E-commerce merchant accounts for online stores

What an e-commerce merchant account does

An e-commerce merchant account lets your online store accept card payments and settle them to your business bank account. A payment gateway connects your checkout to the account, authorizes each payment in seconds and protects card data along the way. If you are new to the basics, read what a merchant account is and how it works.

What to look for as an online store

• Stable approval. An account reviewed properly up front is less likely to be paused when your sales grow.
• Clear pricing. Know your processing rates, per-transaction fees and any monthly or gateway fees. Our guide to interchange fees explains what drives the cost.
• Fraud tools. Address and security-code checks and 3-D Secure help stop stolen-card orders.
• More ways to get paid. Payment links, invoicing and in-person payments help you sell at pop-ups, markets and over the phone.
• A real person to call. When a payout is delayed during your busiest week, you want an answer fast.

Get approved faster

• Show pricing, shipping times, a refund policy, a privacy policy and contact details on your site.
• Describe your products and customers clearly in your application.
• Give realistic monthly volume and average order value.
• Tell your processor about seasonal peaks or large promotions in advance.

Reduce chargebacks

• Ship quickly and send tracking.
• Use a billing descriptor that matches your store name.
• Make returns and refunds easy.
• Describe products accurately with clear photos.

Read our full guide to accepting credit card payments online.

E-commerce payments with Zeyla

Zeyla supports online payments, invoicing and payment links, and in-person payments, for stores of every size, including those in high-risk categories. Applying is free, takes about 3 minutes, and a payments specialist will get back to you within 2 business days.

Start your application.