What is a merchant?
What is the credit/debit business and how does it work?
How do I begin accepting MasterCard cards?
Who is an acquirer? And why do I need one?
How long does it take before I can start accepting MasterCard cards?
Will I incur any cost?
What is an Interchange Rate?
Do I have any responsibilities if I accept MasterCard cards?
What are the benefits of accepting MasterCard?
What are MasterCard card programs?
Are there any programs that will help to grow my business?
Can I accept Diners Club® Cards?
Who do I call if I have a problem with my terminals?

Learn More in General FAQs

A merchant is an entity that contracts with an acquirer or member bank to accept card payments for goods or services provided.

Back to Top

Merchants can accept a MasterCard credit card or a MasterCard debit card. A credit product allows the consumer to make purchases based on an established line of credit received by their card issuing bank. The credit limit is the spending amount established by the issuing bank based on a consumer credit profile. A debit product allows the consumer to make a purchase based on funds available in their bank account. Debit purchases are drawn directly from the consumer's bank account and show up directly on the consumer's monthly bank statement. Learn More About How Transactions Work
Back to Top

It's easy to get started! The first step in accepting MasterCard cards is to contact an acquirer or a member services provider to apply for a merchant account with a member bank or one of its agents known as a member service provider (MSP). MSPs are third parties contracted by some MasterCard Worldwide member banks to handle merchant services on their behalf and may function as a sales agent for an acquirer. Learn More About Accepting Cards
Back to Top

Also referred to as a merchant bank an acquirer is a financial institution licensed by MasterCard that helps a merchant in fulfilling its processing obligation to accept MasterCard cards. The acquirer is set up to connect and process transactions over the MasterCard network. Acquirers or MSPs either sell their processing services directly to merchants or hire agents to sell on their behalf. However, these agents must be registered with MasterCard and clearly identify the MasterCard member they represent on their business cards and stationery. The merchant agreement should also have the name of the bank clearly identified.

Back to Top

This depends on your acquirer and the type of business you manage. Usually, you can get set-up to accept MasterCard in less than a month.

Back to Top

Yes. The costs you will incur will be quoted to you by the acquirer.

Back to Top

MasterCard interchange rates are established by MasterCard, and are fees paid by acquirers to card issuers on purchase transactions conducted on MasterCard cards. Interchange fees are only one of many cost components included in a Merchant Discount Rate, and are a necessary and efficient method by which MasterCard maintains a strong and vibrant payments network. Learn More About MasterCard Interchange Rates
Back to Top

Yes, you must follow MasterCard Merchant Rules and any rules established by the acquirer.
Read the MasterCard Merchant Rules
Back to Top

Whether you're a new business or an established enterprise, card acceptance will likely have a big impact on your bottom line:

• Increased Sales
  Consumers spend more when they're not constrained by cash on hand. You may see increased purchases of higher-margin products as well as specialty items. And customers may visit your store more often.
• Customer Satisfaction
  Your customers will appreciate the fact that you allow them the flexibility to pay the way they want to pay - including by credit or debit card. Happier customers are more loyal customers.
• Speed of Checkout
  You'll speed your customers through checkout with rapid electronic payment. No more counting change or waiting while customers write checks.
• Improved Efficiency
  Card transactions today are conducted electronically. These paperless payments can save you time and money by minimizing cash handling and payment reconciliation, giving you more time to do more important things - like managing and growing your business.
• Safety
  With lower volumes of cash, you're less vulnerable to theft and pilfering.
• Currency Conversion
  Electronic payments on MasterCard and Maestro-branded cards are settled in the currency in which you sell your goods and services, regardless of where the cardholder is from. If you sell in US or Canadian dollars, that's how you'll be paid.

Back to Top

MasterCard provides innovative payment solutions to consumers and companies around the world. Read More About Our Family of Brands
Back to Top

Depending on the type of merchant business you run, MasterCard has many programs designed to grow your business.
Find Programs Tailored for Your Business
Back to Top

Yes, MasterCard and Diners Club have partnered to establish an alliance that will provide enhanced global acceptance to Diners Club North America cardmembers, and enhanced U.S. and Canadian acceptance for Diners Club International cardmembers.
Learn More About the Diners Club Alliance
Back to top

Contact the acquirer that set you up to accept MasterCard.

Back to Top