How to Get Started with Credit Card Processing in Bucks County

The Covid-19 pandemic made changes to consumer behavior that could very well be here to stay. And what do online shopping, curbside pickup, and contactless payment all have in common? Credit card processing.

Consumers have always appreciated the convenience of paying with a credit or debit card. Some people try to use a certain credit card as much as possible to maximize cashback or points accrual. Others just don’t carry much cash and younger generations tend to look at checks as artifacts from the stone age.

Small businesses can also benefit from offering credit card POS in Bucks County. For one thing, people tend to spend more when they know they can charge it. Also, payment processing comes with reporting, quick pay, and more to improve your cash flow and make financial management more efficient.

Ready to get started? We’ve broken the process down step by step with busy small business owners like you in mind!

 

How does credit card processing work?

As a small business owner in Bucks County, you don’t have much spare time in which to learn how payment processing works. Let us break it down for you:

Step One: Choose a credit card processing vendor.

The First offers state-of-the-art equipment with hands-on training, installation, and competitive pricing. It’s never been easier to accept credit and debit card payments using your cell phone, tablet, stand-alone terminal, PC, point of sale system, landline, or our proprietary POS system 1TouchPOS.

Step Two: A customer pays with credit or debit.

Whether online, in the field, or in your brick-and-mortar store, it takes seconds for the transaction to be encrypted and authenticated and then authorized (or not).

Step Three: Get your money!

The issuing bank for the customer’s credit or debit card sends the amount of the transaction to your merchant services bank. The funds are then available in your merchant account.

Still have questions about how credit card processing works? Check out our payment processing FAQs or give us a call at (215) 579-3400.

 

Who can benefit from credit card processing?

Essentially, every business regardless of size or industry can benefit from credit card processing. Research shows that customers are likely to spend more when they can pay with credit. And payment processing services include the option to offer gift cards, which serve as free marketing for your business in addition to boosting sales.

For restaurants in Bucks County, we offer E-Tab Restaurant Services to meet the demand for menu access and convenient online ordering. Your customers will be able to browse, order, and pay the tab from any web-enabled device.

 

Research credit card processing solutions

Today’s small business credit card processing offers a wealth of options so that you can get exactly what you need and nothing you don’t. At The First, we can help you choose between online, terminal, and Point of Sale products. We also provide an estimated comparison for you so you can research the costs of different equipment as well.

 

While there are plenty of merchant services providers out there, they are not all equal. Look for a vendor like The First that offers hands-on training and a dedicated representative who can answer your questions or stop by your business when you need help. As a community bank ourselves, we understand the stakes of competing with larger organizations. That’s why we developed a proprietary POS called 1TouchPOS, as well as a variety of other solutions, to help your local shop compete with the latest in point-of-sale (POS) technology.

“The First has been in the Credit Card processing business for over 40 years. We are a community bank that understands our clients’ needs for personalized and cost-effective credit card processing options. Our rates are very competitive, and we offer a variety of products to fit any type and size of business.”

 

Set up a merchant account

A merchant account is simply the bank account where your customers’ debit and credit card payments are deposited. You also need a payment gateway to connect your merchant account and the payment processor to credit and debit card companies. Without a payment gateway, you won’t receive customers’ payments. As your merchant services provider, The First will guide you through the process of setting up your merchant account and payment gateway.

 

Get the tools your business needs

As we’ve mentioned, there are a variety of tools and equipment to choose from for your credit card processing needs. Here’s what we offer:

• 1Touch POS: Our all-in-one point of sale system for every type of business, including retail, food service, and salons. Can be customized to your business needs such as inventory management, employee timecards, and customer management.
• Countertop payment terminals: High-performance ethernet-supported terminal provides a fast authorization. Retail and restaurant options available.
• Mobile and wireless payment processing: Accept payments on the go! Standard and included with all merchant accounts.
• Wireless terminals: Printer, terminal, and pin pad all-in-one. Accept payments from anywhere.
• Mx Merchant: A powerful payment platform with features for online shopping and payment solutions.
• Dial Pay: An inexpensive way to process credit cards by phone.

Not sure which tools are right for your small business in Bucks County? Give us a call at (215) 579-3400 for personalized advice.

 

Receive expert training

The First provides hands-on training for all of our credit card processing customers. We’ll teach you how to use your point-of-sale system, help you understand how the cash flow process works when you are receiving payments, and more. Best of all, if you have a question or need help afterward, we are always nearby in Newtown and can stop by your business to provide in-person assistance.

 

Partner with a local team for your credit card processing needs!

At The First, our Merchant Services team has more than 50 years of experience in the credit card processing industry. Let us help you improve your cash flow by accepting credit cards anywhere: in-store, mobile, tablet, online, and contactless. We can help you stay connected with the latest payment technology with competitive pricing and strong customer service.

Our Merchant Services Specialists work personally with businesses just like yours throughout Bucks County to get you set up with credit card processing. For more information on our credit card processing services, call 215.579.3400 or email creditcardprocessing@fnbn.com. Looking for more help with running your business in Bucks County? Check out our blog article on “Tips For Starting Your First Business in Bucks County.”