Paypal has screwed me over for the last time but now I need a way to accept cc payments and I am a bit uncertain on how a merchant account works. Can they hold my funds for any reason like paypal? How much does it cost? Is there a contract? How do I get my money? How long do I have to wait to get my money? How do I know I am not just signing up with another paypal-like company?

Your not alone. Paypal has screwed over a lot of people, me included. I’m trying to get my money and have no idea how long it will take. I checked out National Merchant Bancard as the website suggested and called for information. It seems easy enough and the girl answered all my questions. You should check it out. I like that there is no contract and that they are not a paypal type company. You can apply online and be approved for an account within 24 hours. She told me that money is deposited in your account within 2 days. Like I said, I just gave them a call and think I am ready to apply, you might give it a try.

thanks for the info

Just as a heads up if you don't want to go with something that is like paypal then you should also stay away from google check out. It is the exact thing just a little less bad.

Tesha... had a good point about national merchant bancard I signed up with them on merchantinc.com and it has been everything paypal is not so an overall good experience. I would say you should just give them a call before signing up if you have any questions or concerns. The answered all my questions I had and went over the process with me which was so simple.

Look into it you got nothing to loose...no contract so if you don't like you are out like that

I've heard mixed reactions about google checkout, the good thing about a merchant account is they are FDIC insured so they have to follow some sort of guidelines

yeah I messed up a bit and went with google checkout thinking it was going to be better but it turned out to be just like paypal.

Will definitively do my research before signing up with another company. Thanks for all of your input.