Intuit IMS — Q & A

Founded in 1999, Innovative Merchant Solutions (IMS), is a provider of credit card and debit card processing services for small businesses. In 2003, IMS joined forces with Intuit Inc., the industry leader in helping small businesses better manage their finances.

We will contact you within 24 hours (not including weekends and holidays) to let you know which program you have qualified for, answer any questions you have, and complete your application.

What type of businesses do you accept?

We accept retail, professionals, trade shows, mail order, telephone order, Internet-based, and home-based businesses.

What if my application is denied?

Very few applications are denied. In addition, there is no application fee. If your application were declined, it would be at no expense to you.

What if I have questionable credit?

Credit is not always the determining factor in our approval process. If your credit is questionable, we have some options available to you so your account can be approved.

My business is located outside the United States. Can I still sign up for an Innovative merchant account?

Unfortunately, no. Only US-based companies with a U.S. bank account can use Innovative Merchant Solutions.

What will I need to apply?

You will need the following information about your business:

Business information (Tax ID, physical mailing address)
Owner/principal information (contact and identifying information)
Account information (bank account, funding information)
Estimated credit card sales and existing credit card processing information (if applicable)
Current terminal model number

How do I find out the status of my application?

If you've already applied and have questions about the status of your application, please call us.

Do I need to open a new bank account for my merchant account?

No. The funds you collect from credit card transactions are deposited directly into the bank account of your choice. Funds are usually available within 2 business days.

Which credit cards will I be able to accept?

We set up you so that you can accept MasterCard, Visa and bank ATM debit cards. You can apply for American Express and Discover at the same time. If you would like to accept Discover Card and American Express there is $50 set up charge.

I have a merchant service account through another bank. Should I cancel my account before I apply?

In order to assure uninterrupted processing, DO NOT cancel your existing merchant service until you've been approved and ready to process with Innovative Merchant Solutions. At that point, you can choose to cancel your existing service.

Will I need to purchase any additional equipment or a terminal?

Terminal Service: It depends. You can use your existing terminal–and reprogramming is FREE.¹ Just call us for assistance. Don't have a terminal, get one for a great price. Learn more about our terminals.

PC Service: No — we provide you with FREE virtual terminal software, which lets you use your PC to manually key-enter card information, plus also lets you process sales anywhere there's an internet connection. You can also select the QuickBooks Merchant Service, which lets you manually key-enter card information right in your QuickBooks software.²

Internet Service: No — we provide you with FREE gateway software, which lets you take sales over the Internet plus lets you manually key-enter card sales anywhere there's an internet connection.

How do I reprogram my terminal?

One of our Activation team members can assist you with reprogramming. Just call us for help.

Will I be trained on the software or hardware I use to process transactions?

We provide full technical support and our experienced customer service representatives and tech support are available 24/7/365.

Will I receive a statement?

Yes. A statement is mailed out monthly. It contains information on all deposits into your account, your total sales volume, and the charges for the month.

What is a discount rate?

Every bank charges a discount rate. The discount rate is the percentage of each transaction that the processing company charges to handle the transaction for you. Our discount rates are exceptionally low for retail (swiped), mail/telephone order, and Internet merchants.

Is the discount rate the same for all businesses?

No. Credit card transactions that are keyed-in are considered higher risk since the card is not present at the time of the sale. Merchants who do a lot of keyed-in sales (for example, mail/telephone order and Internet-based businesses) experience a higher discount rate than retailers where cards are physically presented and swiped.

Is there a transaction fee?

Yes. Credit card processing includes both a discount rate and a transaction fee.

What is the Address Verification System?

If you sell via mail/telephone order, or through the Internet, you don't want to send a product to a false address and risk a chargeback. The Address Verification System (AVS) lets you enter the customer's home address and compares it to the address on file with their credit card company. If someone uses a stolen card, and wants products shipped to a false address, AVS will detect this for you.

IMS of California is an independent sales agent of Innovative Merchant Solutions, LLC. Innovative Mercant Solutions, LLC is a registered agent of Westamerica Bank, Santa Rosa, CA, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, Columbus, OH. FDIC insured. Terms, conditions, pricing, features and service offerings subject to change without notice.

1. Not all existing terminals can be reprogrammed. A new purchase may be necessary. Terminals are available separately to lease or buy. Please call us for details.

2. QuickBooks Merchant Service requires at least QuickBooks Financial Software 2003 (for the PC), QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 2.0, or QuickBooks Simple Start Edition 1.5. Please speak with our merchant experts for service and pricing details.

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