This article explains the available options and provides detailed information on the plans and terms associated with each method.

Authorize.net provides gateway accounts to merchants along with additional service options. Merchants may sign up for an account with one of our partners or directly with Authorize.net

Sign Up Options:

• Sign Up Direct with Authorize.net: Apply directly with Authorize.net through several options and various plans.
  • Online Application 
  • Direct Sales Contact: 1-888-323-4289
  • Plans:

    • All-in-one: Payment Gateway + Merchant Account for Credit Card Processing and eCheck processing
    • Payment gateway and eCheck: Payment Gateway and eCheck processing
    • Payment gateway: Payment Gateway only
    Terms:

    • Payment Gateway: A payment gateway enables the acceptance of credit card and electronic check payments (eCheck) from websites, terminals, or mobile devices and offers transaction management, reporting, and billing services.
    • Merchant Account: A merchant account is the merchant's financial institution or bank account used to process funds from customer accounts or credit card transactions.
    • eCheck: An electronic check, or eCheck, is similar to a paper check, except the customers provide their bank account, routing number, and payment authorization through an online form for electronic processing.
• Sign Up through a Partner: Our partners will work with you to ensure you have everything you need. Visit Authorize.net Reseller Directory.

Application FAQs:

• What is the difference between a payment gateway and a merchant account?
  • A merchant account is a financial institution or bank account used by a merchant specifically for the purpose of collecting proceeds from a consumer bank account or credit card payment transactions. A payment gateway is the infrastructure that enables you to accept credit cards and electronic check payments from websites, terminals, or mobile devices. Payment gateways also provide merchants with transaction management, reporting, and billing services.
  • You can use a Card Present (CP) merchant account to receive payments at a physical location where customers physically present a form of payment to you at the time of the transaction. By contrast, a Card Not Present (CNP) merchant account can be used to receive payments electronically (i.e., online payments), or in situations where consumers aren’t physically present at the time of the transaction.
• Is my business bank account the same as a merchant account?
  • No. A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments by payment cards, which are typically debit or credit cards. It’s similar to a credit line for your business to accept payments or issue refunds.
  • A merchant account is unique to you and your business. When you apply, the underwriter will look at your industry, your processing history (if any), your personal credit, your business’ creditworthiness, and other factors. Once approved, your business can start accepting payments.
• How long does the application process take, and what is required?
  • Upon proper completion of the application, your Authorize.net Payment Gateway account is approved automatically. However, in order to accept credit cards, you must have a merchant account, and approval for that account can be immediate or take from one to five business days or more depending on several factors, including industry, credit history, and responsiveness.
  • If you have an existing merchant account, you can update your gateway with the parameters provided from your merchant provider and be ready to transact within minutes.
  • If you are applying for our "all-in-one" solution where we help to provide you with the merchant account, the approval process could be as quick as one hour if the application is "auto-approved".
• How do I check on the status of my application?
  • To check on the status please contact sales [what method and what emails are sent]
• Can I switch my merchant account or processor and keep my account?
  • [Link to article about processor change/switch]
• Are there contract fees for early termination?
  • No, the Authorize.net payment gateway does not have a contract fee for early termination.