A person making a contactless credit card payment at a sidewalk café.

How to Accept Credit Card Payments

Published December 12, 2024
7 min read

Table of contents

Key points:

  1. Anyone with the right tools can accept credit card payments, not just businesses.

  2. Options for collecting credit card payments include credit card terminals, mobile point-of-sale devices, and online stores with payment service providers.

  3. Merchants typically pay a fee for each credit card transaction.

Accepting credit card payments

If you have a business that only accepts cash, accepting credit card payments could open the door to new customers and more straightforward transactions. Technology like portable payment processing machines and digital credit card processing services make it possible to accept a credit or debit card payment. But where should you start?

The best way to accept credit card payments depends on your business structure, customers, and needs. This guide provides insight on how to accept credit card payments so you can identify the best way forward for your business.

Do you need to have a business to accept credit card payments?

You don’t need a business to accept credit cards. Qualifying individuals can accept credit card payments for their goods or services by setting up an account with a payment service provider (PSP). A PSP verifies and processes each credit card payment before depositing the money into a bank account. You don’t need a business to use a PSP.

What kinds of businesses accept credit card payments?

Both large and small businesses can benefit from accepting credit cards.

Some examples of businesses that can accept credit cards include:

 

  • Small businesses or LLCs with employees, like restaurants.
  • Online retailers, like custom clothing stores.
  • Contractors, like plumbers.
  • Freelancers, like writers or babysitters.
  • Street vendors, like food truck operators.
  • People who provide a service, like hairdressers.

Taxes, regulations, and other considerations

Accepting credit card payments may impact how you or your business files taxes and could subject your business to new regulations. When you begin accepting credit card payments, consider checking with an accountant or lawyer about changes to your taxes and state, local, or federal laws that may affect your business.

According to the IRS, businesses should keep payment records, like deposit information, paper and digital receipts, and invoices to prepare for tax season from all purchases, including credit card transactions.

What’s the easiest way to accept credit card payments?

Many tools exist to make accepting credit card payments easy for individuals and business owners, especially for those starting a new business. The best choice for you depends on your business structure and your sales plan. Some companies offer customers a few ways to shop, like an online store in addition to their brick-and-mortar locations. In that case, you may want to utilize more than one of the following options.

In-store or on-site payments

Whether you have a brick-and-mortar location or vend at multiple sites, the right tool could simplify accepting credit card payments. There are two options for processing credit card payments in-person: a credit card processing machine or a mobile payment system.

Credit card processing machines. These machines, sometimes called credit card terminals, can be ideal for stores, restaurants, and other permanent locations with stationary cash registers. Many modern credit card processing machines are considered point-of-sale (POS) systems, since they can do more than just process credit cards. They have the hardware and software to complete transactions. Credit card processing machines often have digital displays and spots to tap, swipe, and insert credit cards.

 

Mobile point-of-sale systems. These systems, also called mPOS, can work well for mobile businesses and others without a permanent brick-and-mortar location—like dry-cleaning delivery services, creatives who sell at art fairs, or wedding photographers. This can also help individuals who want to accept credit card payments unrelated to a business. An mPOS could include different technologies that let you take credit card payments using a smartphone, tablet, or another handheld device. Sometimes, mPOS systems have fewer features than standard POS systems, so consider your needs before choosing.

Using a credit card processing machine or mobile point-of-sale system makes it possible for businesses to accept credit card payments, even on the go. Taking credit cards could make your checkout process more efficient, which can be especially helpful in fast-paced settings.

Online credit card payments

Many online businesses rely on credit card payments. Even businesses with physical locations, like stores, restaurants, or artists who sell at galleries, often rely on online sales for a portion of their income.

You can connect a payment service provider to your virtual storefront to begin offering online credit card payment options. If you don’t have a storefront yet, consider using a simple website builder to set one up.

 

Providing a secure online payment system is essential for online stores. You may want a service that offers encryption for sensitive data, like credit card information.

Can you use your phone to accept credit card payments?

Yes, you can accept credit card payments on the go by connecting an mPOS or PSP account to your phone.

How to accept credit card payments using your phone

You can begin receiving credit card payments on your phone by following a few quick steps.

  1.  Register with a payment service provider or mPOS.
  2.  Order a mobile card reader.
  3.  Download a verified payment app and set up your account.
  4.  Begin accepting credit card payments on your phone.
  5.  Maintain documentation of your transactions.

What are the costs of accepting credit card payments?

Starting to accept credit card payments means you may attract more customers to your business and possibly increase revenue, but accepting credit cards also comes with some costs. You may spend money on a credit card processing machine and be responsible for certain processing fees. Each transaction fee may include:

  • Interchange fees. Purchasers’ credit card companies charge merchants interchange fees, which differ across card issuers and types. How people make a purchase (online, through an app, at a credit card terminal, etc.) also influences the interchange fee.
  • Assessment fees. Credit card companies receive a percentage of each transaction, usually less than .2% of the total cost.
  • Payment processor fees. Your credit card processor may charge a monthly rate for their services or collect a small portion of each transaction.

Did you know?

If you accept credit cards, your customers could earn rewards while shopping. With the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Credit Card, cardmembers can earn cash back with 2% cash back at Gas Stations & Restaurants, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases quaterly.1

What are the benefits of accepting credit card payments?

There are a few benefits for businesses and individuals that accept credit card payments.

Potential for more customers. Expanding payment options means you can potentially increase sales by making your products or services accessible to more customers. Even those who prefer not to use credit cards may perceive your business as more trustworthy if you accept credit card payments. This added professionalism can help new small businesses establish credibility with potential customers.

 

Less manual bookkeeping. Because so much of the credit card payment process is automated, it could reduce the need for manual accounting at your company. Thanks to credit card machines and POS systems that track purchases and offer other services, accepting credit cards could minimize the need for payment record-keeping done by hand.

Accept payments from friends and family. If you don’t have a business but you still want to accept payments from friends, family, or others, you can do so by accepting credit card payments. Just create an account with a PSP, and you can start accepting credit cards.

 

If you decide to accept credit card payments as an individual or for your business, there are many tools to help you navigate the change. Whether you’re a dog walker, electrician, or photographer, choose the payment methods that best serve your business needs and customers.

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  1. 2% Cash Back at gas and restaurants: You earn a full 2% Cashback Bonus® on your first $1000 in combined purchases at Gas Stations (stand-alone), and Restaurants each calendar quarter. Calendar quarters begin January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Purchases at Gas Stations and Restaurants over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, earn 1% cash back. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 2%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion. For online purchases, the transaction date from the merchant may be the date when the item ships. Rewards are added to your account within two billing periods. Even if a purchase appears to fit in a 2% category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in that category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not earn 2% if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. Learn more at Discover.com/digitalwallets. See Cashback Bonus Program Terms and Conditions for more information.

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