Marketing Agencies Greatly Benefit from Enhanced Payment Processing
Emergent trends in online marketing have created unique payment processing challenges for marketing firms. The ideal merchant account provider for your marketing agency will facilitate billing across multiple clients and account types, provide sales analytics to help you optimize your resources, and offer tools like accounting integration and online invoicing. There are also providers you should avoid—namely, any provider that is known to push long-term contracts, expensive equipment leases, or deceptive price quotes.
To help you in your search, we've put together the following list of the best merchant accounts for marketing agencies. The companies on this list offer business management tools, online invoicing, client management integration, accounting integration, virtual terminals, and other features that make it easier for you to run your marketing business. More importantly, though, they are also known to provide low-commitment contracts with transparent pricing and quality customer service. To find the right provider for your ad agency, be sure to research each processor's products and features and compare pricing and terms.
How to Select the Best Marketing Firm Credit Card Processor
When selecting the best credit card processor for a marketing business in the USA, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some of our specific considerations.
Credit Card Payment Processing Fees:
Look for a credit card processor that offers competitive rates for payment processing fees. In the marketing industry, where transactions can be high-volume and low-margin, every penny counts. Consider not only the per-transaction fees but also the monthly fees, chargeback fees, and other costs associated with processing payments.
Integration with Marketing Software
Look for a processor that integrates with your existing marketing software, such as your email marketing platform or customer relationship management (CRM) system. This will make it easier to manage your customer data and track your marketing campaigns.
Security
Security is critical in the marketing industry, where personal data and financial information are often exchanged. Look for a processor that offers robust security features, such as encryption and tokenization, to protect your customers' data.
Fraud Prevention
In addition to security, consider a processor that offers fraud prevention tools. This can include features such as fraud detection, chargeback protection, and 3D Secure authentication.
Reliable Customer Support
Look for a processor that offers reliable customer support, including 24/7 availability, phone and email support, and a dedicated account manager. This will help you quickly resolve any issues that arise and ensure that your payment processing runs smoothly.
Branding
Some credit card processors offer customized branding on payment pages, which can be valuable for marketing businesses that want to maintain a consistent brand identity throughout the customer journey.
PCI Compliance
Make sure the processor is PCI compliant, which means they adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This ensures that your customers' payment information is protected and that your business is not liable for any data breaches.
Overall, when selecting a credit card processor for your marketing business in the USA, it's important to consider your specific needs and goals. By carefully evaluating your options and choosing a processor that meets your requirements, you can streamline your payment processing and focus on growing your business.
Top Picks for Merchant Services for Marketing Firms
#1 Helcim
Top Pick for Marketing Merchant Services
Helcim is a merchant account provider headquartered in Alberta, Canada, and Seattle, Washington. The company provides merchant services and credit card processing to both U.S. and Canadian businesses. Helcim offers traditional payment processing equipment as well as a feature suite called “Helcim Commerce,” which is intended to serve as an all-in-one business management solution for merchants across all of their sales channels.
Why Helcim is the Best Payment Processing Solution for Marketing Products
If you run a small business selling marketing products, you know how important it is to have a reliable and secure payment processing system in place. That's where Helcim comes in. Helcim is an award-winning payment processor that provides tailored solutions for small businesses in various industries, including marketing. Here are a few reasons why Helcim is the best payment processing solution for marketing products.
Seamless Payment Processing
With Helcim, you can seamlessly process credit card payments for your marketing products. Their payment gateway integrates with various e-commerce platforms, including Shopify and WooCommerce, making it easy for you to accept payments online. Plus, Helcim supports all major credit card brands, so your customers can pay with their preferred method of payment.
Transparent Pricing
One of the biggest concerns for small business owners is the cost of payment processing. Helcim offers transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. You only pay for what you use, and their rates are competitive with other payment processors. Helcim also provides a cost calculator on their website, so you can estimate how much you'll pay for processing credit card transactions.
Secure Transactions
Helcim takes security seriously and provides advanced fraud protection for all transactions. Their payment gateway is PCI compliant, which means your customers' credit card information is encrypted and protected. Additionally, Helcim offers chargeback protection and has a team of experts ready to help you resolve any payment disputes.
Helcim is an excellent payment processing solution for small businesses selling marketing products. With seamless payment processing, transparent pricing, and secure transactions, Helcim makes it easy for you to accept credit card payments from your customers.
Host Merchant Services
Top Pick for Marketing Credit Card Processing
Host Merchant Services is a Newark, Delaware-based merchant account provider that is well-suited for marketing firms and ad agencies. The company's products and services include online marketing tools, mobile credit card processing, an online payment gateway and virtual terminal, custom third-party integrations, recurring billing, and merchant cash advance. Host also specializes in e-commerce businesses and provides a free website and business-class email to interested merchants. Host is an ideal option for marketing companies that would like to build a strong web presence at a reasonable cost.
Host Merchant Services has received only positive feedback on public forums, with most reviewers singling out the company's customer service for praise. Host offers interchange-plus pricing with no early termination fees to all of its merchants, meaning that users will enjoy the most transparent pricing model and can cancel service without penalty. The Better Business Bureau gives Host an “A+” rating, and CPO also gives the company an “A+.”
Why Host Merchant Services is a Great Choice for Marketing Payment Processing
If you're a small business owner in the marketing industry, you know how important it is to accept credit card payments from your customers. That's why choosing the right credit card processing service is crucial for your success. Host Merchant Services is a great option for business owners who sell marketing products and need to accept credit card payments from their customers. Here's why:
Affordable Pricing
Host Merchant Services offers affordable pricing options, including flat rate pricing with no hidden fees or surcharges. This makes it easy for small businesses to budget and plan for their payment processing costs.
Fast and Secure Processing
Host Merchant Services offers fast and secure payment processing services that are PCI-compliant. This means that your customers' payment information is protected from fraud and theft.
Flexible Payment Options
Host Merchant Services offers a wide range of payment options, including credit and debit card processing, as well as e-check and ACH payments. This makes it easy for your customers to pay in the way that is most convenient for them.
Customer Support
Host Merchant Services has a dedicated customer support team that is available 24/7 to help with any payment processing issues or questions. This means that you can always get the help you need, when you need it.
Host Merchant Services is a great choice for small business owners in the marketing industry who need to accept credit card payments from their customers. With affordable pricing, fast and secure processing, flexible payment options, and excellent customer support, Host Merchant Services can help your business thrive.
For more information, visit the Host Merchant Services website or call (888) 727-4538.
PaymentCloud
Top Pick for Marketing Merchant Accounts
Based in Woodland Hills, California, PaymentCloud is a merchant account provider that specializes in serving standard to high-risk business types. The company's products and services include point-of-sale solutions, mobile phone swipers, an online payment gateway and virtual terminal, EMV-compatible terminals, and merchant cash advances. These features allow merchants to accept payments on-site using their phones as well as through online billing. For those reasons, PaymentCloud is a good option for marketing firms as it allows them to process one time payments for a single project or set up recurring billing for monthly services from SEO analytics to executing each stage of an advertisement campaign.
PaymentCloud provides a dedicated account rep to all new merchants for the life of the account. The company has not received any negative complaints on consumer forums, and it customizes its pricing according to each merchant's business type and processing history. The BBB does not maintain a profile for PaymentCloud at this time, but CPO gives the company an “A.”
Why PaymentCloud is a Top Choice for Marketing Payment Processing
As a small business owner in the Marketing industry, accepting credit card payments from customers is essential for success. PaymentCloud is a leading credit card processing service that offers a variety of features specifically designed for businesses like yours.
Underwriters Experienced in High-Risk Transactions
One key advantage of PaymentCloud for Marketing payment processing is its ability to handle high-risk transactions. The Marketing industry is often considered high-risk due to the potential for chargebacks and fraud. PaymentCloud's experienced underwriters can evaluate and approve high-risk merchant accounts, ensuring that you can accept credit card payments from customers without worry.
Variety of Processing Features Tailored to the Marketing Industry
In addition to its risk management capabilities, PaymentCloud offers a variety of features that are especially useful for Marketing businesses. For example, the service offers recurring billing options, which is ideal for businesses that offer subscription-based services or monthly marketing plans. PaymentCloud also provides an online payment gateway that seamlessly integrates with popular shopping cart platforms, making it easy for customers to pay for your Marketing services online.
Competitive Rates and Transparent Pricing
Another benefit of PaymentCloud is its transparent pricing. The service offers competitive rates with no hidden fees or long-term contracts, which can be a relief for small business owners who are concerned about keeping costs under control.
Overall, PaymentCloud is an excellent choice for Marketing payment processing. Its high-risk capabilities, recurring billing options, online payment gateway, and transparent pricing make it an ideal partner for small business owners in the Marketing industry.
For more information, visit the PaymentCloud website or call (888) 506-7859.
CDG Commerce
Top Rated for Marketing Merchant Services
Located in Chesapeake, Virginia, CDG Commerce is another reliable option for marketing agencies of all sizes and types. CDG has been privately owned since 1998 and offers a proprietary online payment gateway (as well as a discount on Authorize.Net's payment gateway), recurring billing, a virtual terminal, QuickBooks integration, mobile phone processing, sales reporting, security breach protection, and vulnerability scanning. CDG Commerce is ideal for marketing firms that require a simple, low-cost, fully integrated processing solution across all payment channels.
CDG Commerce only charges a low, fixed fee per transaction and offers competitive contractual terms, including no annual fees, monthly minimums, or termination fees. CDG also offers next day funding to most business types. CDG has earned an “A+” rating in our review as well as an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Why CDG Commerce is a Great Option for Marketing Payment Processing
CDG Commerce is an excellent choice for small business owners who sell marketing products and need a reliable and secure way to accept credit card payments from their customers. CDG Commerce is an award-winning credit card processing company that has been providing payment solutions to small businesses since 1998. They offer a range of payment processing options, including online, mobile, and in-person payments, making it easy for businesses to accept payments from their customers.
Competitive Pricing Structure
One of the key benefits of CDG Commerce is its competitive pricing structure. CDG Commerce offers low interchange-plus pricing, which means that businesses pay a fixed markup on top of the interchange fees charged by credit card companies. This transparent pricing model ensures that businesses are only paying for what they use, and there are no hidden fees or charges. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses that need to keep their overhead costs low.
Advanced Fraud Protection
Another key advantage of CDG Commerce is its advanced fraud protection measures. CDG Commerce uses the latest security technologies, including 3D Secure, tokenization, and encryption, to protect businesses and their customers from credit card fraud. This is especially important for businesses that sell marketing products, as they are often targeted by fraudulent transactions.
Dedicated Team of Customer Support Representatives
CDG Commerce offers excellent customer service and support. They have a dedicated team of customer service representatives who are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that businesses may have. This level of support ensures that businesses can focus on their core activities without worrying about payment processing issues.
CDG Commerce is a great option for small businesses that sell marketing products and need a secure and reliable way to accept credit card payments. Their competitive pricing, advanced fraud protection, and excellent customer service make them a top choice for businesses of all sizes.
For more information, see the CDG Commerce website or call (888) 393-1079.
Additional Options
National Processing
National Processing offers several small business processing options and can assist marketing firms with identifying the right POS system or virtual terminal for their needs. The company offers two pricing options: one an interchange-plus program or a “zero-fee” program, both of which offer competitively priced rates.
National Processing has a clean reputation with just one complaint filed in the last three years, which is not concerning in nature. Our independent review finds National Processing to be a solid option for most marketing businesses.
Why National Processing is the Best Option for Marketing Payment Processing
For small businesses that sell Marketing products, accepting credit card payments is crucial. National Processing is an excellent option for these business owners because they specialize in Marketing payment processing. They understand the unique needs of businesses in this industry and offer tailored solutions that make it easy to accept credit card payments from customers who are buying Marketing products.
Transparent Pricing
One of the reasons why National Processing stands out is their commitment to transparency. They provide clear pricing and no hidden fees, so business owners can easily understand the cost of accepting credit card payments. This is particularly important for small businesses that need to carefully manage their budgets. National Processing's straightforward approach to pricing allows business owners to focus on what really matters – growing their business and making sales.
Offers Advanced Marketing-Specific Features
National Processing also offers a range of marketing-specific features that make it easy for business owners to manage their payments. For example, they offer advanced fraud prevention tools to protect against chargebacks and fraudulent transactions. They also offer marketing-specific reporting and analytics tools, which can help business owners track sales and optimize their marketing strategies.
National Processing is an excellent option for small businesses that sell Marketing products and need to accept credit card payments. Their commitment to transparency, tailored solutions, and marketing-specific features make them a standout option in the crowded credit card processing industry.
For more information, see the National Processing website or call (385) 777-1235.
Shopify
Shopify is primarily known as an e-commerce platform for online merchants, but the company also offers a point-of-sale software solution for iPad and iPhone. The Shopify POS app can accept cards via a headphone jack card swiper, or a $129 EMV reader and includes features like inventory syncing with a web store, emailed receipts, automatic tax calculations, basic email marketing, and in-store refunds. These online payment options and the familiarity of the Shopify brand are great for marketing brands that want to take payments in a flexible manner
The Shopify payment service can also be paired with a Shopify online store, which comes with numerous customization options. Shopify POS is a great fit for marketing firms who would like to accept payments on-site using their phones as well as through online billing. Shopify has an “A+” rating with the BBB, and we give it an “A+” rating as well.
Why Shopify is a Great Option for Small Business Marketing Payment Processing
For small business owners in the marketing industry, accepting credit card payments is an essential component of doing business. That's where Shopify comes in. As one of the leading e-commerce platforms on the market, Shopify offers a wide range of features specifically designed to help small businesses succeed. Here are just a few reasons why Shopify is an excellent option for small business marketing payment processing:
Secure Payment Processing
Shopify offers secure payment processing through its built-in payment gateway, Shopify Payments. With this service, business owners can rest assured that their customers' payment information is secure and protected from fraud. Plus, Shopify Payments allows businesses to accept payments from all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, making it easy to accept payments from customers worldwide.
Mobile-Friendly
In today's mobile-first world, it's essential to have a payment processing solution that's mobile-friendly. Shopify's mobile app allows business owners to manage their store, process payments, and fulfill orders on the go. Plus, with Shopify's mobile-responsive checkout pages, customers can easily make purchases using their mobile devices.
Integration with Marketing Tools
Shopify integrates with a wide range of marketing tools, making it easy for small business owners in the marketing industry to promote their products and services. For example, Shopify integrates with popular email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, allowing businesses to send targeted email campaigns to their customers. Additionally, Shopify offers built-in SEO features, making it easier for businesses to rank in search engine results pages and drive traffic to their site.
Shopify is an excellent option for small business marketing payment processing. Its secure payment processing, mobile-friendly design, and integration with marketing tools make it an all-in-one solution for businesses in the marketing industry.
For more information, visit the Shopify website or call (888) 746-7439.
Frequently Asked Questions: Marketing Firms Credit Card Processing
A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept payments via debit or credit cards. Through a merchant account, the funds from a card payment are initially transferred by the card issuer to the merchant account provider, who then transfers the funds to the business's bank account.
Marketing firms often engage in digital transactions with their clients. A merchant account allows these firms to accept payments in a safe, secure, and convenient manner. With a merchant account, marketing firms can also accept payments from international clients.
When looking for the best merchant account for a marketing firm, consider factors such as transaction fees, contract terms, customer service, types of accepted payments, and any additional services that may be offered. You can compare different providers online, read customer reviews, or seek advice from industry peers.
Lower transaction fees are generally preferable, but it's important to balance this with the level of service provided. Some merchant accounts may charge a higher transaction fee but provide more reliable service or better customer support. Be wary of any hidden fees, and make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.
The more types of payments you can accept, the easier it is for clients to do business with you. This is particularly important if you deal with international clients, as they may prefer to use different payment methods. Look for a merchant account that accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as other popular payment methods.
While it may depend on the provider, many merchant account terms are negotiable, including fees and contract length. It's always worth trying to negotiate better terms, especially if you're bringing significant business to the provider.
Some merchant accounts may offer additional services like fraud prevention, chargeback protection, detailed reporting, and integration with other software (like CRM systems or accounting software). These services can help streamline your operations and provide valuable protection and insights for your business.
Yes, you can change merchant account providers if you're unhappy with the service. However, you should be aware of any termination fees or penalties that might apply. Always read the contract terms thoroughly before signing.
Not all merchant accounts support mobile payments. If this is a feature that's important to your business, make sure to look for a provider that offers this capability.
Check to see if the provider is compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
Benjamin
I’m writing to express my deepest thanks for your comprehensive and insightful article on “Best Merchant Accounts for Marketing Firms”. As a professional in the marketing field, your guide has been a tremendous resource, helping me understand and navigate this specialized area.
Your detailed evaluation of each merchant account, pointing out their unique strengths, potential weaknesses, and standout features, was expertly constructed. You’ve effectively made a complex topic approachable and understandable for readers like myself.
I particularly valued your focus on critical elements such as transaction fees, customer service, and security measures. Your insights into specific needs of marketing firms, like handling recurring payments, managing multi-currency transactions, and integrating with CRM systems, were particularly beneficial.
It’s clear that considerable research, time, and expertise went into creating this guide. Your commitment to providing accurate, relevant, and actionable information has simplified a typically complex decision-making process, empowering professionals like me to make informed decisions.
Thank you once again for your significant contribution to this field. Your hard work, dedication, and expertise are deeply appreciated.