Credit Card Payment from Clients

[David Turner]

I have had a few clients request to pay by credit card.

Does anyone here accept payment from clients using credit cards?

If so, could you briefly describe the process and cost of setting it up?

This inquiry is directed at those practicing their business in the U.S.

Thanks.

-DT

[Scott Schroeder]

PayPal. It's the easiest way.

[David Turner]

Scott,

Thanks for the reply.

I'll check it out.

-DT

[M V]

+1 for PayPal. Be aware there are fees 3.5% I think.

[Ernest Burden III]

You would have fees taking a credit card payment, too. Great if you could get them to use Paypal. If so, get yourself a verified business account. You set it up, they make a small deposit in your account (something like $0.21) and you report back the amount to show it is your account.

 

Years ago I looked into accepting credit cards, and the result was not good. You had to go through a bank, and they treat it like a loan, since the customer can do a charge-back. So to set it up was like applying for a mortgage.

 

Now you have options like Square, which is an iphone card reader. I have no idea if it's easy or not to get started, but look into it and tell us!

 

You should make it as easy as possible for clients to pay you. Any way they want, the answer should be "yes, please". Most clients who have the authority to order renderings have a company expense card. So it may take three weeks to get an invoice through accounting (which is bullshit but you hear it anyway) but they may be able to just put your retainer on Amex.

 

I still haven't done it, but you should go for it if you have clients asking for the option. Good luck!

[M V]

It's very easy to setup a PayPal business account which will process payments using credit cards, debit cards, and paypal accounts. You can sign up for a PayPal debit card and get access to your funds immediately or transfer to your back account for free. I highly recommend them. They also started PayPal Capital Lending which will allow you to take small biz loans for very reasonable fees. You pay back the loan as you get paid from your clients. You will need to establish a payment history before, so start using them as soon as you can.

[David Turner]

Everyone,

Thanks for the helpful feedback and information!

-DT