What is a merchant account? Where card payments land first
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
- 1Your card appears in your app
- 2Tap it to pay in a shop
- 3See every payment as it happens
A merchant account is a special account, run by an acquiring bank or payment provider, that receives the money from a business's card payments. After fees and any holds, the money is then paid out to the business's normal bank account.
Merchant account vs business bank account
A business bank account holds your money and makes payments. A merchant account sits in front of it and collects card payments. You can't usually spend from a merchant account directly; it settles into your bank account on a schedule.
Dedicated vs aggregated
Tap to explore
Tap each one to see what it means.
Dedicated
an account in your business's own name with an acquirer, often suited to larger volumes.
Aggregated
you share a provider's merchant account, which is quicker to open and common for small businesses.
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What it does
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What providers check
Before approving an account, providers look at the business and its owners, what it sells, expected volumes and refund or chargeback risk. Higher-risk businesses may face reserves or rolling holds on payouts.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms include payment links, invoicing and business accounts under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. You can preview your platform before you launch.
How it works
Your own money app- 1Name it and pick your colours
- 2Choose what it does
- 3Launch when you are ready
Why sign up
Create your free SendPay account
It's all about creating your own financial platform with ease. Start with a free account today.
- 🪪A free business accountOpen it in about a minute with your business name, email, password and mobile. No card and no documents to start.
- 💳Get paid from day oneTake card payments, and share your own payment link and invoices so customers pay in a click.
- 🌐A free business websiteFree to build, free to publish and free to keep, with unlimited visits.
- 🚀Your own financial platformDesign and preview your whole platform free, then launch when you are ready.
SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.
Questions people ask
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Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.