as long as it remains online. This might be fine for the 24-hour online merchant who can then process the sales via an online modem dialout call. However, if an offline merchant attempts to download that info to his offline site, the credit card info is no longer secure during that online-to-offline transmission. A secured alternative to this unsecured downloading would be to simply copy the order info then paste it to a file on the offline merchant's PC.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    12. Is a Merchant Liable for Credit Card Info Stolen Online?
    A Card Processor and Merchant Bank will certainly look unfavorably upon any merchant who does not provide a reasonably secure online environment for credit card transactions. If your customer's credit card info is stolen online, you could be accused of negligence in not providing adequate security, and furthermore you could be held liable for any resultant losses incurred from the credit card theft.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    14. What about Cybercash vs. Transaction Software (e.g. PCAuthorize) vs. VerisignSignio and AuthorizeNet?
    CyberCash Comparison: 
    Fully Automated Secure Transaction Processing Alternatives
    CyberCash PCAuthorize, 
    MacAuthorize, or
    ICVerify Software    		 Signio
    or AuthorizeNet
    Real-Time Internet (Online) Transactions
    Yes
    programming req'd
    Yes 
    programming req'd
    Yes
    Server Side requires complicated programming 
    Yes
    modem access only
    No
    Internet Orders can be processed Offline  No 
    Yes
    Yes
    Real-Time Telephone/Fax/Mail
    and In-Person Trans.
    must redirect to internet
    Yes
    must redirect to internet
    Merchant Access to Customer CC Data
    No
    Yes
    Yes
    Return to VerisignSignio and AuthorizeNet Questions at top of page.
    15. What is IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software?
    Note: ICVerify (DOS/winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), and MacAuthorize (Mac) are proven transaction software products which have passed the very important test of time. These products are created by two independent software companies.

    IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) is a software program which provides Credit Card Authorization, ATM Access, Check Guarantee, and Deposit Capture capabilities. IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) can turn your computer into a bankcard authorization terminal, replacing your Verifone ZON / TRANZ330 type terminal. Revolutionary Software Re-shapes the Credit Card Industry!.......Press Release Oakland, California: IC Verify, Inc. recently announced sales exceeding 30,000 units of its credit card authorization software, IC Verify. This revolutionary software package is the only system of its kind in the world. Designed primarily for small to mid-sized businesses, IC Verify provides the capability to transform a PC compatible, or multi-user system into a bank card authorization/capture terminal. IC Verify performs all the functions of a bank terminal - but at approximately 1/3 the cost and with 10 times the functionality. IC Verify can easily handle all major credit cards, ATM and debit cards, check acceptance, and up to six private label store credit cards. IC Verify is the first and only program to be certified with both American Express and Discover for both authorization and deposit capture. This can provide substantial merchant savings by eliminating T&E transaction fees. With IC Verify's complete split dial capabilities, the merchant has total flexibility to use any processor they want. IC Verify is certified by 85 major Processing Networks, which covers over 99% of all processing banks nationwide including South America, Canada and Mexico. IC Verify includes exclusive features and functionality which are not available with stand alone terminals. Along with being the nation's premiere provider of PC credit card processing, IC Verify is a "software-only" solution; it can be used to compliment the merchant's current POS (Point of Sale) hardware, saving them the huge expense of constantly replacing outdated hardware. There are significant advantages to having one integrated authorization system versus the register and separate Verifone. Many errors are made by clerks entering incorrect totals into Verifone units. A forgotten zero in a transaction can read $100.00 rather than $1000.00. The merchant loses $900.00, and the mistake may be difficult or impossible to find. Errors like these, in addition to fraud, can be minimized by incorporating IC Verify software into existing POS (Point of Sale) and ECR's (electronic cash registers). A typical multi-register store can save significant time and expense using IC Verify's software. IC Verify allows up to eight users for a fraction of the cost of a Verifone set-up. For an eight-user network of PC cash registers, a Verifone set-up requires eight Verifone terminals and eight telephones. With IC Verify, the merchant only needs one copy of the software, one modem employed on one workstation, and one telephone line. No other additional hardware or software is required. An average business telephone line costs $60 a month. Using the example above, eliminating the seven lines and employing IC Verify software would mean a savings of $420 a month. It would also save the cost of renting or purchasing the Verifone terminals and printers, which costs about $320 dollars a month. In a multi-user situation, IC Verify is significantly faster than using individual terminals. The first transaction typically takes ten to fifteen seconds to dial, connect, log-in, and receive a response. This is approximately the same time as a Verifone. However, IC Verify can keep the line open indefinitely, as long as there are transactions in the queue. The net average transaction time can be as little as 6.5 seconds. This provides the functionality of leased line speed at dial up prices. Other IC Verify features include: A pop-up mode which enables IC Verify to be used in conjunction with any PC software, "Screen Grab" - allowing data to be entered only once, optional batch mode with extensive back office and mail order functions, multiple transaction queuing with a single toll-free call, batch/recurring processing, and restaurant tip capture. With management reporting, the user can print reports, view them on-screen, or export them to spreadsheet or ASCII files. The program allows up to 999 individual merchant numbers to run using the same software package in offices which share services. The IC Verify package has a list price of only: $349 ($349 including sameday delivery if ordered at this website) for the single-user PC version, $499 ($449 including 2-day UPS delivery if ordered at this website) for the PC multi-user version. The SCO Unix multi-user version lists for $995 ($799 including 2-day UPS delivery if ordered at this website).
    Optional items include Credit Card/Driver's License Stripe Readers with Signature Capture compatibility, and Debit Card Readers. "The reality of today's competitive market clearly demands the use of more efficient tools for the processing of credit cards, check acceptance, and ATM debit cards by merchants and entrepreneurs," says Steve Elefant, President of IC Verify, Inc.. "IC Verify is designed to give a merchant a highly productive interface to card, check, and debit processing, through an interactive system which is far easier to implement and use than traditional card authorization terminals. Businesses can expect to see an increase in their point-of-sale efficiency, as well as a significant savings in card processing costs by using IC Verify." IC Verify, Inc., founded in 1983, is a fully integrated hardware and software resource. They can assist businesses in acquiring a complete point-of-sale/accounting hardware and software system fully compatible with the IC Verify software.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    16. Is IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software all I need to process credit card sales?
    You will need a computer, a modem, and a Merchant Credit Card Account with a Bank Card Processing Network. Although such an account should be available through your local bank, you will most likely find a much less costly arrangement recommended right here at.....

    reco.html, "THREE SMART STEPS To Accepting Credit Cards". It is in your best interests to take a close look at all the information offered throughout "THREE SMART STEPS To Accepting Credit Cards".
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    17. What extra step is required to setup a shortcut icon for IC Verify in Windows 95?
    Simply add "/n" to the Win95 shortcut icon command line statement.

    The command line statement should look as follows:
    Path...\icverify\icverify.exe /n.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    18. Can IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) run in Windows 3.x? Win95? NT? What about UNIX and other systems?
    Yes to DOS, Windows 3.x, Win95, Windows NT, OS2, Novell, Netbios, most UNIX systems, and MAC (MacAuthorize).

    Re: Win95 and ICVerify - Add "/n" to the Win95 shortcut icon command line statement and ICVerify will readily appear as a popup window when the shortcut icon is clicked.
    The command line statement should look as follows:
    Path...\icverify\icverify.exe /n.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    19. Which Credit Cards will IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) work with?
    All major Credit Cards - VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners, Carte Blanche, JCB. In addition, IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) can be configured to work with your Private Label cards.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    20. Are there any extra fees, dial-up toll charges, or "hidden costs" associated with IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac)?
    No, the TRANSACTION RATE you would be charged by your merchant bank while using Verifone-type terminals would be the same if you used IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) - You are just transmitting the transaction information in a different, more efficient, manner. In fact, you may even qualify for a lower transaction rate by using IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac).

    With regard to dial-up charges: credit card transactions are communicated to Card Processors and Merchant Banks by modem. These modem dial-up calls are always Toll Free.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    21. How long will IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) take to process a credit card?
    In a single-user system the transaction typically takes 10-15 seconds to dial, connect, login, get the response etc. (the same as a Verifone terminal), but on a multi-user system IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) is significantly faster than using individual Verifone terminals. IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) can keep the line open indefinitely, as long as there are transactions in the queue, yielding transactions times of only 5-7 seconds.
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. 
    22. Will IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) work with my Bank Processing Network? Can I see a list?
    IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) currently supports the specifications of 99% of the Bank Card Processing Networks, offering coverage for credit card transactions throughout the USA and most of North America, and in some parts of Europe. Partial List of Bank Card Processing Networks:
    AFFN                          DPI                      MERCANTILE

ALERT                         ECHO                     MOST

AMERICAN EXPRESS              EFS                      MPACT

ARJAY                         ENVOY                    NABANCO

BANKMATE                      EXPLORE                  NDC (National Data)

BT NO.  AMERICA (MCI)         FCS                      NOVA

BUYPASS                       FDR                      NPC

CCA                           FDR-AVS                  NYCE

CERIDIAN (CDC)                FHB                      POSTECH/HONOR

CES                           FNBO                     PREFERRED CHECK

CHECK AMERICA                 FTB                      PULSE

CHECK  CONNECTION             GECC                     REDBOOK

CHECK  FREE                   Generic VISA-1 & 2       SELECT CHECK

CHECK  RITE                   GULFNET                  SHOPPERS

CHECKS, INC.                  HONOR                    SPS (SEARS)

CHECK  TECH                   ICCA                     STAR

CHECKTRONIC                   INSTA-CHECK              TDSI

CNET                          INTERLINK                TELECHECK

COMMLINK                      JBS                      TELECREDI (Equifax)

CORE DATA                     LITLE                    TRANSNET

CROSS CHECK                   LYNK                     URUGUAY VISA

CSA                           MAC                      VALICHEK

CSI                           MAGCARD                  VISANET

CVE                           MAPP (BANK NET)          WELLS FARGO

DISCOVER                      MDI (Modular Data)       YANKEE 24
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    23. How does IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) work with my existing Point of Sale software?
    IC Verify ships with a utility that allows you to identify where on the screen in your other software application the pertinent transaction information (i.e. Dollar Amount of Sale, Invoice #, Clerk's Initials, etc.) occurs. These coordinates are then entered into IC Verify during the initial installation and the user also designates a hot-key to "pop-up" IC Verify. In a typical transaction when the clerk is on the final tender screen they hit the hot-key and IC Verify will pop-up in a small window over the top of their other software. When IC Verify "pops- up" it will have screen-grabbed all the information for the sale and the clerk simply swipes the credit card and does not have to worry about reaching over and keying the information a second time into a separate Verifone terminal. This virtually eliminates the chance of fraud or errors.

    PCAuthorize, because it is a 100% windows "dde" (direct data exchange) and "dll" integration-capable program, will integrate with existing windows Point of Sale software even easier than ICVerify. No need for any ascii or unix type program writing.

    MacAuthorize, being a MAC based application, can be directly compared to PCAuthorize in ease of integration with Point of Sale software programs.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    26. Can the transaction software be used by (Non-U.S.) Non U.S., Overseas, or International Merchants?
    Or Can Non-U.S. Merchants Easily Qualify to Accept Credit Cards on the Internet?
    As of September 1996, IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) Software is not available for use by mostly all Non-U.S. merchants. Some Canadian banks have integrated ICVerify software into their systems. Transaction software integration with virtually all other Non-U.S. Merchant Banks has not yet been established. Unfortunately, it will likely be some time before a significant number of Non U.S. Banks offer this service to their merchants. Perhaps a hot cattle prod to the Banker's hindquarters might speed things along.

    However, Del West, through its never-ending search for solutions, can offer...
    Three Options for Non-U.S. Merchants wanting to Accept Credit Cards:

    Option One: For U.S. and Non U.S. Merchants
    "20Msig" Program
    This U.S. based merchant bankcard program requires Non-U.S. applicants to:

  • Incorporate in the U.S.
  • Establish a U.S. Business Banking Account.
  • Establish a U.S. Mailing Address

    • Jump To "20Msig" Program
    ----------------------------------------------------------
    Option Two: For Canadian Merchants Only
    This option is likely to be a bit expensive.
  • Establish a merchant account with a Canadian bank.
  • You will have to establish two merchant accounts,
    • one for Mastercard and one for Visa, and each with a different bank.
  • MasterCard and Visa cannot be offered by the same bank in Canada.
  • Next, you'll have to setup an account with a Card Processor.
    • You can try National Data Corporation of Canada...Tel:416-445-7151.

    ----------------------------------------------------------
    Option Three: For U.S. and Non-U.S. Merchants
    "International" Program
    This is a Canadian based merchant bankcard program in which
    applicants are not required to incorporate in Canada or the U.S.
  • "Easy-Qualify".
  • True Internet Online Realtime Credit Card Transactions.
  • International Merchants Accepted.
  • Cards Accepted:MC-Visa-Amex-Diners-Novus-JCB
  • Merchant Bankcard Account Not Required.
  • No Need to Purchase Transaction Software or Hardware.
  • Non Internet Orders (telephone/mail/in-person) can be
    • submitted via this Internet Online Transaction Service.
  • Transactions in Canadian Dollars.
  • Transaction Rate 2% to 4.45%
  • Per Transaction Fee 33cents US.
  • $419 US One Time Setup
  • $50 US Monthly Service Charge
  • Reserve Account Required: 15% of highest month's sales volume.
  • Funds Transfer in Canadian Dollars
    • (currency exchanges not included)
  • Funds Transfer Time: 15 days.
  • Funds Transfer Options:
    • 1-check (mailed).
    2-wire transfer ($30 CDN per transfer).
    3-electronic transfer to Canadian Bank of your choice.

    Jump To "International" Program
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.

    27. Oh Canada!....Hey, what about us up here?
    Canadian merchants can use ICVerify as their terminal software. However, let me first say that you Canadians have once again demonstrated a propensity for doing things......well let's just say....differently.

     

     
     

    Additional options exist for Canadian merchants wanting to accept credit cards. Please Scroll Up to the preceding Answer Number 26 directly above.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    28. Can multiple merchants be setup on one IC Verify (DOS winpopup), PCAuthorize (windows), or MacAuthorize (Mac) software program?

     

     
     

    Yes. Multiple merchants can have their funds deposited into their own separate bank accounts. This is ideal for busy professional offices, fulfillment houses, multiple locations on a Wide Area Network, etc.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document. ?
    29. Can recurring transactions (e.g. daily, monthly) be billed automatically?

     

     
     
     

    Yes. Recurring transactions can be billed automatically to credit cards, or the recurring transaction amounts can be withdrawn from checking accounts via Electronic ACH.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
    30. How do I setup a Merchant Credit Card Account to Accept Credit Cards?

     

     
     
     

    GO TO THREE SMART STEPS.

    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.
      As of 7/30/02  We cannot offer Merchant Credit Card Accounts to Casino Gaming, Games, & Gambling ventures.
    32. Casino Gaming, Games, Gambling: Can Credit Cards be Accepted?


    Yes, it is possible for both U.S. merchants and Non-U.S.merchants to accept credit cards for such business ventures.
    Restrictions:
      - merchant bank must be fully informed of any gaming related use of Ecash site.
      - the merchant must have a gaming licence provided by applicable jurisdiction.
      - merchant must be aware that MC Visa will not permit transactions from U.S. origin credit cards.
      - Ecash website must be separate independent website in addition to the casino website.

    Prospective casino customers would be instructed to link to this second website to use their credit cards for the purchase of Electronic Cash units or E-Cash credits to be used/redeemed (much like tokens or vouchers) at the merchant's casino gaming site.
    So..., to get your casino business up and running, here's what you need to do:

    Step 1 - Create your own E-Cash website in addition to and independent (separate domain) from your casino website.
    Your casino website should be hosted outside of the U.S. to conform with current U.S. law.
    Links should be from Casino site to Ecash site only.  No links from Ecash site to Casino site.
    Links can be from Ecash site to other non-gambling related sites.

        See Demo E-Cash Website at webdollar.com
        See Internet Gambling Sites at gamblinglinks.com
        See Current U.S. Law at gamblinglinks.com/legal.html

    Note: the E-Cash site referenced should be considered a demo, an aid in the design of your own E-Cash site. It is not recommended that you utilize the services of this or any other E-Cash site other than your own.

    Three reasons to create your own E-Cash site:
    Step 2 - Apply for a merchant credit card acceptance account (see below) in the name of your E-Cash website.

    Step 3 - Integrate our Fully Automated Credit Card Transaction Processing Service Verisign/Signio to your E-Cash site to achieve realtime online credit card processing.

    To which merchant credit card acceptance program shall I apply?

    20MSig merchant account
    Continue with the list of questions at the top of this document.

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