How do I become a Merchant Mariner?

HOW CAN I BUY OR BECOME A MERCHANT SERVICE PROVIDER (MSP)

• I WANT TO BUY OR BECOME A MERCHANT SERVICE PROVIDER (MSP). I WOULD LIKE TO BE THE PROCESSING COMPANY FOR (ISO'S), INDEPENDENT SALES ORGANIZATION. I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON HOW TO START THIS COMPANY. MERCHANT SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE THE MIDDLE MAN BETWEEN THE BANK AND RETAIL BUSINESSES THAT USE CREDIT CARDS. I NEED TO KNOW ALL INFORMATION ON BECOMING A MSP. HOW DO I REGISTER AS ONE, WHAT FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS ARE NEEDED, WHO DO I REGISTER WITH AND IS THERE ANY ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO BECOME ONE ANY GOV'T FUNDING AVAILABLE. ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT I MISSED PERTAINING TO THIS IS IMPORTANT.

• Answer:

  Hello - In order to become a merchant service provider, you need to become a representative of a "member bank" -- one of the banks representing the major card brands. Wachovia is such a bank: Wachovia Bank Business Development 800-481-9083 Contact them at the number above to get started. Wachovia represents Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners, and JCB. Signing up with them will afford you the ability to offer all of these card brands to your customers. There is no cost involved with becoming a service provider. You have to meet a few basic qualifications, such as having some business knowledge, having no criminal history, having either some college (or military) experience, etc. Once they approve you, you can then begin to offer your services to businesses. A great plus to this arrangement is Wachovia's handling of equipment roll-out to your customers. They will actually drop ship the credit card equipment directly to your customers. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask before rating this answer. Thank you, jbf777 Additional Links ?????????????????????? Merchant Services sales 877-505-8404 Sales (x 8545 Michael) Customer service line (after you become a service provider) 866-552-3044 Customer Service Search strategy ?????????????????????? Contacted Wachovia