What does an Independent Sales Organization do for Businesses?

An independent sales organizations (or ISO) provides merchant account services to businesses so that those businesses can accept credit cards from their customers. Customers expect eCommerce payment options, whether they’re stuck at home or out on the go making purchases from their mobile devices. People want to be able to use their preferred payment method anywhere, whether that is their debit card, their credit card, an eCheck, or an ACH transfer.

ISOs vs internet merchant accounts

Independent sales organizations are merchant account providers that provide merchant account services on behalf of a payment processor or bank. Because they are independent, ISOs are able to work with multiple processors and banks in order to provide the best deal for each business, in a way that may not be possible when dealing with a single payment processor. ISOs also typically offer hardware such as updated credit card swipe machines and software services optimized for mobile phones, tablets, and desktop PCs.

What is a payment processor?

Independent sales organizations often use third-party payment processors to store and process the card information. The business or merchant generally deals directly with the ISO, who has a relationship with the third-party payment processor. ISOs are often responsible for frontline customer support, so it is important to select a good ISO that offers 24/7/365 customer support, since the business may be dealing with the ISO for the lifetime of the account.

The Takeaway

Independent sales organizations are the best option available for many businesses looking for an internet merchant account provider. Their relationships with multiple payment processors enables them to offer a wider array of options to better meet each individual merchant’s needs.

Visit Charge.com or call (888) 924-2743 to find internet merchant account products and services to process payments across a range of eCommerce payment methods.