Intuit Merchant Service for Terminals

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Intuit Merchant Service for Terminals?

  A terminal-based solution for merchants who prefer not to process credit card transactions through their PCs. It allows merchants to accept credit and PIN-debit transactions. To learn more about this offering call

  How do I apply for Intuit Merchant Service ?

  The application is easy to complete. The process takes about 5-10 minutes. Call to apply Monday through Friday 7am-5pm Pacific Time.

  What will I need to apply?

  You will need the following information about your business:
  Business information (tax ID, physical business mailing address) Owner/principal information (contact and identifying information) Account information (bank account information, funding information) Estimated credit card sales and existing credit card processing information
  (if applicable) Current terminal model number

  How long does the application-approval process take?

  Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by our credit underwriting department. In most cases, you will receive a decision on your application within 2 business days (often quicker). We will contact you via phone with a decision. Occasionally, a business will be asked to supply additional information in order for us to arrive at a decision. After receipt of any additionally requested information, you will be notified of a decision within 1-5 additional business days
  
  Upon application approval, your new merchant account must be activated at the bank and throughout the credit card processing network. This takes up to 2 more business days. You will receive another e-mail notifying you when your account has been activated.

  How do I find out the status of my application?

  If you've already applied and have questions about the status of your application, please call (800) 558-9558.

  I have a merchant service account through another bank. Should I cancel my account before I apply?

  In order to assure uninterrupted processing, DO NOT cancel your existing merchant service until you've been approved and ready to process with QuickBooks Merchant Services. At that point, you can choose to cancel your existing service.

  Will I need to purchase any additional equipment or a terminal?

  No. You can use your existing terminal. You will just need to reprogram it to download the transaction data into QuickBooks. Reprogramming is FREE². Just call (800) 558-9558 for assistance. Or, you may purchase a new terminal (sold separately), including wireless, from QuickBooks Merchant Services. Learn more about our terminals.

  How do I reprogram my terminal?

  One of our Activation team members can assist you with reprogramming. Call (800) 558-9558 for assistance.

  What credit cards and debit cards are accepted?

  Credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover® Network cards. Debit labels we accept include Maestro, Interlink, and ATMs cards.

  Can I keep my existing bank account?

  Yes, you can have your credit card payments deposited into any business bank account that accepts electronic funds transfers.

  Can I download transactions into QuickBooks even if I am using a terminal?

  Yes, but only if you have an Intuit Merchant Service for Terminals account. If you do not have an account, it is easy to get one. Just call (800) 558-9558. Once the account has been activated, you can download credit and debit transaction data into your QuickBooks.

  What version of QuickBooks should I have to take advantage of this feature?

  Terminal Payment Download requires at least QuickBooks Financial Software 2008 or higher.

  How does Terminal Payment Download work?

  Once you have a QuickBooks Merchant Service for Terminals account, activate the download feature on your account using your QuickBooks software. To see how, click here. You'll then be able to take advantage of the following features:
  Download the previous day's sales as early as the morning of the next business day. Use the same QuickBooks form you use to enter transactions today. With Terminal Payment Download, you have the choice to download your terminal transactions as a sales receipt or a deposit. Each terminal transaction will be entered as a line item on the Sales Receipt or Deposit transaction. Along with the amount, details on each line will include the authorization code and time of transaction. Each sales receipt or deposit will typically represent one day of activity per card type. Download all credit and debit card processing fees or any other service-related fees such as monthly fees and chargeback fees. The fees can be assigned to an expense account and they are automatically debited from your bank account keeping your records up to date. To see how, click here.

  Can I use my existing merchant account to take advantage of the download feature?

  Only if it's a QuickBooks Merchant Service for Terminals account: otherwise, you must apply for one. Call to apply

  Can I use the download capability if I have multiple merchant accounts or multiple terminals for an account?

  Yes, if all the accounts are QuickBooks Merchant Service for Terminals accounts. The download feature can be used even if there are multiple terminals for a merchant account

  What is the difference between the card reader and a terminal?

  A card reader is an optional device that can be used with QuickBooks Merchant Service for PCs accounts. It plugs into your computer and allows you to run, or swipe, credit cards whenever you have a physical credit card present at the time of the transaction (also called a "card-present" transaction). Unlike terminals, card readers contain no information about the merchant, so they don't have to be programmed. All the necessary information is built into the QuickBooks software.
  
  A terminal also allows you to swipe credit cards. It also lets you accept PIN-debit cards. Each terminal is programmed with information about the merchant (Merchant ID), as well as information about the terminal itself (Terminal ID). A terminal plugs into a phone line (or wireless technology) and does not require a PC, so it can offer greater flexibility in terms of the location of your sales.
  
  Whether you use a card reader or a terminal, swiping credit cards lets you qualify for lower, card-present rates.

  Do I need to buy the card reader/card swipe?

  No. If you have a QuickBooks Merchant Service for Terminals account, a separate card reader is not required. All terminals come with built-in card readers.

  My business is located outside the United States. Can I still use QuickBooks Merchant Service for Terminals?

  Unfortunately, no. Only US-based companies with a U.S. bank account can use QuickBooks Merchant Services.