…is the best article about this aspect of e-commerce I have ever read. The article authored by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson Web Marketing Today on Sep 15, 2009 [1] is very well organized and lucidly defines and explains the process of obtaining and using merchant credit card accounts.

Definitions:

• Independent Selling Organization (ISO)
• Acquiring bank
• Issuing bank
• Payment processor
• Payment gateway
• Chargebacks

Fees:

• Application Fees
• Discount Rates
• Transaction Fees
• Monthly Fees or Statement Fees
• Monthly Minimum Fees
• Payment Gateway Fees
• Early Termination Fees
• Chargeback Fees

There is a lot of high quality content at wilsonweb.com. I think I have been subscribed to Mr. Wilson’s e-mail newsletter longer than any other of the many other newsletters I read through on a regular basis. Over the many years Wilson’s newsletter remains a must review for leads back to his website for pertinent and timely advice and insights. I must admit I am at a loss not understanding why Ralph Wilson has not been snapped up as a consultant by any of the most well known technology publishing brands. On the other hand, when you have the success he has earned why bother?

[1] http://www.wilsonweb.com/ecommerce/wilson-merchant-account.htm