Credit Card Processing FAQ   

At Merchant Services of Bergen we believe honesty is the best tool to provide our merchants with quality service and good business practice, so we develop this frequent asked questions page to better inform you .

Does MSB automatically set up an Amex or Discover number or do I have to call them individually?

            MSB automatically provides each individual merchant with their own American Express and Discover account number. However, the merchant must make a request upon the initial setup if they do not want American Express or Discover.

I already have a credit card machine and a pin pad; do I have to purchase a new one?

            No you don’t. MSB will reprogram your machine for no charge. However few machines like Verifone Zon Jr, and the Verifone Zon JR XL can no longer be reprogram do to the PCI compliance agreement. If you have a pin pad they will need to be delivered to us so we can re-encrypt them for you.

Do I need to use a credit card machine on a retail account or can I simply run transactions through a telephone?

            A merchant can call in and get the credit card information through from a customer however the merchant will still need a processing unit to receive the funds.

What is the difference between a Pin Based Debits transaction oppose to a debit swipe transaction?

            Pin base debit is when a customer keys in their pin number on a pin pad or built in pin pad. Where as debit swipe transactions are debit or check cards that are swipe like a credit card. The merchant will incur only a 50 cent transaction fee for debit pin based oppose to the debit swipe transaction.

I’m having some technical problems on my machine who do I call?

            If you are having technical support or problems on the machine you can call our 24hour help desk. That number is 18004411490.

Can I Lease a terminal?

            We do offer a leasing option for our merchants. However we are not the leasing company but are an associate with Lease Finance Group (LFG). The number to LFG is 18885886214.

What is the monthly minimum?

The percentage and transaction fees for each individual sale processed for the month must add up to a total minimum of $25 a month. If the minimum is not met than the merchant simply pays the difference. For example if the merchant makes $20 worth of sales than the merchant will get charge a five dollar fee.

What is the monthly statement fee?

            The statement fee is the charge from the bank to generate all the transactions for the month. The statements can be seen online and will also be sent to the merchant via mail.

What if I want to process multiple accounts in my machine?

            MSB has the equipment that will let you run multiple accounts in just one machine. However if your planning to have multiple merchants in a machine then each member or company will have to fill out their own separate application.

I am opening a business with two different locations do I need to have two applications?

            Visa and MasterCard does require each business and location to have their own merchant number. Therefore each location must fill out their own separate application.

I don’t have a checking account. Can I use a savings account?

            Yes, you can use a savings accounts oppose to a checking account. However we will need to have a bank letter on a letter head from your bank to validate the bank information. We also need the ach routing number.

I don’t have a business license from the government, what else can I send?

            Any form or papers from the state or government that proves you are a legal business. Examples of other forms are business tax id, statements from previous processors, professional licenses and county registration forms.

Is there a long term contract and what is the cancellation fee?

            There is a three year contract for merchant services and a $250 cancellation fee.

Does credit matter?

            Yes credit does matter but it’s only a diminutive deciding factor on getting approved. Other factors are business type, the product being sold, if the company is high risk and the overall business goals for the company.

How long will it take to get my money?

            Most merchants will receive their money three days after the initial batch. However, depending on your business you may request next day funding.

How long is the approval process?

            MSB takes pride in having a speedy approval process and will let you know if you have been approved within 24 hours from receiving your application.

What is a mid-qualified rate and non-qualified rate?

Mid Qualified rates are when a merchant keys in the transaction (with AVS) as oppose to swiping the customer’s credit card on a retail account. It can also be any rewards cards that get devalued to a mid-qualified rate. The non-qualified rates are business cards, government cards, and corporate cards that are downgraded to non-qualified rate. Non qualified rates can also be due to keying a transaction with out having AVS correctly implemented and not batching out within 24 hours of the sale.

Where can I see my statements?

            MSB will send your statements through the mail at the end of the month. You can also go to MSIHQ.com to track down your latest batch and transaction. MSB updates their batch daily so you can see your transactions from the previous day’s batch.

What are the fees and Policy on charge backs?

            There is a $25 fee for charge backs and the merchant typically has 30 days to dispute the chargeback claim.

Do you accept foreign merchants?

            Unfortunately we do not process any merchants outside the United States

Can't open/ download application?

            MSB uses the latest update on adobe acrobat reader. If you don’t have the latest adobe acrobat reader you can click on this link.  http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Is there a Warranty?

            Yes, there is a manufactures warranty on the machines. However electrical storms, floods and fires are not covered in the manufactures warranty.

What is the merchant club?

            The merchant club is a 9.95 monthly fee that consist of our terminal warranty along with free supplies. If the merchant ever has a problem with one of our machines and our 24 hour technical support center can not resolve the issue, then we will ship a replacement within 24 hours upon receiving the call.

I am a seasonal business; will I be able to put my account on hold during my business vacation?

            Yes, MSB allows all seasonal business up to 6 months to hold the merchant’s account per year. All the merchant has to do is fax or mail a written letter to close or re-activate the account. 

What are the types of business that MSB does not accept?