Can I be approved for a merchant account if I’m just starting my business?

Yes, in fact there are merchant account providers that cater to start up companies (since most banks won’t even let you in the door.. .), you can try (search yahoo girl!).
what else should you worry about? Hmm..
there’s the
>merchant account
>payment gateway
>virtual terminal
>your website!

those are the basics. Hope I helped!

There’s always paypal too – a great service that combines merchant accounts plus the ability to reach all those paypal customers if you do internet sales. Check it out at and learn about other small business startup products.

We use paypal to take credit cards and also as a savings account since they offer 5% interest plus 1% cash back on purchases made with your paypal card.

Good luck with your start-up business.

Yes, once you file your articles of incorporation with the state, they will hound you to start one.

Worry about them charging too much.

You can apply for a merchant account and get setup in as little as one day. Most processors don’t charge to apply for a merchant account and you will just need to provide some basic information such as name of your business, address, what you sell, your avg ticket, etc. and provide your checking account information so that your credit card transactions get directed to your checking acct.

You will also need a payment gateway if you are going to accept credit cards online. These are also easy to get, and come as cheap as $10/month.

Try. They provide low cost merchant accounts AND payment gateway with no contract.