We want to help you make an informed decision when choosing a payments software and merchant services provider. Here we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided the answers to each.
Not seeing the information you need? We’d be happy to assist directly. Contact us at 1-800-466-0992 for further assistance.
UNDERSTANDING HOW ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS WORK
What is a merchant account, and why do I need one?
To accept electronic payments from customers, your business needs a merchant account. A merchant account lets you securely process debit cards, credit cards, and ACH payments by connecting your bank account to the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network as well as payment networks used by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. This merchant account provides a secure payment gateway between your bank account and your customers’ payment source, whether that’s their bank or their credit-card issuer. A merchant account also provides a measure of protection against fraud and failed payments.
What is a dedicated merchant account?
There are two kinds of merchant accounts: dedicated merchant accounts like PaySimple’s, and aggregate merchant accounts like those offered by Square or PayPal. The difference is that a dedicated merchant account is for use by your business only, and is not shared among thousands of other businesses, as is the case with aggregate merchant accounts. This gives you some added protection against fraud as well as unexpected account freezes, holds, or terminations an aggregate merchant account may impose due to suspicious activity detected within its network. A dedicated merchant account also comes with rates tailored to your business, instead of the fixed pricing typically offered by aggregate merchant accounts. Dedicated merchant accounts also often have higher processing limits, which can prove helpful as your business grows.
What is ACH?
ACH stands for the Automated Clearing House, an electronic network that connects financial institutions across the United States. ACH acts as a“financial highway” that enables money to transfer between individual banks. You can use it to process checks electronically, transferring funds from your customer’s bank account and directly into yours. It’s a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to get your money. With PaySimple, you have the flexibility to accept ACH payments as well as regular debit and credit card payments.
DECIDING IF PAYSIMPLE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
How can I use PaySimple to accept payments online and through my website?
PaySimple provides a variety of ways to collect online payment. Website payment collection is easy with our convenient online payment forms or embeddable payment buttons. Businesses that rely on invoicing are able to create and send professional branded invoices. Additionally, your customers can make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments for repeat services or payment plans directly from your website, 24/7. PaySimple customers utilize our customizable payment forms and embeddable ‘Buy Now’ button to collect registration information with payment for classes and events.
Does PaySimple allow me to swipe or enter payments?
Yes, you are able to key-in or swipe card payments with our solution either online or through the free mobile app on iOS or Android.
Can PaySimple integrate with my ecommerce shopping cart?
Yes, PaySimple integrates with most ecommerce shopping carts. All you need to do is program your shopping cart to send customer payment information through PaySimple’s secure online payment gateway. The PaySimple programming team can help you get set up for an additional charge, depending on complexity. (Your shopping cart programming team may also be able to implement this).
How is PaySimple different from PayPal?
PayPal can be a fit for smaller businesses who don’t care about streamlining workflows, accessing business insights, and access to multiple payment and customer management features. PaySimple gives customers the complete package, from integrated CRM functionality and end-to-end payment tracking to excellent customer support and detailed transaction reporting. These are all things you can’t find with a basic PayPal account. Additionally, our dedicated merchant account (unlike PayPal’s aggregate merchant account) provides an extra layer of control and protection for your business.
Does PaySimple integrate with other software solutions that I use for my business?
Yes, PaySimple integrates with MailChimp, Constant Contact and Quickbooks Online. Once you are started with PaySimple, you are able to add on connections to one or all of these solutions.
Does PaySimple offer a payment API?
Yes, we do offer a payment API that can be used for businesses that want to further customize their online payment experience. SaaS products or mobile applications looking to integrate payments through PaySimple are encouraged to inquire about our partnership program.
How do I know my customers’ sensitive payment data is secure?
PaySimple uses the most powerful security and encryption tools that exist in the marketplace. In detail, the processing website is secured and encrypted by 1024-bit Thawte Digital Certificate. The payment gateway uses a 1024-bit Verisign Digital Certificate, but accommodates the majority of browsers at 128-bit encryption.
Are my customers able to access their payment information through PaySimple?
Yes, your customers are able to securely access and manage their personal information and payment details within the PaySimple Customer Portal. Payment transaction history is also viewable to your customers within the portal and can be exported for their personal receipt needs such as, tax filing.
How can I be sure that PaySimple is a good fit for me?
Please contact our team at 800-466-0992 to find out if PaySimple is a good fit for your business. Our team will be happy to answer all of your questions and show you the key features and functions that can help you collect payments with ease and run your business the way you want.
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SETTING UP YOUR PAYSIMPLE ACCOUNT
How long does it take to get set up with PaySimple?
You can open a free trial account with PaySimple in just a few minutes. If you want to move forward with PaySimple, setting up an active merchant account can take as little as 24 hours, depending on your business type.
Does PaySimple have any setup, contract, or termination fees?
PaySimple doesn’t charge setup fees, and we won’t lock you into a contract with termination fees. We know that businesses like yours value flexibility. It’s important to us that our customers continue to experience the value of PaySimple, so we never bind our customers to a contract Because we offer month-to-month solutions, if you ever believe PaySimple isn’t the right fit for your business needs, you are free to cancel at any time. We stay flexible so you can, too!
Why does PaySimple charge a monthly fee?
PaySimple is dedicated to making life better and easier for the businesses we serve: this means that we invest in regular system maintenance and upkeep, ongoing upgrades to our platform, stellar customer service, and a high-quality experience for our customers. Our monthly fee makes it possible to provide the highest standard of service to businesses like yours. While free or low-cost alternatives exist, our clients choose us because of the features and services we provide, which ultimately save them the time, effort, and stress that often comes with dealing with low-cost or free solutions. With PaySimple, you never have to lose time manually logging payments, updating billing schedules, or tracking overdue invoices. Low-priced systems can end up costing you more in the long run, once you start adding up all the time you may have to spend on these additional tasks.
Why do I need to fill out an application? I’m not asking for a loan or anything.
When you use your merchant account, credit card and ACH processors grant your business the ability to collect payments directly out of customers’ bank accounts and from their credit and debit cards. With that, the processors expose themselves to risk: if your customer were to dispute the charge, the processor would be on the hook for the payment. Because of that risk, processors need to have a thorough understanding of your business and background before allowing you to accept payments. This is the reason you first need to complete an application.
Why do you need my social security number?
The law requires all payment processors, including PaySimple, to obtain essential information from all customers, including full legal name, birthdate, home address, and social security number of all authorized account holders as well as any individuals who own 25% or more of the business. This requirement is designed to protect against fraud.
WORKING WITH PAYSIMPLE CUSTOMER SERVICE
What level of customer support do you provide?
You can depend on exceptional customer support at PaySimple, whether you need assistance with a common question or step-by-step guidance through advanced technical issues, both in and out of business hours. Customers can access our Help Center’s self-service portal at any time, and live support from our U.S.-based team is available by phone, chat, and email every weekday between 8am and 5pm MST.
Does PaySimple offer a referral program?
Yes! We would be delighted to reach out to contacts you think could benefit from PaySimple’s solutions. At PaySimple, we’re proud of our product and are honored when customers choose to refer us to friends. If you know someone who should hear about PaySimple, please let us know, and you’ll be eligible for the chance to earn $200.
We hope that this answers some of your most frequently asked questions! If you think there’s something we have missed, or if you would like to speak to a customer service team member, please call us at 800-466-0992. Our U.S.-based team will be happy to assist you between the hours of 8am and 5pm MST.
Start a 14 day Free Trial and streamline your business with PaySimple:
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