One of the quickest ways to expand your business is to let your customers use a credit card.With something like $2.5 trillion in credit card transactions a year, that's a lot of business that you could be tapping into.A merchant account that can process credit card payments for a fee is a viable system in almost all industries.Retail. grocery stores, convenience stores, boutiques and the mall.Restaurants. fast food, casual restaurant and fine dining.At some restaurants you can get car-side service and pay-at-the-table service.Service with Tips. hair salons, taxis and limousines.Professional. doctors, accountants and lawyers.Internet or e-Commerce. anything business that transacts business online.Trade Services. the plumber, mechanic and contractor.All of these businesses can - and should - offer credit card services to their clients.Here's why..More money spent.Studies show that customers spend more than they planned when they have the flexibility of using a credit card, debit card, electronic check or a gift card.They are not limited to the dollars in their wallets and they don't have to wait for payday.So instead of just picking up one thing, they have the flexibility of looking around or taking advantage of a sale.You will also be able to capture the impulsive buyer.Legitimize your business.Understand that customers are strangers until they've worked with you.They may like what you offer, but they cannot be sure that you will come through with what you've advertised.But when they see a logo that tells them companies like VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover are doing business with you, they begin to develop a sense of trust in your operation.Better cash flow.Not only can you expect sales to increase, but you can get your hands on your money more quickly.You won't be waiting for the customer's check to clear, experiencing bounced checks or sending out late notices in hopes of collecting an overdue bill.The merchant account pays you - and then it is on the merchant account to collect from the customer.Safest online transaction.Something like 90 percent of people shopping online use a credit card.It's safe for them, and if you cannot accept their credit card, they will find another vendor who will take plastic.Rewards.Today's customers know that their purchases are worth a lot to the credit card companies.They have come to look for the rewards associated with particular cards.If they are making a particularly large purchase, they will want the points - points they cannot get if they pay with cash or a check.Some merchants worry that a merchant account will dip too deeply in their profit margins.But that isn't true.If it were, the majority of businesses would not accept credit cards.Today, there are a host of different plans and pricing schedules that make it possible for any merchant to reap the benefits of a merchant account - including the extra customers coming their way.If you want to investigate a merchant account, start by comparing the companies - and only considering those merchant accounts with a sound track record.You are safest by using a company that has been in business long enough to develop a good reputation.There are always some new kids on the block, but let them prove themselves with someone else's business.Next, compare fees and services offered.You will find that most fees fall within the same range, give or take a few cents.These are transaction fees, processing fees, and so on.If you find a company whose fees sound too good to be true, there is likely a hidden problem.Most likely, there is a hidden fee somewhere that lets the company make up the difference.Be aware that there are some fees you should not have to pay, given today's competitive market.For example, you shouldn't have to pay an application fee, setup fee, installation fee, programming fee or annual fee if you want to accept credit card payments.Remember, however, that merchants today need to accept more than credit cards.There are a host of advanced payment processing solutions - like debit cards, check and pre-paid card processing, electronic balance transfers, revenue-generating gifts and loyalty cards - that need to be part of your mix.You also need to look into the kind of services provided.For example, does the account offer a money back guarantee that you will be happy with? And be sure to ask about customer service.Is it a 24/7 operation? It should be.Remember, if your processing terminal goes out, you are out of business.Once you have made a decision, the merchant service should be able to act quickly.You should be set up to accept credit cards in as few as 24 to 48 hours.You'll soon be reaping the benefits that come with a merchant account.

Business credit cards can offer quick solutions for companies that need additional cash flow, while funds or access to funds may be low.They can be perfect for small businesses and larger corporations alike.Most companies offer the ability for businesses to have several cards for multiple employees with access to the same account.Some can even be personalized with each employee's name, or other safety features.Annual Fees.Many business cards come with an annual fee.While many of the larger companies offer accounts with no annual fees as an incentive, if a card doesn't have an annual fee it is often at the sacrifice of a higher interest rate.If looking into a business card, be sure to find one that suits your needs.Having an annual fee may be worth it if the rewards are good.For example, the Chase Ink Cash Business cards have an extra bonus for office supplies of 5% cash back over their standard bonus of 1% cash back for all other items.Other Fees and Interest Rates.Business credit cards can be a life saver for small businesses or a final nail in the coffin for a struggling one.The biggest problems that many run into with business credit cards are the shift on the interest rates, or the start of fees that begin when certain qualifications aren't met.Some cards begin having a fee or an increased APR after a certain time or when a certain purchase level is not reached.Specific Business Cards.American Express is one of the most prevalent card companies in the business credit card industry.American Express offers several cards like the American Express Business Platinum Card.This card has an added cash back bonus after a spending threshold is met within the first three months of owning the cards.While this card holds a heavy annual fee of $450, the trade off is that there are no pre-set spending limits.Another specialized choice is the Chase Ink Bold card.While this card has an annual fee of $95 after the first year, it boasts no interest.This card, along with the entire line of Chase Ink cards, requires excellent credit.If you ever need to fly for your business, it would benefit you to get the bonuses for frequent flyers like the Delta Sky Miles card from American express.Sometimes the best choice is to give up cash back for other perks.The Plum Card from American Express offers a very low annual percentage rate of 10%, and even lower when paid off sooner, in lieu of reward programs.