Do I need a Merchant account?

Nemo101

im currently trying to set up a online website to sell things on. I currently use ebay to sell stuff and get payment via paypal.

Now im setting up a website which will process payment via paypal, I was wondering should I make a new paypal account under a business name? currently its under my personal name. will this be a merchant account etc.

thanks for help

helen_vasey

a merchant account is run by a merchant bank, i.e. streamline, where they charge you for accepting cc payments, it it completely different to a paypal account. set up fees vary hugely, we are still looking but as we have just joined the market traders federation, we should get preferential rates through them. have a look at streamline.com.

Browntoa

if you are using Oscommerce for the web site then you need a Secpay account AND a merchant account if you want to accept payments that way, Nochex is an option on Oscommerce and does not need the customer to register

Astaroth

No you dont need a merchant account but by having one you will give your site much greater credability as an established company.

Paypal, NoChex and others offer payment services which do not require you to have a merchant account. This allows you reduce/ avoid setup fees and monthly costs but the fee per transaction is higher than a true merchant account.