How to Set Up a Merchant Account : A Detailed Guide

Updated on: 10 Apr 2025

If you run a business, accepting online and card payments is a must. A merchant account makes this process smooth, helping you manage transactions easily while improving cash flow. Whether you own a small shop or an online store, setting up a merchant account ensures hassle-free payments.

Read on to know everything about merchant accounts, their types and importance.

Merchant Account Meaning

A merchant account is a special type of bank account that lets businesses accept payments through:

Credit and debit cards
UPI and digital wallets
QR codes
Net banking

Think of it as a middleman between your customer’s payment and your business bank account. Once a customer pays, the money first goes to your merchant account before being transferred to your actual business account.

Having a merchant account is super helpful, whether you run a physical store or an online business. It makes transactions easier, helps you get quick loans and even gives you extra security features to prevent fraud.

Types of Merchant Accounts

Choosing the right merchant account depends on how your business operates. Here are two main options:

1. Retail Merchant Account

Perfect for businesses with a physical store like supermarkets, restaurants and pharmacies. It allows you to accept payments via:

Card machines (for debit/credit cards)
UPI and QR codes (like BharatQR)

Since these businesses process many transactions daily, they usually enjoy lower transaction fees.

2. E-commerce Merchant Account

If you run an online store, this merchant account is a must. It lets customers pay directly on your website using cards, UPI, or wallets. Since more people prefer online shopping, having this option can help boost your sales.

Steps to Open a Merchant Account

Setting up a merchant account is simple if you follow these steps:

1. Register Your Business

Before you apply, make sure your business is officially registered. You’ll need:

Certificate of Incorporation
GST registration
Business PAN

2. Open a Business Bank Account

A separate business account is required to receive payments from your merchant account. This keeps your personal and business finances separate.

3. Understand Your Business Needs

Check on the below with yourself:

How many transactions do I process daily?
Which payment methods do my customers prefer?
Do I need a card machine for in-store payments or an online payment gateway?

4. Compare Service Providers

Banks and payment processors offer different merchant account options. Compare:

Setup costs and transaction fees
Security features (like fraud protection)
Customer support availability

5. Submit Your Application

Once you choose a provider, fill out the merchant account application and prepare these documents:

Business registration certificates
GST Certificate
Business PAN
Utility bill for address proof
Identity proof of the owner

6. Get Approved

The bank will review your application and check your business’s financial health. They might also look at your past transactions to assess any risks.

7. Start Accepting Payments

Once approved, your merchant account is ready! You’ll get tools like:

A card machine (for retail businesses)
An online payment gateway (for e-commerce businesses)

Why Do You Need a Merchant Account?

A merchant account makes payment processing super easy. It:

Helps you accept multiple payment methods
Improves cash flow with faster transactions
Makes your business look more professional
Provides security features to protect against fraud

What is Merchant Pay?

Ever wondered what is merchant pay? It simply refers to businesses accepting digital payments through a merchant account. Whether it’s credit cards, UPI, or net banking, a merchant account ensures quick and secure transactions.

Setting up a merchant account is one of the best decisions for any business. It makes payments smooth, secure and customer-friendly. So, if you haven’t yet, it’s time to open a merchant account and start accepting payments the easy way.