Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on pricing, approval, equipment and disputes — including the parts of this industry that usually stay vague.
Common questions
What do I need to open a merchant account?
Business formation documents, an EIN, a bank account in the business name with a voided cheque or bank letter, and government-issued photo ID for the owner or signer. If you already process cards, a recent statement lets us quote accurately.
How long does approval take?
Standard card-present businesses are usually reviewed within a few business days. Specialised or higher-risk categories take longer because underwriting is more detailed.
Can a brand new business get approved?
Yes. A business with no processing history is underwritten on the owner, the business type and projected volume rather than on past statements.
Why would an application be declined?
Common reasons are a mismatch between stated and actual business activity, a prohibited business type for that acquirer, or documentation that does not match the application. A decline at one acquirer is often an approval at another.
How is processing priced?
Every card transaction has three cost layers: interchange set by the card networks, assessments set by the networks, and the processor's markup. Only the third is negotiable. Ask any provider to show you all three separately.
What is interchange plus?
A pricing model where interchange and assessments pass through at cost and the markup is shown as a separate fixed amount. It is more transparent than a blended rate, which bundles everything into one number.
Why does my effective rate change month to month?
Because your card mix changes. Rewards cards, corporate cards and keyed transactions all cost more than a basic dipped debit card. A different mix produces a different effective rate on identical volume.
Can my rate go up after I sign?
It can, with any provider — network costs change and contracts often permit adjustments. Ask for the notice terms in writing, and check your statement every month.
Should I buy or lease a terminal?
Read any lease very carefully. Terminal leases are commonly multi-year and non-cancellable, and the total cost often far exceeds buying outright. For most small merchants, buying is the cleaner choice.
Can I keep my existing terminal?
Sometimes. Many terminals are locked to the processor that supplied them. Send us the make and model and we will tell you.
What happens if my terminal fails?
Contact us with the model and the exact error text. Replacement terms depend on the equipment program on your account, which we confirm in writing before you order.
When do I get my money?
Same or next business day funding is available on most accounts, subject to underwriting and your batch cut-off time. Batching after the cut-off pushes funding to the following day.
What is a rolling reserve?
A percentage of settlements held for a set period to cover potential chargebacks. It is more common in higher-risk categories and long-delivery businesses. Terms are disclosed in writing before you sign.
What should I do when a chargeback notice arrives?
Send it to us immediately. Response windows are short and missing one is an automatic loss.
How do I reduce chargebacks?
Use a billing descriptor customers recognize, keep delivery evidence, respond to customers quickly, and make refunds easy. Most disputes are recognition and service problems rather than fraud.
Is VOXEPAY a bank?
No. VOXEPAY LLC provides merchant services and payment processing solutions through partner acquiring banks and processors. Merchant accounts are issued by those institutions under their own agreements and underwriting.
Do you work with businesses outside the US?
VOXEPAY sets up US-based merchant accounts for businesses operating in the United States.
Is there a contract?
The merchant agreement is with the processor and its terms vary by program. We go through the term, any early termination provisions and the equipment terms with you before you sign.
See what your processing should actually cost
Send a recent statement, or your monthly volume and average ticket. You get a written breakdown back — no commitment.