Merchant Marvels — No-Fee Credit Card Processing

Q: How long does the approval process take?

A: Once your application is complete, the approval process typically takes 24 hours or less, especially if we receive your application before 12:00 PM EST. Once approved, we’ll promptly ship your terminal equipment or software so you can start processing payments right away.

Q: How soon will I get my money after a transaction is processed?

A: For most businesses, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover transactions are deposited into your account the next business day after processing.

Q: Do I need a business license to obtain a merchant account?

A: Not necessarily. If you don’t have a business license, we may accept alternative documentation, depending on your business type and risk level.

Q: Do I need a business checking account?

A: If your business is incorporated, you’ll need a business checking account. Sole proprietors, however, may use either a personal or business checking account.

Q: Do I need American Express or Discover accounts before applying?

A: No. Merchant Marvels can set those up for you during the application process.

Q: What is the discount rate?

A: The discount rate is the fee merchants typically pay to process credit card transactions. However, with Merchant Marvels’ No-Fee Processing, you don’t pay any discount rate — your customers cover that cost, allowing you to keep 100% of your revenue.

Q: What is the Interchange Fee?

A: The Interchange Fee is a percentage-based fee paid by the acquiring bank to the issuing bank for each card transaction. The rate depends on Visa/MasterCard rules, the card type, and how the transaction is processed.
With Merchant Marvels, these fees are covered by the small surcharge your customers pay, not by you.

Q: What is NPF (Network Participation Fee)?

A: The Visa Network Participation Fee (NPF), also called the Fixed Acquirer Network Fee, applies to all settled U.S.-issued Visa credit and debit card transactions.
It appears as a single line item (“Visa NPF”) on monthly statements. The amount varies depending on:

• Number of Tax IDs

• Card-present vs. card-not-present transactions

• Merchant Category Code (MCC)

• Number of locations

• Visa gross monthly volume

Even if no Visa transactions occur, a minimum $3 fee may still apply.

Q: Do I have to be PCI compliant?

A: Yes. All merchants who accept credit card payments must comply with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards).

Q: What are the charges for PCI compliance?

A: When you open a merchant account with Merchant Marvels, we provide free PCI compliance validation — no additional fees.

Q: What is a surcharge?

A: A surcharge (or checkout fee) is a small fee added to a customer’s total when they pay using a credit card. This fee helps cover the processing costs, allowing merchants to keep their full sale amount.

Q: How can I accept credit and debit cards without paying high fees?

A: Simple — contact Merchant Marvels, and we’ll set you up with our No-Fee Processing Program. You’ll receive the tools and support you need to start saving money immediately.

Q: Is surcharging legal? Will my bank shut me down?

A: Yes, surcharging is legal in the U.S. following a legal settlement effective January 27, 2013. Merchants may apply a surcharge on credit card transactions as long as they follow the requirements set by Visa, MasterCard, and state laws.

Q: My customers mostly pay with cash. How does this affect me?

A: That’s great — cash transactions have no surcharge. You can even offer incentives for cash payments to encourage that behavior further and keep costs low.

Q: Can’t I just surcharge on my own?

A: Surcharging requires precise compliance with Visa/MasterCard rules and technical setup in your payment terminal. Incorrect implementation could lead to fines or account closure.
With Merchant Marvels, everything is handled for you — automatically and compliantly.

Q: How do I notify customers about the surcharge?

A: Once you enroll, Merchant Marvels provides:

• Compliant signage to display at your business.

• Updated terminals that automatically print surcharge details on receipts.

Your customers will always see the surcharge clearly before payment.

Q: Is there a limit to how much I can surcharge?

A: Yes. The surcharge cannot exceed the merchant discount rate or 4%, whichever is lower — as per card network rules.

Q: Can any business add a surcharge?

A: Most U.S. businesses can — except those located in these 8 states where surcharging is prohibited:
Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Merchants in all other states can participate by following network guidelines.

Q: My business handles a lot of returns and chargebacks. How does surcharging affect that?

A: It’s seamless. When a transaction is refunded or charged back, both the purchase amount and the surcharge are credited to the customer automatically. Your Merchant Marvels terminal handles this process for you — fast and hassle-free.

Ready to Start Saving?

Contact us today to learn more about No-Fee Credit Card Processing and how Merchant Marvels can help your business grow while keeping more of your profits.

📍 Merchant Marvels
8 The Green, Dover, DE 19901
📞 302-208-6030
✉️ [email protected]