Top reasons to partner with a Merchant Introducer for your Merchant Account

Partnering with a Merchant Introducer rather than opening a merchant account directly with a payment processor or acquirer can offer several advantages to online merchants. We have summarized some key factors that outline benefits of doing so in this article.

Benjamin Joyeux
Benjamin Joyeux
August 30, 2024
 - 
3 minutes
Top reasons to partner with a Merchant Introducer for your Merchant Account

1. Simplified Onboarding and Application Process

Merchant introducers like eFlow help simplify the process of connecting prospective merchants with acquiring banks and payment service providers. Through established referral relationships, eFlow introduces merchants to providers who may offer streamlined processes for paperwork, underwriting, and compliance.

Benefits:
• Potentially faster approval and account setup
• Less complexity during the application process
• Guidance in understanding regulatory requirements

2. More Flexible Pricing Options

Some providers that eFlow introduces may offer more flexible or competitive pricing structures compared to going directly. While eFlow does not negotiate on behalf of merchants, these providers may have pricing options tailored to specific business needs.

Benefits:
• Exposure to customized pricing based on merchant profiles
• Possible access to volume-based pricing models
• Various pricing formats (e.g., flat-rate, interchange-plus)

3. Access to Multiple Payment Processors

As a merchant introducer, eFlow has relationships with multiple acquiring banks and payment service providers. This allows merchants to explore a range of options and potentially shift between providers more easily, depending on their business requirements.

Benefits:
• Flexibility to change providers as business needs evolve
• Access to multiple solutions from different providers
• Backup options in case of provider issues

4. Comprehensive Support and Customer Service

eFlow provides ongoing support throughout the introduction and referral process. While we do not manage merchant accounts, we assist in coordinating communication and offer general support to ensure a smoother experience with the chosen provider.

Benefits:
• A single point of contact for guidance and updates
• Faster clarification or direction for resolving issues
• Assistance with chargeback processes, fraud concerns, or account queries

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5. Enhanced Services and Tools

Some providers eFlow works with offer more than just payment processing. These value-added services—such as fraud tools, recurring billing, and POS systems—may be available through the providers we refer.

Benefits:
• Bundled services suited to your business model
• Tools for managing fraud and risk
• Enhanced business analytics and reporting

6. Easier Compliance with Industry Standards

eFlow helps merchants connect with providers that offer support for compliance standards such as PCI DSS. While we don’t provide compliance services ourselves, we can introduce you to partners who do.

Benefits:
• Introduction to providers offering PCI DSS guidance
• Access to tools for maintaining security and reducing risk
• Better understanding of compliance obligations

7. Personalized Solutions for Niche or High-Risk Industries

eFlow specializes in introducing merchants from a wide range of industries—including high-risk sectors—to providers who are comfortable working within those niches. This can improve the likelihood of finding a compatible payment partner.

Benefits:
• Access to providers that serve high-risk or niche markets
• Tailored solutions for your specific industry
• Increased potential for account approval with suitable providers

8. Access to International Payment Solutions

For global-facing merchants, eFlow can introduce providers with international processing capabilities, multi-currency support, and localized payment methods.

Benefits:
• Cross-border payment solutions
• Multi-currency and international acquirer access
• Simplified global transaction handling

9. Faster Scaling and Expansion

As a business grows, its payment needs evolve. eFlow helps merchants identify and connect with providers that can accommodate larger transaction volumes, more markets, or new payment technologies.

Benefits:
• Scalable options that grow with your business
• Flexible provider solutions for expanding volume
• Support for entering new markets

Conclusion

While going directly to a payment provider is an option, partnering with a merchant introducer like eFlow offers broader exposure to solutions, providers, and support systems. Our independent role allows us to match your needs with providers that may be the right fit—while ensuring that all final decisions, onboarding steps, and contractual matters remain solely in the hands of those providers.

Ready to explore your options?
Fill out our quick pre-check form and we’ll connect you with a potential payment solution:
https://www.eflow.com/getstarted

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