Merchants Bancard Network Boasts a Secure-Cloud-Based Processing Network for Mobile Transactions. Gregory Bair

MBN’s mobile payment options are designed to be in accordance with PCI-DSS rules and specifications. While supporting Apple and Android devices, MBN has the most secure wireless network available and authorizations of super-sonic speed. Vendors do not need a landline and are not dependent on a power supply.  Payments can be accepted anywhere with tracking of every transaction.

QwickPay POS – This wireless system is highly secure; surpassing current PCI Compliance standards.  As soon as a card is swiped, all card data is encrypted along with the multi-layed security provided by MagneSafe.  So, this system is very safe.  It is very easy; all you need is your smartphone or tablet computer.  This allows the Merchants Bancard “merchant” ” who needs to get a payment processed right away to be a merchant “in the field, while maintaining security.  It simply requires a mobile signal (mobile connectivity).  The company does not store any data on the device; it merely transmits it using highly secure gateways and cloud computing technology.  Everything is done with the highest industry standard encryption methods.

This wireless system is perfect for so many different business situations, including:

• A service business “in the field,” such as a consultant, a plumber, or a home improvement person
• A traveling vendor
• A storefront business that does not want to use a traditional computer register – this could be a business at a festival or outdoor event
• Fast checkouts in the travel and hospitality industry, where the guest can easy charge room add-ons and even check out of the hotel or motel

If a full service company is on your holiday list, then Merchants Bancard is a company to learn more about.  They have a full range of POS terminal options, mobile processing, gift cards, loyalty programs, e-checks and other flexible e-commerce solutions.  Let’s review some of these.

POS Terminal Options – Here are a few highlights.  Go to their web site to see even more.  They offer both used and new equipment from major manufacturers.  What are you looking for?  A countertop, wireless or mobile solution?  They can meet those needs complete with POS software that will meet your company’s specific needs.  Merchants Bancard provides a full range of options, including for example, connecting on a traditional phone line or over the Internet, PINpads and SMART Card readers, thermal printers, and devices for Tap & Go credit or debit cards.  If you do not use a cash register or computer, they have a solution for you.

Online Shopping Carts –  Customers can use Merchants Bancard to setup their online shopping cart.  This helps merchants and individuals who need to accept credit card transactions over the Internet for their online store.  Merchants Bancard accepts all major cards, provide scure account verification and advanced tracking, and allows you to keep your shopping experience open 24/7.  One of the nice things about Merchants Bancard is that they provide customer education, so when you are reading about their online shopping cart (at their web site) you can also read about the issues of fraud and the ins and outs of facilitating a flawless checkout experience.

Merchants Bancard also has solutions for:

• Gifts card, which can drive sales for the merchant.
• Loyalty programs, which is an excellent method to say “thanks” to your very best customers.
• E-checks, a “go green and “paperless” solution, allows merchants to accept checks, which can improve productivity and efficiency around invoicing and billing.

For E-business Customers – You Can Integrate Your Shipping Software –  Customers can use Merchants Bancard to improve their productivity and efficiency with the logistics side of their e-Commerce site.  It’s easy.  As a business person, you integrate the shipping software with the “payment platform system.  This saves time and reduces errors caused by typing the information a second or third time.  Through this automation and streamlining, you can get more work done with less time.  From a business perspective, it is very powerful.  It allows you to track shipments, prioritize orders, monitor inventory, coordinate purchase orders and invoicing, and more.  It is really amazing and Merchants Bancard can do it all for you.  Just call in and ask for some ideas and education that is specific for your business.

Medical Offices and Premier Merchant Processing – The medical industry has been and continues to improve productivity and efficiency with more automation and payment choices.  Merchants Bancard provides a designated account manager to ensure that medical office business needs are properly addressed, including using the best solutions as well as the very latest hardware and software so that there is the highest level of fraud protection.  The company provides extra training and assistance so that the medical practice is fully compliant and extra features can be used, such as properly handling recurring bills.  Compliance, efficiency, and training – that’s what Merchants Bancard provides the medical industry.

• You get the “side swiper” (that works with your smartphone) for free.
• First pay: $10.00 a month.  $10.00 minimum.
• $0.05 for each transaction.
• $3.00 for your statement (paper statement that is postal mailed to you).
• Tiered Pricing with Interchange Plus Rates, ranging from 1.79% (Qualified), to 2.19% (Mid-Qualified), and 2.49% (Non-Qualified). Most transactions will be the 1.79 to 2.19.  (This depends on the card brand you are accepting.)
• PCI (security) – $2.95 monthly.
• IRS (to ensure reporting) – $2.95 monthly.
• Ability to view statements, all transactions, details – $2.95 monthly.

As mentioned, MBN has helped more than 70,000 merchants since 1991.  The company utilizes agents to sell their solutions.  Agents work with customers, get residual payments, receive instant approvals, and can use business management / sales management tools.  When reading through the web site, you find that MBN builds a strong team between the agents, inside customer service and customer support, and the merchants.  It appears to be part of the Merchants Bancard Network way of doing business.

• Three year contract
• There are early termination fees
• Month to month contract available

In house customer service and technical support are available 24/7/365.  This is a sign of customer commitment to its merchants.    Live chat is available 8 a.m. (PST) to 5 p.m. weekdays.  However, a live chat operator is not always available, but you can leave a message using a form they provide.  You can fax and email the corporate office anytime.  On the web site, they provide a staff directory which allows you to send an email to the CEO, Vice President and other officers.  You use an easy to use drop-down menu to find the executive contact name and you can easily send this person a message.

Like anything in business, it is always good to read the contract and related information.  Ask your questions before you sign up.  Negotiate before you sign.  Understand how their operation works and work within those boundaries and then you will have excellent customer service.  But again, if you have a question or comment, they make it very easy to send your message to the CEO or another executive.

“To any independent merchant accepting credit cards that’s looking for a home, if you’re not using MBN, you’re making a mistake. They’re the best I’ve ever worked with — hands down.  Why? It’s service and follow-through. Their service to the agent is outstanding; they go the extra mile. When I call up and ask for something, they get back to me right away. One of my requirements is, if one of my merchants calls in, I want to be notified, no matter what they asked about. MBN does that. They’re great people — all of them! I know all their names!” – Lee Cazier

From a customer service standpoint, MBN has been fantastic. It’s nice to have that ‘family-like’ relationship with the tech support staff — you know, on a first name basis. Versus some of the other companies that we’ve dealt with over the years, where it’s more like you’re a number and not a name. They give you that comforting feeling that your accounts are being taken care of first-hand, including the tech support, underwriting the new accounts, etc. And they’ve always done a great job as far as turn-around time — some of the best I’ve seen.” – Cole Bass

“I very much appreciate the relationship we have with Merchant’s Bancard Network. We started with them 7 years ago, in 2007, and we’ve had a great working relationship with them ever since. We’ve kind of become ‘family,’ and the only issues we’ve ever had, they’ve been able to address. Any solutions we’ve been looking for in the marketplace, they’ve been able to fill that void. Everybody that works there, from the newest member of the team all the way up to Jerry Cain, are available at your disposal, any time!” – Chris Switzer

Merchants Bancard Network had a few complaints, but overall they have a very good rating.  The factors which raised their rating were low complaint volume, quick resolution to complaints and the BBB had sufficient information about the complaints.   They had no complaints in these areas:  advertising, billing, collections, delivery, and warranty.  The very few complaints about the service were resolved quickly.  With the few complaints they had, the MBN representatives seemed sincere, respectful, and acting in good faith about working to resolve the issue and to help the customer.  MBN continues to have the highest A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Merchants Bancard Network Inc. is a registered ISO/MSP provided based out of California.  They offer very competitive merchant payment and credit card processing solutions.  They are strong with mobile payments, which is certainly a trend, but of course, they are also very strong with POS terminal systems, equipment, and peripherals.  Their web site touts their desire to listen and to help.  When calling into the company, this writer discovered that he was listened to and he got the answer to his question.  The person handling the call was friendly and knowledgeable and displayed an appropriate desire to help.

Since they’ve helped 70,000 merchants, have mobile payment solutions, it seems like they are poised to continue their growth based on service and their current technology offering.