B2B credit card processing is used for businesses who sell items or services directly to other businesses. B2B transactions are different from B2C (business to consumer) purchases because it involves higher transaction amounts, more consistent payments such as subscription billing, and often ACH payment processing.

B2B merchant accounts are perfect for businesses who primarily sell to other businesses. Providers such as Zen Payments, take into account the unique aspects of your sales process and create custom merchant accounts that suit your transaction preferences.

How To Get A B2B Merchant Account

To get a B2B merchant account you’ll want to contact a provider who is experienced with that form of payment processing and apply through them. But before you reach out, let’s get into how to pick one, what are the fees, and what features should be included in your account.

1. ACH Payment Processing – B2B providers should be equipped with a straightforward approach to ACH payment processing. Oftentimes, manufacturing companies will want payment upfront and directly wired to their bank account before shipping out an order. Moreover, costs of shipping and the large-scale work that’s involved in manufacturing make it essential to have extra levels of security when it comes to payments.
2. Fraud Protection – To ensure your B2B payments are valid, you should be sure to have fraud protection technologies. With scams progressing over the years in technological sophistication, fraud tools have become more advanced and expansive. You’ll want one that can detect any suspicious activity early on and alert you to potential issues.
3. High Volume Merchant Accounts – The volume of your merchant account refers to the maximum limit you’re allowed to process through it. Banks determine this by looking at your previous revenue and transaction history. If you’re expecting large orders ahead, you’ll want to find a payment processor that understands your goals and can increase your volume when needed or ahead of time.
4. Low Fee B2B Payment Processing – Traditionally, selling to other businesses is for the most part a safe bet in the way banks determine your merchant account risk. As such, you’ll want to negotiate lower fees and request a custom review of your processing type in order to decrease costs. For example, if you have a low number of transactions, you’ll be happier with a higher per transaction fee and decreased percentage.
5. Subscription Billing – This is key for any recurring payments or business that wants to create steady income with an ongoing payment business model. Some industries that are perfect for this feature include:
   • Rental Agencies – Recurring billing on rent is a safe way to ensure on-time payments and less headaches when it comes to uncertain tenants.
   • SaaS – Practical pioneering this payment model online. Software as a service or SaaS companies almost exclusively use monthly billing to receive payments.
   • Subscription Boxes – Dollar Shave Club had its day in the spotlight when it came to offering a commodity as a monthly box. Now, there are subscription boxes For everything from pet food to sex toys.
   • Membership Payment Processing – Nowadays, any company can offer a membership style service as an added bonus to their offerings. Most include a few extra benefits, and elite title, and VIP access to member only features.

How To Apply For B2B Credit Card Processing

After you find a merchant account provider that has the features you’re looking for, you’ll want to follow a few easy steps to get approved quickly and seamlessly.

1. Contact Them – Usually via form fill or phone call, their team will be ready to help you with the next steps.
2. Fill Out There Online Application – They’ll send you an application asking for information about your companies and the other businesses you sell to. Fill this out thoroughly to avoid delays.
3. Send Documents – Email any documents they request such as proof of ownership and past translation history.
4. Underwriting – Once your package is complete. The payment processor will send it to the bank for underwriting
5. Approval and Integration – After underwriting approves it, you’ll want to download their payment gateway tool to connect your new merchant account to your website or terminal.