Applying for an International Merchant Account
Applying for an international merchant account is a straight forward process. You submit an application along with documents about your business.
Supporting documents include: ID for the signer on the account; voided check for the bank account where processing funds will be settled; business bank statements; payment processing history; and details about the business entity.
When you decide to move forward with an application, a dedicated international processing specialist is assigned to help you through the process. Our goal is to provide you the fastest approval, lowest available rates, and most favorable terms. Approvals for international merchant accounts take 5-10 business days from the time the completed application file is received.
How Underwriters Review International Merchant Accounts
When reviewing an application, underwriters confirm the details on the application are accurate. Addresses, phone numbers, emails, and corporate documents are verified.
All pages on your websites are reviewed. The underwriters confirm that products or services are adequately described, and pricing is displayed clearly. Privacy, refund, shipping and other policies are read. Customer service email or telephone numbers may be checked via “cold-calls” to verify good service is being provided.
Underwriters will review processing history. If you have low chargebacks, that’s great. If chargebacks are edging up, provide a short explanation in the application package. Explain the causes of higher chargebacks & describe what are doing to keep chargebacks under control.
Bank statements are examined to confirm there is enough operating capital to offset processing risk. Having enough money in your business bank account to support the requested processing capacity is wise. And helps speed account approval.
Most underwriters perform a google search to check the reputation of the company. Do this yourself so you’ll know what is turning up. Naturally, no company is going to have perfect reviews. Still, if you see negative comments, do your best to respond in a positive and polite manner. This demonstrates that you care about the experience customers have with your company.