Merchant Accounts -- Billing, Security, Chargebacks, EChecks FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - General

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What are the requirements for submitting an online application?

What kind of hardware and software do I need to use the Integrated Payments Service (IPS) processing solution?

What is the Wells Fargo RiskAssessor system?

Can I share an Integrated Payment Service (IPS) account with other merchants?

What happens when I apply to become a registered Integrated Payment Service (IPS) merchant?

What is a BIN or Bank Identification Number?

Can I manually process transactions?

Are there browser-specific issues that I need to be aware of for using the Integrated Payment Service (IPS) processing solution?

Are there any restrictions on what I can sell?

I have another online merchant account. Can I use my existing merchant account with the Integrated Payment Service (IPS) processing solution?

Q:	What are the requirements for submitting an online application?
A:	To submit an online application, you must be able to answer "YES" to all of the following criteria: I am the owner or sole proprietor of the business; or if other type of business, I am an officer or director of the business who is authorized on behalf of the business to submit this online application. I am over 18 years of age. The checking account from which my monthly Integrated Payment Service (IPS) account fees will be deducted, and to where my sales receivables will be sent, is my personal or business checking account.
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Q:	What kind of hardware and software do I need to use the Integrated Payment Service (IPS) processing solution?
A:	For the Virtual Terminal, merchants may log into the Authorize.Net Merchant Interface from any web browser, including, but not limited to, Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer. No software is required by Authorize.Net or Wells Fargo to process transactions from a website.
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Q:	What is the Wells Fargo RiskAssessor system?
A:	The Wells Fargo RiskAssessor system is a proprietary Wells Fargo risk and fraud technology that is U. S. Patent Pending. This system fraud-screens, assesses, and flags enrollment and transaction data that might otherwise go undetected through usual processing channels, and result in a fraudulent charge or purchase.
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Q:	Can I share an Integrated Payment Service (IPS) account with other merchants?
A:	No. Sharing a merchant account with other merchants (sometimes referred to as "factoring") is against Credit Card Association regulations and may result in the termination of your IPS account.
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Q:	What happens when I apply to become a registered Integrated Payment Sservice (IPS) merchant?
A:	Wells Fargo examines a number of criteria before approving an application and registering a Merchant. Some of the criteria Wells Fargo examines includes, but is not limited to: Agreement with Merchant policies. Risk and fraud analysis of offline and online business practices. Agreement with billing procedures.
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Q:	What is a BIN or Bank Identification Number?
A:	A BIN, or Bank Identification Number, is a number that Discover®, American Express®, MasterCard®, and VISA® issue when they license a bank to issue cards to its customers.
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Q:	Can I manually process transactions?
A:	Yes. You can manually process transactions using the Virtual Terminal and Upload Transaction File features of the Authorize.Net Merchant Interface. The Virtual Terminal is a secure web-based "terminal" that enables businesses to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions from any computer that has an Internet connection (this solution is ideal for merchants who manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales). The Upload Transaction File feature allows you to upload a file containing multiple transactions to the Payment Gateway, providing a quick solution for high volume transaction processing.
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Q:	Are there browser-specific issues that I need to be aware for using the Integrated Payment Service (IPS) processing solution?
A:	You can access the Authorize.Net Merchant Interface using any web browser, including, but not limited to Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer. For optimal performance, use Netscape Navigator 5.0, Internet Explorer 5.0 or more recent versions.
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Q:	Are there any restrictions on what I can sell?
A:	Any merchant who knowingly and deliberately supplies false information to Wells Fargo in the online application or transaction process will be denied access to an Integrated Payment Service (IPS) account. Merchants who provide the following goods or services will likely be declined for an account due to the increased risk associated with the selling and/or distribution of these items: Adult membership sites Adult related products; escort services; materials and/or information that is considered grossly offensive or libelous Audio text; video text, online newsletters Customized products, such as custom golf clubs Gaming, lottery Sweepstakes Pyramid schemes; multi-level marketing companies Credit card insurance programs Online trading (brokerage) Travel and travel related businesses; airlines Mail order herbal remedies Illegal substances and/or activities Products and services that infringe on the trademarked or copyrighted property of others Any product or service that presents an unacceptably high risk of purchaser disputes
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Q:	I have another online merchant account. Can I use my existing merchant account with the Integrated Payment Service (IPS) processing solution?
A:	No. You must apply for a new merchant account by completing the online application.
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