Wireless Merchant Account

A wireless merchant account is an account that enables a merchant to transact credit cards using a mobile system and acquire a real-time authorization. Typically, a wireless credit card machine is used to obtain such authorizations.

Different Types of "Wireless" Merchant Accounts

A wireless merchant account is often thought of as a merchant account that utilizes a portable terminal to transact credit cards on the go. Although this is the most common wireless merchant account, there are actually different types of wireless merchant accounts that allow a merchant to charge cards while on the go.

Wireless Merchant Account (terminal)
The most popular way of acquiring a credit card authorization while on the move is by using a wireless credit card machine. By using a wireless credit card terminal, a merchant is able to swipe a credit card, acquire an authorization or decline in real-time, and print a receipt for their customer while mobile. This is the type of account that we will focus on later in this page.

Touchtone Telephone Merchant Accounts
Touchtone telephone merchant accounts also allow a merchant to acquire a real-time authorization while on the go. Touchtone telephone merchant accounts allow a merchant to use a cellular phone to dial into an automated network to transact credit cards.

Aircharge Wireless Processing
The Aircharge wireless processing system allows a merchant to attach a card reader to their cellular phone allowing merchants to swipe credit cards and transmit data to a processor over a cellular network. This technology seems very promising, and we are currently investigating its practicality, reliability, and functionality. We will release our finding shortly. To be notified when this information is available please subscribe to our newsletter.

Alternatives to a Wireless Merchant Account

• Store and Forward Merchant Accounts
• Touchtone Telephone Merchant Account

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