Internet Merchant Number
Internet Merchant Account Setup

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Internet Merchant Number

An Internet Merchant Number allows the retailer to accept credit card payments from customers via internet. Merchant number can be acquired from your bank. Without one you won't be able to accept payments via credit or debit card on your website.

Why do I need an Internet Merchant Account?

In order to accept credit cards as payment for your products on your website, you will need an Internet Merchant Account. Please be aware even if you already have a merchant account from your bank for face-to-face transactions, you still need an Internet Merchant Account. These two accounts are different from each other.

How to get an Internet Merchant Account?

You can use the following acquiring banks to apply for an Internet Merchant Account to accept payments via credit or debit cards:

  • HSBC
  • Barclays
  • Alliance and Leicester
  • Bank of Scotland
  • Lloyds TSB
  • NatWest

Acquiring banks that offer internet merchant accounts may have strict requirements. When you apply for an Internet Merchant Account, the bank will want to know certain details about you and your business. These requirements may vary. You can contact the acquiring bank to get more details.

Acquiring banks will charge you a setup fee for an Internet Merchant Account. You will also get charged a fixed fee for debit card transactions and a percentage of each transaction for credit cards.

What is next?

Once you receive your internet merchant account from the acquiring bank, you will need what is called a secure socket layer (SSL) technology. SSL is used to encrypt transaction data and to send the sensitive customer information to the acquiring bank in order to authorise the purchase. Therefore, make sure your web hosting package can support the SSL protocol.

All K2 Designers Web Hosting Packages support SSL protocol. We also offer Free SSL certificate setup when you purchase an SSL Certificate from us.

What if I can't get an Internet Merchant Account?

If you don't meet the requirements for an Internet Merchant Account, or think that it is not cost effective, you could consider using an Online Payment Provider to handle card payments for you.