Franchise Q And A: How Do I Set Up My Franchise To Take Credit Cards? - The Franchise King® | Learn How To Become A Franchisee (2024)

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I haven’t been able to locatea franchise businessin the US that only accepts cash for products or services.

And, I don’t expect to.

(This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy).

Franchise businesses are modern businesses that are fantastic at responding–and then adapting to current market conditions.

For example, franchisees of gas stations were among the first to install credit card machines right at their gas pumps…a long time ago. Consumers were tired of walking all the way to a gas station just to pay for their gas. They wanted-and demanded, convenience. Now, it’s the norm, all over the country, and it has been for years.

Fact: The first “Pay at the pump ” transaction occurred in 1986. (Wikipedia)

Let’s see howyoucan setup your franchise to accept credit card payments.

A Credit Card Transaction Lesson

The first thing you need to do is get educated on the credit card payment and acceptance process…the transaction itself.

Fact:Credit card transactions happen in a two-stage process.

1. Authorization
2. Settlement

Here’s how it looks, courtesy ofNational Bankcard:

So…

1. Merchant (the franchisee) submits their customer’s credit card transaction through the credit card terminal, POS system, etc.

2. National Bankcard’s Processor submits the transaction to the Credit Card Interchange network (a network of financial entities that communicate to manage the processing, clearing, and settlement of credit card transactions).

3. The Credit Card Interchange network routes the transaction to the customer’s credit card issuing bank, to make sure enough funds are available.

4. The credit card issuing bank approves or declines the transaction and passes it back through the Credit Card Interchange network.

5. The Credit Card Interchange network relays the transaction information to National Bankcard’s Processor.

6. National Bankcard’s Processor then sends either the confirming approval number back to the merchant’s credit card processing equipment, if the funds are available, or a decline message, if they’re not.

Next, the funds are transferred from the customer’s credit card issuing bank through the Federal Reserve System and are deposited into the franchisees checking account. Figure on getting your money in approximately 48-72 business hours.

That’s how things happen electronically…behind the scenes, the second after your customer’s card is swiped through your credit card machine.

Now, let’s go back to the question that’s been posed to me numerous times over the years-from clients of mine.

How Do I Set Up My Franchise To Take Credit Cards?

In order for you, the franchise owner, to accept credit cards, you have to open what’s called a “merchant account ” with a bank. It used to be pretty easy to do. Now, not so much. That’s because a lot of banks have gotten out of the credit card processing business. But, have no fear. You can still open a merchant account. Just go through a company like National Bankcard.

National Bankcard Is an ISO

ISO stand for “independent sales organization.ISO’s like National Bankcard, specialize in merchant account services. They help small businesses, franchises, get setup to accept credit cards. But, you’re going to need something else from an ISO. You’re going to need to make sure that your credit card transactions are secure.

National Bankcard also has one of the largest chargebacks and fraud departments in the industry.That’s huge, especially nowadays. Do you remember what happened toTarget®?

When it’s time to get your franchise business setup to accept credit cards, call on National Bankcard. They’ll get you up and running.

National Bankcard Benefits

National Bankcardworks with franchises like Subway®, Taco Bell®, KFC®, and Comfort Inn And Suites®, to name just a few. They know how to set things up for a franchise business.

Here’s whatNational Bankcardoffers, as of this writing:

  • Rates starting as low as 0.25%
  • Free credit card terminal – a $400 value
  • No contracts and no cancellation fees
  • 24/7 Expert customer service
  • A+ BBB Rating
  • Solutions for all types of merchants – retail, wireless, online, etc…

National Bankcardprovides franchise businessescomprehensivepayment processing solutions.

Credit Card Processing for Less at Only 0.25% AND Free Credit Card Terminal

As a franchisee, once you sign-up withNational Bankcard, you’ll be able to accept all types of payments including credit, debit and checks and you’ll also have the ability to deploy state of the art terminals, printers, Pin pads and check readers…all with features specific to your needs.

It’s one thing to setup your new franchise business. It’s quite another to set things up to get paid.

National Bankcardcan set things up to make it happen.


Franchise Q And A: How Do I Set Up My Franchise To Take Credit Cards? - The Franchise King® | Learn How To Become A Franchisee (3)

Franchise Q And A: How Do I Set Up My Franchise To Take Credit Cards? - The Franchise King® | Learn How To Become A Franchisee (4)

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Franchise Q And A: How Do I Set Up My Franchise To Take Credit Cards? - The Franchise King® | Learn How To Become A Franchisee (2024)

FAQs

How much cash do you need to open a franchise? ›

Generally, you will need between 20% and 30% of the total franchise cost as a down payment in cash and you will finance the remaining balance – similar to how you would buy a home.

What are the financial requirements for a franchise? ›

Some franchise requirements to take into consideration may include:
  • Credit score. Minimum credit scores vary by franchisor, but most consider a grade of 680 or higher as ideal.
  • Net worth. ...
  • Available cash. ...
  • Previous industry experience. ...
  • Management experience. ...
  • Total investment required. ...
  • Ongoing costs. ...
  • Training and support.

How do I get enough money to buy a franchise? ›

To Buy a Franchise, You Can Use Your Savings, Get a Personal Loan, Qualify for a Bank Loan, and More
  1. Equity funding or angel investors.
  2. Debt funding or credit cards.
  3. Self-Funding with cash.
  4. Asset-backed lending, such as a pension.
  5. Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit.
  6. Signature loans.
  7. Equipment leasing.
  8. Securities-backed loan.

Do franchise owners get a salary? ›

Most franchise owners don't receive a salary. Instead, a franchise owner's earnings come from the revenue and profits after paying overhead costs. Those costs typically include equipment and fees, inventory, supplies, staffing, benefits, utilities, rent, taxes, royalty fees, and advertising fees.

What are the most profitable franchises? ›

Franchise models that offer the highest return on investment are those that have a proven track record of success, a strong brand name, and a loyal customer base. According to Franchise Direct, some of the most profitable franchises models include McDonald's, 7-Eleven, and Dunkin' Donuts.

What is the cheapest business to start? ›

20 Businesses To Start for Under $1,000
  1. Bookkeeping Service. Technically, you only need a high school diploma to work as a bookkeeper, so this small business idea is accessible to anyone. ...
  2. Tutoring Business. ...
  3. Consulting Business. ...
  4. Delivery Service. ...
  5. Online Store. ...
  6. Pool Cleaning Service. ...
  7. Graphic Design Services. ...
  8. Pet Sitting Business.
Feb 4, 2024

Which franchise is the easiest to get? ›

5 of the Easiest Franchises to Start
  • Soccer Shots. Investment Range: $43,000–$55,300. Unit Count: 260+ ...
  • Kona Ice. Investment Range: approx. $160,725. ...
  • 360clean. Investment Range: $20,800–$29,000. Unit Count: 65+ ...
  • GYMGUYZ. Investment Range: $82,600–$147,500. Unit Count: 150. ...
  • Bricks 4 Kidz. Investment Range: $37,000–$68,000.
May 1, 2023

How much is a McDonald's franchise? ›

McDonald's franchisee applicants must have a minimum of $500,000 available in liquid assets and pay a $45,000 franchise fee. Those looking to launch a new McDonald's franchise can expect to shell out between $1,314,500 and $2,306,500. Existing franchise operations can cost upwards of $1 million.

Can I get a loan for a franchise? ›

Franchisees can apply for a commercial loan with a bank of their choice. Approval usually requires a good credit rating and a detailed business plan. Because the federal government backs a portion of SBA loans, they generally have more favorable interest rates and repayment terms than commercial banks loans.

What paperwork do you need to start a franchise? ›

The two primary documents you'll create are the Franchise Agreement and the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Who pays to open a franchise? ›

Most franchise owners pay an initial franchise fee during the startup phase, followed by ongoing royalties based on a percentage of their sales. In return, they get paid fixed and percentage fees based on total gross sales and other factors.

How much is a downpayment on a franchise? ›

Yes, a down payment is typically required for a franchise loan. The amount of the down payment can vary depending on the lender and the type of franchise, but it's generally in the range of 10% to 30% of the total loan amount.

What is a good franchise fee? ›

Percentages typically run between 4% and 12% of total revenue. This usually depends on the type of franchise business.

How do I buy a franchise with no money near me? ›

How to open a franchise with no money?
  • Choose a supportive franchisor. ...
  • Apply for a traditional bank loan. ...
  • Apply for a small business administration (SBA) loan. ...
  • Consider a home equity loan. ...
  • Use your personal retirement funds. ...
  • Look for a private investor. ...
  • Contact your nearby restaurant association.
Mar 18, 2024

How much does it cost to open a franchise? ›

In general, most franchise fees are between $20,000 and $50,000. For mobile or home-based businesses, this fee could be less than $20,000. In addition to covering the costs of training, the franchise fee also covers support and site selection.

How do I open up my own franchise? ›

Here's how to a franchise in 8 steps:
  1. Research Franchises. You can find franchise opportunities on websites like Franchise Direct. ...
  2. Evaluate Opportunities. ...
  3. Evaluate Costs. ...
  4. Draft a Business Plan. ...
  5. Get the Franchise License Agreement. ...
  6. Form a Business Entity. ...
  7. Choose Your First Business Space. ...
  8. Hire Employees.
Apr 17, 2024

How profitable is owning a franchise? ›

The exact earning potential will depend on several factors, including the type of franchise, the location, the investment level, and the franchisee's ability to effectively operate and manage the business. On average, franchisees can expect to earn a profit of 4-12 percent of their gross revenue.

Can anyone own a franchise? ›

Before you can get your operation going, you'll need to have enough initial capital as well as an overall net worth before even considering starting a franchise. Unless you're independently wealthy, you may have to borrow money. Start with commercial banks since they fund many types of franchises.

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