Merchant Processing Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about merchant accounts, processing fees, chargebacks, high risk industries, and payment solutions — answered by our specialists.
About MIDsource
Expert Answers to Merchant's Questions
MIDsource has been helping merchants navigate the complexities of payment processing for over 15 years. Whether you’re a startup looking for your first merchant account, a high risk business that’s been turned down elsewhere, or an established company looking to eliminate processing fees — we’ve seen it all and have real answers.
As a merchant services consultant, MIDsource helps businesses find reliable payment processing solutions that are easy to understand, search-friendly, and built for today’s digital economy. From credit card processing and high risk merchant accounts to ACH payments, payment gateways, chargeback prevention, dual pricing, and zero fee processing programs, our team helps U.S. merchants compare options, reduce costs, improve approval chances, and choose the right processing setup for their business model.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive about merchant accounts, approval timelines, high risk industries, dual pricing, chargebacks, ACH processing, and payment gateways. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us directly — a specialist is always available.
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Merchant Accounts
A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments. It acts as a holding account where funds from card transactions are deposited before being transferred to your business checking account. If you want to accept any form of card payment — online, in-person, or over the phone — you need a merchant account.
Standard merchant accounts can be approved within 24–48 hours. High risk merchant accounts typically take 3–7 business days depending on your industry, processing history, and the specific bank relationship we match you with. MIDsource expedites the process by submitting your application to the right banking partners from the start — no wasted time on banks that won’t work with your business type.
Standard documentation typically includes: a completed merchant application, government-issued ID, voided business check, 3–6 months of business bank statements, 3–6 months of processing statements (if you’re currently processing), and your business license or articles of incorporation. High risk accounts may require additional documentation such as a business plan, product samples, or refund policy documentation. MIDsource will guide you through exactly what’s needed for your specific situation.
Yes, in many cases. While personal credit is a factor, it’s not the only one. Banks also consider your business’s processing history, chargeback ratios, bank statements, and industry type. MIDsource works with banking partners who evaluate the full picture, not just a credit score. We’ve helped many merchants with credit challenges obtain merchant accounts. Submit an application and let us assess your options — there’s no obligation.
Standard merchant account fees typically range from 1.5%–3.5% per transaction plus a per-transaction fee of $0.10–$0.30. High risk accounts may carry higher rates of 3%–5% depending on the industry. Rates depend on your industry, monthly volume, average ticket size, card-present vs. card-not-present, and chargeback history. MIDsource’s Dual Pricing program can eliminate up to 95% of these fees entirely by passing the cost to card-paying customers.
High Risk Merchant Accounts
High risk classifications vary by bank, but commonly include: CBD and hemp products, nutraceuticals and supplements, gaming and online gambling, adult entertainment, firearms and ammunition, travel agencies, e-cigarettes and vaping, cryptocurrency-related businesses, online pharmacies, debt consolidation, bail bonds, and many e-commerce businesses with high chargeback potential. Being labeled “high risk” doesn’t mean you can’t get a merchant account — it means you need the right banking partner. That’s exactly what MIDsource specializes in.
Yes. Being on the MATCH list (formerly TMF) is one of the most common challenges MIDsource handles. While MATCH listings are a significant factor, they’re not automatically disqualifying with every banking partner. We’ll assess your specific situation, the reason for the MATCH listing, and whether there are domestic or international banking relationships that can work with your history. Contact us immediately — the sooner we assess your situation, the faster we can find a solution.
This is urgent — contact MIDsource immediately. When a processor closes your account and holds funds, every day counts. We can help you: (1) understand your legal rights regarding held funds, (2) get a new merchant account approved quickly so you can resume processing, and (3) structure your new account to minimize the risk of future holds. Do not delay — call us at 1-866-713-6437 or submit an application right now.
Dual Pricing & Zero Fee Processing
Dual Pricing is a fully compliant program where you display two prices: a card price and a lower cash price. The card price includes a small service charge that offsets your processing costs. Cash-paying customers receive the lower price. The result: merchants typically save up to 95% of their credit card processing fees. For a business processing $100,000 per month at 3% in fees, that’s up to $3,000 back in your pocket every single month — or $36,000 per year. Learn more about Dual Pricing.
Yes, Dual Pricing is completely legal and fully compliant with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express card brand rules — as long as it’s implemented correctly. The key is proper disclosure: prices must be clearly displayed at the point of sale. MIDsource ensures your program is configured to meet all card brand requirements. You will not be penalized when the program is set up through a compliant processing arrangement like MIDsource provides.
Chargebacks
A chargeback occurs when a customer disputes a charge with their card-issuing bank, and the bank reverses the transaction. You lose both the sale amount and the product or service delivered, plus incur a chargeback fee (typically $15–$100 per incident). High chargeback ratios — generally above 1% of transactions — can result in account termination, placement on the MATCH list, and difficulty obtaining new processing. Proactive chargeback management is critical. Learn about MIDsource’s Chargeback Services.
Visa and Mastercard both use a 1% chargeback-to-transaction ratio as the standard threshold. Merchants above 1% are typically placed in chargeback monitoring programs and face higher fees, increased scrutiny, or account termination. Some high risk industries have slightly higher tolerance thresholds, but staying below 1% is the universal goal. MIDsource’s managed risk approach helps merchants monitor, dispute, and reduce chargebacks before they reach dangerous levels.
ACH, Check Draft & Payment Gateways
ACH (Automated Clearing House) processing allows you to accept payments directly from a customer’s bank account — similar to an electronic check. ACH is ideal for recurring billing, subscription businesses, high-ticket transactions, B2B payments, and any situation where card processing fees are prohibitively expensive. ACH transactions typically cost far less than card processing — often $0.20–$1.50 per transaction regardless of the transaction size — making them ideal for large-volume or high-ticket merchants. Learn about MIDsource’s ACH services.
MIDsource maintains relationships with multiple payment gateway providers including NMI, Authorize.net, USAePay, and others. The right gateway depends on your business model, integration requirements, and merchant account. Unlike processors that lock you into one gateway, MIDsource evaluates your specific technical needs and recommends the gateway that best fits your platform — whether that’s a shopping cart integration, API connection, or virtual terminal. Learn about MIDsource’s Gateway Services.
Yes. MIDsource has banking and processing relationships around the world and specializes in multi-currency and multi-jurisdictional solutions. Whether you need to accept payments from international customers in their local currency, or need an offshore merchant account for your business type, MIDsource can structure the right solution. International processing solutions are especially useful for high risk businesses that may not qualify for domestic-only processing.
What Our Clients Say
Real Merchants. Real Results.
Here are some recent testimonials from businesses that trusted MIDsource with their payment processing.
Dave R.,
Los Angeles
Thanks for all your help. I really needed your service. You made a big difference for my company. Really GREAT service and follow through! I look forward to working more with MIDsource in the future.
Bridgette A.,
Boston
We have been working with Greg for a few years. He is very knowledgeable in every aspect of the business and is always more than helpful.
Amanda J.,
Los Angeles
These guys at MIDsource definitely know their stuff. I was able to obtain multiple merchant accounts both domestically and offshore. I am a very happy customer.
Frank T.,
Los Angeles
MIDsource got us a merchant account when no one else could. We literally thought we were sunk and limited to accepting checks only. We dealt with Pat, and are more than VERY HAPPY with our services.
Michael S.,
Miami, FL
MIDsource stepped in when three other processors turned us down. Within 48 hours we were approved and processing. Their knowledge of high risk industries is unmatched.
Rachel K.,
New York, NY
We switched to MIDsource’s dual pricing program and saved significantly on monthly processing costs. The setup was seamless and their ongoing support has been incredible.
Carlos M.,
Dallas, TX
The chargeback management service alone has been worth every penny. Our ratio is down dramatically and we’ve recovered revenue we thought was gone for good.
Still Have Questions?
Talk to a MIDsource specialist — free consultation, no obligation, no pressure. We’re here to help you find the right solution for your business.
Still Have Questions?
Talk to a MIDsource specialist — free consultation, no obligation, no pressure. We’re here to help you find the right solution for your business.