What underwriting reviews
Providers look at how your business operates and how customers pay.
- Business type, products, and industry risk profile
- Time in business and ownership details
- Expected monthly volume and average ticket size
- Refund policy, delivery timelines, and chargeback history
- Website content, terms, and privacy policy for online sellers
Documents to have ready
Gathering these ahead of time can shorten setup.
- Business registration and EIN confirmation
- Owner identification
- A voided check or bank letter (shared directly with the provider, never through a web form)
- Recent processing statements, if you already accept cards
- Business bank statements when requested
Reserves, holds, and funding
Some businesses, especially those with future delivery, subscriptions, or higher-risk products, may be asked to keep a reserve. Ask about reserve terms, funding schedules, and volume limits before you sign so cash flow stays predictable.
Why a dedicated merchant account can help
Aggregator platforms onboard quickly but review accounts after the fact, which can lead to sudden freezes. A dedicated merchant account is reviewed up front, so expectations are set before your first sale.
This guide is general education, not financial or legal advice. Pricing, approval, and terms depend on provider review.