Launching a brand new business can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if it is your very first foray into self-employment. One of the most pressing issues is choosing who processes your credit card payments. You will have to gather quite a few things which require you to set up your merchant account. Below is a comprehensive list most banks require to open a merchant account.

1) Checking account - You can use a personal checking account if you are a sole proprietor but incorporated entities need a business account.

2) Business license, reseller license, or articles of incorporation - Merchant Service providers need to make sure you are a legal entity and are allowed to conduct business in your area.

3) Pictures of your offices/store front - With the large how to be a credit card processor amount of fraud and the simplicity of getting incorporated, merchant service providers need to verify you are conducting business in the location specified. Many will actually visit your place of business.