877.890.1777

Elite Mobile Merchant

Frequently Asked Questions


What is a Merchant Account?
A merchant account is a bank account set up between you (the merchant) and a third-party financial institution to manage the settlement of credit and debit card payments. When a customer uses a credit or debit card to make a purchase, a merchant account allows you to transfer the payment amount from the credit card company or issuing bank into your business’ checking account.

Do I need to setup a new checking account to open a merchant account?
No, a business does not have to setup a new separate checking account to establish a merchant account, but instead can use the current checking account that it has with its bank. If a business operates as either a sole proprietorship or a partnership, a personal checking account can be used as a merchant account. If a business operates as a corporation or an LLC, a business checking account is required.

What do I need to open a merchant account?
In most cases you will just need to fill out and sign the merchant account application/agreement that we provide you with, and supply us with a copy of a voided check linked to the account where you would like to have your funds deposited.

How do I apply?
Call an Elite representative at 877.890.1777 or fill out our online Quote Form to receive a customized rate quote and a merchant account application with our terms and conditions. Fill out, sign and fax back the application, along with a copy of a voided check, to fax 954.357.1726 or scan and email the paperwork to apply@elitemobilemerchant.com

What if I do not have checks to my checking account?
Instead of faxing us a copy of a voided check, we can utilize letter from your bank that is on bank letterhead and signed by a bank employee stating your account name with the routing number and account number to your account.

Can I use a blank starter check?
Yes, you can use a blank starter check as your copy of a voided check.

How long does the approval process take after I send in my paperwork?
Once all the necessary paperwork is received, accounts can be approved within 4 - 5 hours.

What if I have less than perfect credit?
We have one of the highest approval rates in the industry and we have relationships with mid and high risk processors. So even if you have less than perfect credit you are likely to get approved.

What credit cards will I be able to accept?
You will be able to accept Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover® and debit cards.

Do you offer free Tech support so I can be trained on how to use my equipment?
Yes, you will have access to our Tech Department via a toll free 1-800 number to call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for any training or help that you may need with your equipment.

Do you offer free Customer Service if I have questions about my merchant account or merchant statement?
Yes, you will be setup with a personal account manager for the life of your account. You will also have access to our Customer Service Department via a toll free 1-800 number to call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to have any questions that you have answered.

How do I receive my money?
Your money is deposited directly into the checking account that you have linked to your merchant account.

Will I receive a monthly statement?
Yes, a statement is mailed out to you each month with detailed information on all deposits into your account, your total sales volume, and charges. You also have the ability to access your account daily, over the Internet with eMerchant View.

Can I access my account daily online?
Yes, you have the ability to view your account activity online with our live online reporting website. The site will show you live detailed information of your total sales volume and charges.

If I purchase equipment or supplies, how is it shipped?
You choose your desired shipping method.

Do I need a separate phone line to operate my credit card terminal?
We highly recommend utilizing a dedicated analog line for your credit card terminal. However, if need be you can process through dual jacks or through your fax machine.

When the terminal/software dials out for approval, am I charged any long distance or communication fees?
No, communication passes through a toll-free line.

What are "card present" or "swiped" transactions?
A transaction qualifies as a "card present" or "swiped" transaction when the customer and credit card are present at the point of sale and the card is swiped through a credit card processing system (i.e. credit card terminal, POS system or card reader) that obtains the card holder's information by reading the black magnetic stripe on the back of the card.

What are "card not present" or "keyed' transactions?
A transaction qualifies as a "card not present" or "keyed" transaction when the credit card information is keyed into a credit card processing system (i.e. credit card terminal, POS system, software program, or payment gateway) usually without the credit card or customer present at the time of the sale. The discount rate for a "card not present" transaction is slightly higher than that of a "card present" transaction because the likelihood of fraud is greater when the card is not present at the time of the sale.

Can I use my PC (personal computer) or wireless laptop as my credit card terminal for "swiped" transactions in my retail business or at my wireless location?
Yes, you can use your PC or wireless laptop as your credit card terminal with USA ePay, PC Charge, or Authorize.Net to accept "swiped" transactions in your retail store or at your wireless location using a Card Reader that is connected to your computer via a USB cable.

What type of software will I need if own an Internet business?
In order to accept credit cards over the Internet, you need a payment gateway to process your transactions. A payment gateway essentially acts as an online credit card machine. We recommend using USA ePay, or the Authorize.Net Payment Gateway, today's ecommerce tool of choice for accepting payments over the Internet. Their gateway is the most cost effective, user friendly, and can handle a business of any size.

What is the USA ePay/Authorize.Net Payment Gateway?
USA ePay and Authorize.Net are Internet based credit card processing tools that simulate the behavior of a credit card terminal in a secure, real-time environment. USA ePay and Authorize.Net can be used in three ways: 1.) It can be integrated into your website's shopping cart as a Web Link 2.) It can be used as a 'Virtual Terminal' for manual key entered transactions without website integration 3.) It can be used in a Retail setting utilizing a card reader to swipe your customer's card present transactions. To find out more about USA ePay and Authorize.Net ask an Elite representative.
With USA ePay and Authorize.Net, can multiple users sign in under the same password?

Yes, this is an ideal option for both small and large sales forces because an unrestricted number of users can log into one account. USA ePay and Authorize.Net will grow with your business by supporting an unlimited number of transactions and almost any business model.

What type of equipment or software should I use for a Mail Order/Phone Order merchant account?
With a mail/phone order merchant account, you can use either a credit card terminal, or the USA ePay and Authorize.Net payment gateway. Call us so that we can assist you in customizing a solution that's right for your business type.

What type of equipment or software should I use for a Wireless merchant account?
With a wireless merchant account you can use either a wireless credit card terminal, or the USA ePay or Authorize.Net Payment Gateway on your wireless laptop. By utilizing a wireless terminal your business will qualify for lower rates because the magnetic strip on the back of the credit card is being captured, therefore allowing your business to qualify for lower rates. Ask an Elite representative about wireless options and how they can benefit your business.

If you have any further questions, or to receive assistance in customizing a payment solution that is right for your business, please contact us toll free at 877.890.1777.