Merchant accounts for global online businesses

We ask that you provide documents to help validate your business. Typically, that can be done with legible, unaltered copies of the following:

• The official, legal document filed with a local government agency (certificate of incorporation, memorandum, appointment of directors, etc.)
• Valid passport for all shareholders, owners, or directors (showing 4 corners and passport holder’s signature)
• Utility bill from all shareholders or directors (less than 60 days old)
• Proof of physical presence in the country you are applying for (tenancy agreement for physical office space, home address of a director or shareholder, etc.)
• Voided check or bank letter with account information for deposits (should include full business name and address)
• Proof of website domain ownership
• VAT/tax registration or certificate
• Payment Card Industry (PCI) certificate or SAQ
• Last 6 months business bank statements
• Last 6 months processing history

If you sell physical goods, we’ll need a few more things:

• Fulfillment agreement (signed by shareholders)
• Manufacturing agreement, paid invoices, or purchasing order (if fulfilled in house)
• Example email sent after order is fulfilled

If your industry requires a license — for example pharmaceuticals, gaming, CBD — we’ll need a copy of your license.

If we need additional documents during the application process, we’ll let you know.

Ready to get started? Fill out our online interest form today!

Although we do our best to match your business with a relevant acquirer, not all merchant account applications are approved.

In most cases, if an application is denied it’s because acquirers are concerned about potential risks.

In these situations, time and a proven track record for success are usually the best way to ensure future approval.

You can also enhance your reputation by signing up for fraud and chargeback management solutions (We can help with this! Click here to learn more.).

Not only can these solutions reduce risk, but acquirers will appreciate the proactive decision to improve your business.

Some cases are initially denied because required information isn’t provided — and these situations are easily avoidable.

• Provide as much information and supporting documents as possible.
• Make sure all copies are unaltered and easy to read.
• Promptly reply to any emails you receive during the application process.
• Always answer questions truthfully and transparently.

Ready to get started? Fill out our online interest form today.

Underwriting timelines can vary significantly from business to business because the process is influenced by many external factors.

For example, an acquirer might change the application process, have new employees unfamiliar with policies, be short staffed while team members are on holiday, or decide to reevaluate risk thresholds.

Generally, we try to complete the initial phase of the approval process within a few days to a few weeks.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process.

• Provide clear, unaltered copies of all requested documents.
• Respond to emails and inquiries as soon as possible.
• Always provide honest, transparent information.

Ready to get started? Fill out our online interest form today!

Although we do our best to find you the perfect merchant account, some applications are denied.

Fortunately, if your application is initially rejected, you could still be approved in the future. One “no” doesn’t mean you’re denied forever.

Here are some things you can do to improve your acceptance rate next time.

• Try to build up more processing history. Often, new businesses without much experience are turned down.
• Audit your inventory. Are there any goods or services that have higher-than-normal chargeback activity? Could you remove those items from your store?
• Check to see if you need a license. Some industries have stricter regulations than others. Maybe you need to better validate your business.
• Sign up for fraud and chargeback management solutions. Risk is a big determining factor in account approval or denial. The better you can manage risk, the better your chances for approval. Reach out to AltoPay if you’d like help building a fraud and chargeback management strategy.

We will also revisit applications as we continue to build out our acquirer portfolio. If we think we’ve found a good match for your business, we’ll let you know.