Solutions

Small Business Credit Card Processing and Merchant Account

Carpenter who has small business credit card processing drilling wood

January 03, 2026

Small business credit card processors are financial service providers that enable small enterprises to accept credit and debit card payments from customers. These processors act as intermediaries, securely transmitting payment information between the business, the customer, and financial institutions, making them ideal for high risk merchant accounts.

More than just merchant account providers, these processors provide solutions that work with various online and in-store platforms. Whether it's a physical store, an ecommerce website, or both, small business credit card processors play a pivotal role in enhancing customer experiences, broadening payment options, and ensuring secure and efficient transactions for small businesses.

Best Small Business Credit Card Processor

The best small business credit card processor is Zen Payments, they can sign you up fast and get you the resources you need to start accepting payments. With Zen Payments, you’ll be able to open an ecommerce merchant account and connect it to your ecommerce store or brick-and-mortar business via a terminal or gateway. Keep in mind, a gateway connects online while your terminal is the physical device that scans card data.

Top Small Business Payment Processors

The top payment processors don’t just set up accounts, they work as an assistant and learn your business model while helping implement any technical integrations along the way.

Be sure you select a processor with an online platform that you find easy and full of features. Moreover, look for a payment gateway that is secure for your customers and has the reporting features you need to understand your business trends.

A person holding a credit card and using a laptop.

Benefits of Small Business Credit Card Processors

1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Small business credit card processors elevate the purchasing journey by offering customers a convenient and familiar payment option. This convenience can lead to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales.

2. Expanded Payment Options: By enabling credit and debit card payments, these processors broaden the range of payment methods your business can accept, accommodating a variety of customer preferences.

3. Seamless Integration: Reputable processors provide user-friendly tools and plugins that smoothly integrate with your point-of-sale (POS) system or e-commerce platform, saving time and reducing technical complexities.

4. Improved Cash Flow: The swift processing of credit card payments results in quicker access to funds, allowing small businesses to manage their cash flow more effectively.

5. Security Measures: Small business credit card processors implement advanced security protocols, including encryption and fraud detection tools, to protect sensitive customer data during transactions.

6. Analytics and Insights: Many processors offer reporting features that provide valuable insights into transaction trends, helping you make informed business decisions.

Credit Card Readers For Small Businesses

Credit card readers are indispensable tools for small businesses, revolutionizing the way transactions are conducted. These compact devices allow entrepreneurs to accept credit and debit card payments swiftly and securely, even on-the-go.

Equipped with advanced technology, these readers can be connected to smartphones or tablets, instantly transforming them into mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems. Small businesses can choose between chip card readers, which provide enhanced security through EMV technology, or swipe readers for traditional magnetic stripe cards.

Contactless Payments

With the rise of contactless payments, many readers also support near-field communication (NFC) transactions, allowing customers to make payments with a simple tap or wave. These credit card readers empower small businesses to keep up with evolving payment trends, enhance customer convenience, and streamline their operations, all while maintaining the utmost security for financial transactions.

Get Started With
Zen Payments

Our merchant service specialists are the best in
the business and will work with you from start to
finish to get your account approved!

High Approval Rates

Expansive Network of Banks

Versatile Solutions

Quick Approvals

Ready to Start Proccesing?

Fill out this form and a merchant services representative will be in touch!

Josh Phelps

Josh Phelps is an experienced sales professional with eight years of expertise, including four years in payment processing. Throughout his career, Josh has successfully secured approvals for thousands of businesses, demonstrating his skill in navigating and optimizing the payment processing landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small business credit card processing refers to the payment system that allows business owners to accept payments using a payment card, including Mastercard and other major brands. It involves a merchant services provider, a business merchant account, a payment terminal or virtual terminal, and secure connections to an acquiring bank and issuing bank to complete each transaction.

Small business payment processing is different because it prioritizes simplicity, affordability, and flexibility over the enterprise level complexity used by large companies. Small businesses typically need easy onboarding, minimal hardware like a card reader or mobile point of sale system, and pricing models that are predictable and easy to understand. Zen Payments is one of the top payment processors for small businesses.

Businesses can accept credit card payments for business through point of sale systems (credit card machines for business), mobile apps, or by using a virtual terminal to accept payments online. These tools connect directly to a business bank account or business checking account so funds can be deposited efficiently. Zen payments all these services and more to merchants.

Credit card processing fees for businesses usually include interchange fees, assessment fees, and processor markup. Pricing models vary and may include flat rate pricing or interchange fee plus pricing. The total cost depends on transaction volume, card type, and whether payments are made in person, online, or via mobile payment.

A business credit card terminal is a physical payment terminal used in retail or brick and mortar locations. These terminals support chip cards, contactless payments, and digital wallet options such as Apple Pay. Some systems combine terminals with inventory and accounting software for streamlined management.

Yes. To process card payments, most businesses need a business merchant account connected to a merchant services payment provider. This account allows transactions to settle into a checking account or bank account, often within one to two business days.

Processors must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Security tools such as tokenization, address verification service, encryption, and fraud monitoring help protect customer data and reduce chargeback risk. Strong data security is essential for regulatory compliance and customer trust.

With flat rate pricing, businesses pay one predictable price per transaction. Interchange pricing separates the interchange fee set by the card networks from the processor markup. Flat rate pricing is preferred by some businesses because the fee for each transaction is the same, but interchange pricing can result in lower transaction fees for merchants utilizing cheaper forms of payment processing (such as ACH payments and debit card transactions).

Yes. Modern payment solutions support mobile payment, digital wallet, and omnichannel selling. This allows businesses to accept payments in store, online, and through mobile apps using a single payment system with a consistent user interface.

Onboarding and underwriting timelines vary by provider but often only take a few days for standard small businesses. During underwriting, Zen Payments verifies business details, bank information, and compliance requirements before activating credit card processing services. Our thorough underwriting process helps to mitigate the potential for holds and payment processing interruptions.

Low risk merchants may not require a contract, but all payment processors require a contract for high-risk businesses (which is usually a standard 1 to 2 years). Zen Payments can charge a termination fee for early cancellation. Business owners should review terms carefully to understand pricing, scalability, and exit options.

We offer top-notch customer support and provide dedicated account managers. Zen Payment customers receive expert customer service through phone, email, or chat.

Don't forget to share this post!

← View all posts