Frequently Asked Question

How and when do I get paid?

The time it takes for your balance to be ready for payout can differ by country, usually ranging from 2 to 7 business days. In countries where it’s supported, the standard payout schedule is set to automatic daily payments, meaning your balance will be transferred daily once it’s eligible for payout. Additionally, you have the option to choose weekly or monthly payouts instead.

Will I be charged tax?

Whether you’ll be charged tax depends on the nature of the transaction, your location, and applicable laws and regulations. Taxes, such as sales tax, VAT (Value-Added Tax), or GST (Goods and Services Tax), may be applied based on the product or service being purchased and the jurisdiction in which you reside or where the transaction occurs. It’s important to consult local tax laws or a tax professional to understand your specific tax obligations.

How do I know if my business is high-risk?

Your business might be considered high risk based on factors like industry type—especially if it’s prone to chargebacks or regulatory scrutiny (such as adult entertainment, gambling, or travel), financial stability, and whether you have a high chargeback rate. Operations that involve subscription models, make international sales, or sell in heavily regulated sectors (like tobacco or CBD) also contribute to this classification. Additionally, businesses with high transaction values, as well as new or unestablished companies without a proven financial track record, are often seen as high risk. Evaluating these aspects can help you understand your risk level, which is crucial for securing appropriate payment processing options and preparing for financial or regulatory challenges.

How do I know if my business is medium-risk?

A business falls into the medium-risk category when it doesn’t fully meet the criteria for being classified as high risk yet exhibits characteristics that are more complex or uncertain than those typical of low-risk businesses. This classification can arise from a mix of factors, such as operating in an industry with moderate chargeback rates, engaging in international transactions with a moderate level of risk, or dealing in products or services that face some level of regulatory attention but not to the extent of high-risk industries. Businesses with a relatively stable financial history that might have occasional fluctuations in revenue or chargebacks could also be considered medium risk. Moreover, companies that have a mix of domestic and international customers, offer subscription services with moderate chargeback rates, or have average transaction values that are neither too low nor excessively high may fall into this category. Essentially, if your business exhibits a balance of risk factors without veering too strongly toward the high-risk or low-risk ends of the spectrum, it’s likely to be classified as medium risk.

How do I know if my business is low-risk?

A business is typically considered low risk if it operates within an industry with low chargeback rates, has a stable financial history, engages in transactions primarily with customers in the same country, and sells products or services that aren’t subject to intense regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, if your business has a consistent track record of transactions without significant issues, such as fraud or late payments, and maintains a low average transaction value, it’s more likely to be classified as low risk. These businesses often enjoy benefits like lower processing fees and more favorable contract terms with payment processors. Identifying as low risk hinges on a combination of having a clear operational history, engaging in straightforward, domestic transactions, and operating in a stable and uncontroversial market sector.

How long will the setup take?

For low to high risk merchant accounts, the typical setup time ranges from 24 to 72 hours once all required documentation has been submitted. However, for high-risk accounts, the decision-making process may extend up to one week to complete the setup of the merchant account. This timeframe ensures thorough underwriting and verification to maintain security and compliance.

What is a merchant account?

A merchant account is a specialized account that allows businesses to accept credit card payments from their customers, whether the transactions occur online, in-person, or are manually keyed in.

What is PCI compliance?

PCI Compliance refers to a set of mandatory security standards designed to ensure that all merchants and vendors handle customer credit card information securely. It is essential for every merchant to meet these standards to protect sensitive payment data. To achieve PCI compliance, merchants must fill out a compliance questionnaire and, depending on their specific circumstances, complete any required security scans.

Do I need to be PCI compliant?

Yes, we are dedicated to making sure all of our merchants are PCI compliant. If you have any questions about compliance or need help with your questionnaire, our support team is available during business hours at (888) 225-8090.

What credit cards will I be able to take?

Every merchant account includes the capability to accept major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Additionally, merchants have the option to expand their payment methods to include other forms such as PIN-Debit, e-checks, fuel cards, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), and gift cards. This flexibility allows businesses to cater to a broader range of customer payment preferences.

Is the use of a phone or smart tablet allowed to process payments?

Every merchant account is equipped with a complimentary iOS mobile application for processing payments. For Android users and merchants with specific needs, we offer a range of paid mobile applications. This ensures all users have access to convenient payment solutions tailored to their platform and unique requirements.

Will I receive monthly reporting?

Yes, every month you will receive a detailed statement via mail and/or email that outlines your payment activities, including deposits made to your account, your total sales volume, and monthly charges. Additionally, for real-time and up-to-date information, you can access these details online at any time.

What is a payment gateway?

A Payment Gateway, also known as a Virtual Terminal, equips merchants with secure methods to process payments and accept credit cards. This system allows for the manual entry of transactions, sending of invoices, and configuration of recurring payments. Additionally, these gateways include fraud filters that aid in reducing fraudulent activities and lowering the risk of chargebacks for the merchant.

What are the costs associated with a payment gateway?

Generally, the expense associated with using a payment gateway comprises various fees, such as a setup fee, per-transaction fees, and a monthly service fee. These costs typically range from $10 to $25 per month, with transaction fees between $0.05 and $0.10 each, depending on the provider. Popular providers include Authorize.net and NMI. Additionally, a daily batch fee ranging from $0.05 to $0.10 is applied. This fee covers the aggregation of all transactions from the previous 24 hours into a single “batch,” which is then transmitted to the processing networks.

How does the gateway work?

A payment gateway provider is a company that facilitates electronic payment transactions for businesses by offering a secure means to process credit card or direct payments. These providers serve as intermediaries, ensuring the smooth transfer of funds between the merchant and the financial institutions involved, like the customer’s bank or credit card company. Well-known payment gateway providers include PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.net, and Square, among others.
Here’s how a payment gateway functions in a typical transaction:
  1. Customer Initiates Payment: The transaction begins when the customer inputs their payment details (e.g., credit card or bank account info) on the merchant’s website or application.
  2. Transmission of Payment Information: This data is then securely sent from the merchant’s platform to the payment gateway.
  3. Processing by Payment Gateway: The payment gateway securely captures and stores the payment details, forwarding them to the relevant financial institution, like the customer’s bank or credit card issuer.
  4. Transaction Approval or Decline: The financial institution checks the details and either approves or declines the transaction. If approved, it sends a confirmation back to the payment gateway.
  5. Notification to Customer: The payment gateway receives this response and communicates it back to the merchant’s system, which in turn informs the customer of the transaction status.

In essence, a payment gateway provides a secure bridge for information transfer during payment processing, ensuring that transactions are completed swiftly and securely.
In essence, a payment gateway provides a secure bridge for information transfer during payment processing, ensuring that transactions are completed swiftly and securely.

What are chargebacks?

A chargeback is a transaction reversal initiated by the cardholder’s bank to return funds to a customer, often due to disputes about the transaction or fraudulent activity.

What are some common reasons for chargebacks?

Chargebacks can happen for several reasons including unauthorized use of the credit card, dissatisfaction with the product or service received, non-delivery of goods, or billing errors.

What are the impacts of chargebacks?

Chargebacks can impact businesses financially through loss of revenue, additional fees, and increased payment processing rates. They can also affect your reputation with both customers and credit card processors.

How to prevent chargebacks?

To reduce chargebacks, ensure clear communication with customers, use fraud prevention tools, provide accurate product descriptions, and have a transparent refund policy. Timely customer service can also prevent disputes from escalating.

How to prevent chargebacks?

To reduce chargebacks, ensure clear communication with customers, use fraud prevention tools, provide accurate product descriptions, and have a transparent refund policy. Timely customer service can also prevent disputes from escalating.

How should I respond to chargebacks?

Respond promptly by gathering all relevant transaction information, such as receipts, signed documents, and correspondence. Submit this evidence to your payment processor or bank as part of the chargeback dispute process.

What are the key steps in the chargeback dispute process?

The key steps include receiving the chargeback notification, collecting evidence to support your case, submitting the evidence to the bank or payment processor, and waiting for the decision on whether the chargeback will be upheld or reversed.

Get in touch

Hours: 9am – 5pm EST
Available Days: Monday – Friday

Email: support@worthypayments.com
Sales: sales@worthypayments.com
Phone: +1 (888) 225-8090