How quickly can I start accepting credit card payments?

Here’s how getting started with credit card processing works: To accept card payments, you need a payment processor, or credit card processing company, like Global Payments, a merchant account and card processing equipment. Once your merchant account is approved by an acquiring bank, also known as a merchant bank, our experts will help you determine what payment equipment you need. You can choose from a standalone card payment terminal or a semi-integrated terminal or PIN pad that communicates with your new or existing point of sale system . After your account is approved and boarded, you can begin accepting credit cards in-store or in the field with one of our wireless, handheld payment devices. You can even accept payments through your smartphone with card readers that pair to your phone. Our reps will help you determine your best fit based on your transaction volume and how you’d like to accept payments and conduct business. In some cases, business owners can begin accepting credit cards the same day. Typical boarding times for transaction processing range from 1-3 business days from the time your merchant account is approved and we determine your equipment needs. Every merchant account is unique. Our team will give you a better idea of timeframes upon submission of your merchant account.

Are your payment acceptance solutions secure?

Our devices use a combination of leading security standards, including tokenization and end-to-end encryption to safeguard all transactions against fraud and help keep your business in line with PCI DSS requirements created by Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, Discover® and JCB®. Depending on your business type, you may also have the opportunity to capture additional Level 2 and Level 3 card information, potentially making payments even more secure and your costs lower. When a card is presented that includes Level 2 and 3 transaction details, additional information is passed to the card networks, which can help you qualify for reduced card processing rates and cut back on chargebacks.

What fees are associated with credit card payment processing?

With credit card payment processing for small businesses , fees are part of the package. Every merchant pays interchange fees, dues and assessments, which are charged by the card associations or card issuers. Based on your credit card processor, your monthly fees can vary. We make a point to be transparent when it comes to credit card processing fees and offer your choice of flat rate pricing or interchange plus programs to help you accurately predict how much you’re paying.

What types of businesses can benefit from card payment solutions?

Any type of business that wants to accept credit card transactions can benefit from payment solutions — retail , pop up shops, restaurants , food trucks, online businesses and beyond. Our solutions run the gamut from small business to enterprise. To accept credit card payments, you’ll need a business bank account and a relationship with a payment processor or merchant services provider. If you aren’t accepting online payments, you’ll need payment equipment like a terminal, POS system or both in order to capture your cardholders’ in-person payment data and route for authorization. If you’re accepting online payments , in many cases, you’ll need a shopping cart. We have numerous integrations to leading plug-and-play shopping cart solutions. Our team can help you determine the best option for your situation and nail down what equipment you’ll need to accept various payment methods , including debit and credit, gift and prepaid cards, travel and corporate cards, ACH, and digital wallets like Apple Pay® or other contactless mobile payment options.

Can I integrate your credit card processing with my existing ecommerce or retail systems?

Our processing system has numerous integrations with leading point of sale providers and shopping carts. Whether you need a standalone solution or a semi-integrated solution with your existing point of sale (POS), we’ll work with you to find the best equipment configurations to meet your business needs.

Grow your business with flexible credit card processing and payment acceptance solutions

CARD PROCESSING

Getting paid should be simple. We make it easier than ever. Accept all the ways your customers want to pay with fast, secure processing, payment devices tailored to your business and human support that’s there when you need it.

Get started

Customer uses phone to check out at countertop point of sale.

Unlock card processing for every payment type

Whether your customers prefer credit cards and debit cards or digital wallets and contactless options, our processing solution handles every payment type with ease, making checkout smooth and speedy.

Credit and debit cards

Accept payments from every leading card brand and ensure lightning-fast processing with a seamless handshake between your payment devices, card brands and card issuing banks.

Contactless and digital wallets

Your customers expect convenience. With our contactless and digital wallet payment options, you can deliver it. Let customers tap or wave their cards or smartphones, completing checkout in a snap.

Gift cards

Increase your potential to rake in more money with our gift card program. Boost returns and showcase your brand at the same time with pre-designed packages or fully customized cards.

Grow your way with payment acceptance solutions built for scale

From industry-leading security to your choice of payment devices and frictionless integrations with your point of sale, we’ll work with you to ensure your business has the payment technology it needs to succeed.

Secure processing
Flexible pricing
Payment devices
Simple setup
Customer support

Customer uses digital wallet to securely check out on mobile point of sale.

Secure credit card processing

Take credit card payments without the stress. Rest easy knowing your customers’ card data is secure with PCI-compliant devices, tokenization and end-to-end encryption working together to protect your business against credit card fraud and costly data breaches.

Two people discuss pricing options for payment processing.

Tailored pricing

Flat rate* or interchange plus, our team can help you determine which pricing model is the best fit for your business based on your sales volume and average ticket value. Potentially looking to lower processing costs? We offer Level 2 and 3 processing, cash discounting and compliant surcharging programs^†.

Worker hands customer their purchase in a bag after checking out at the countertop point of sale.

Integrated payment devices

Kick disjointed systems to the curb. With Global Payments, card processing is designed to be compatible with leading point of sale systems. Whether you’re selling at the counter, on the floor or in the field, we’ll help you determine the optimal mix of payment devices, payment terminals, PIN pads, point of sale options and mobile card readers. Many of our devices use the same user interface and operating system, making training for you and your staff simple.

Two people working in a small business set up payment processing solution on laptop.

Easy setup

Whether you self-board through our website or work with one of our experts, you’ll be supported every step of the way — from the time you submit your merchant application to the moment your equipment arrives at your door. When you’re ready to set up, we’ll walk you through installation, so you can quickly start accepting payments.

Small business owner speaks on phone with customer support to get help with technology.

Exceptional customer support

Credit card processing for small businesses can be tricky to navigate. When you need help, talk to a person, not a bot, with a customer care team that’s invested in your success. We offer 24/7 customer support with bilingual service options in English and Spanish. Don’t want to talk on the phone? No problem. Use our online chat feature to message with a live agent — the choice is yours.

Smarter card processing. Faster funding.

From checkout to deposit, a lot of steps happen behind the scenes. Here’s a snapshot of how Global Payments helps streamline card processing for businesses like yours, start to finish.

Take payment

Let customers tap, swipe or dip their card with the payment device of your choosing.

Transmit card details

Securely capture card details with your payment device, then sit back as they’re automatically transmitted to Global Payments (aka your payment processor).

Request authorization

We send the card data to the applicable card network, which routes the authorization request to the card issuing financial institution.

Get approved

Your customer’s card is approved or declined.

Complete sale

Once the card is authorized and in good standing, an authorization is routed to your payment device, and you complete the sale.

Batch

At end of day, you’ll batch or close out your sales totals. Your payment device sends your batches to Global Payments and the card processing network for settlement.

Get paid

We deposit your funds into your merchant account — same day, next day or within 1-3 days depending on your funding preference**.

Let us handle it

Find your perfect fit: payment solutions designed for industries of all shapes and sizes

This is card processing made easy

Transform your business with tailored card processing and payment acceptance solutions today.

Grow your profits

Credit card processing FAQs

How quickly can I start accepting credit card payments?

Here’s how getting started with credit card processing works: To accept card payments, you need a payment processor, or credit card processing company, like Global Payments, a merchant account and card processing equipment. Once your merchant account is approved by an acquiring bank, also known as a merchant bank, our experts will help you determine what payment equipment you need. You can choose from a standalone card payment terminal or a semi-integrated terminal or PIN pad that communicates with your new or existing point of sale system.

After your account is approved and boarded, you can begin accepting credit cards in-store or in the field with one of our wireless, handheld payment devices. You can even accept payments through your smartphone with card readers that pair to your phone. Our reps will help you determine your best fit based on your transaction volume and how you’d like to accept payments and conduct business.

In some cases, business owners can begin accepting credit cards the same day. Typical boarding times for transaction processing range from 1-3 business days from the time your merchant account is approved and we determine your equipment needs. Every merchant account is unique. Our team will give you a better idea of timeframes upon submission of your merchant account.

Are your payment acceptance solutions secure?

Our devices use a combination of leading security standards, including tokenization and end-to-end encryption to safeguard all transactions against fraud and help keep your business in line with PCI DSS requirements created by Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, Discover® and JCB®.

Depending on your business type, you may also have the opportunity to capture additional Level 2 and Level 3 card information, potentially making payments even more secure and your costs lower. When a card is presented that includes Level 2 and 3 transaction details, additional information is passed to the card networks, which can help you qualify for reduced card processing rates and cut back on chargebacks.

What fees are associated with credit card payment processing?

With credit card payment processing for small businesses, fees are part of the package. Every merchant pays interchange fees, dues and assessments, which are charged by the card associations or card issuers. Based on your credit card processor, your monthly fees can vary. We make a point to be transparent when it comes to credit card processing fees and offer your choice of flat rate pricing or interchange plus programs to help you accurately predict how much you’re paying.

What types of businesses can benefit from card payment solutions?

Any type of business that wants to accept credit card transactions can benefit from payment solutions — retail, pop up shops, restaurants, food trucks, online businesses and beyond. Our solutions run the gamut from small business to enterprise.

To accept credit card payments, you’ll need a business bank account and a relationship with a payment processor or merchant services provider. If you aren’t accepting online payments, you’ll need payment equipment like a terminal, POS system or both in order to capture your cardholders’ in-person payment data and route for authorization. If you’re accepting online payments, in many cases, you’ll need a shopping cart. We have numerous integrations to leading plug-and-play shopping cart solutions.

Our team can help you determine the best option for your situation and nail down what equipment you’ll need to accept various payment methods, including debit and credit, gift and prepaid cards, travel and corporate cards, ACH, and digital wallets like Apple Pay® or other contactless mobile payment options.

Can I integrate your credit card processing with my existing ecommerce or retail systems?

Our processing system has numerous integrations with leading point of sale providers and shopping carts. Whether you need a standalone solution or a semi-integrated solution with your existing point of sale (POS), we’ll work with you to find the best equipment configurations to meet your business needs.

*Not all merchants or transactions will qualify for flat-rate pricing; additional fees may apply. Increases in assessments by card associations may apply.

^†Please note that not all states permit the imposition of a surcharge, and there are limitations and policies that are state-specific. Compliance with state surcharging laws are the responsibility of the merchant.

**Merchants on certain processing programs are not eligible for next-day funding; funding may be delayed by Global Payments Credit or Risk departments at any time. All trademarks contained herein are the sole and exclusive property of their respective owners.