To enable your website to accept credit card transactions in a real-time you will need to open an Internet Merchant Account with an acquiring bank. This merchant account does not need to be through the same financial institution at which you currently bank. All merchant banks will transfer monies for your online transactions into any valid South African cheque or savings account. In other words, you can bank with Standard Bank and have your merchant account with Nedbank or First National Bank.

Setting up a Merchant Account
The merchant needs to complete the relevant application forms, which he can obtain from the bank that he intends to use for his merchant account. If the merchant does not already have an active website, some banks will require a business plan which briefly outlines the following points:

•	Company background and management
•	Products / Services
•	Expansion plans
•	Projection on sales
•	Target market
•	Anticipated turnover
•	Suppliers of products
•	Delivery process
•	Marketing and advertising
•	Return process
•	Management of queries

The merchant banks require the business plan to give them a better understanding as to what the new merchant will be doing on his website, so that they can better attune their services to suit the merchant's specific needs. Business plans are not required by all merchant banks, so please find out from the bank if a business plan is required when enquiring about their merchant facilities.

Please Note: ALTONet cannot apply for a merchant account or negotiate merchant fees on a clients behalf. Clients must contact and deal with the banks themselves.

Bank Charges
All banks charge a merchant commission which is based on a percentage (%) of the transaction amount. This merchant commission is normally around five percent (5%). Depending on the bank that you open your merchant account with, this commission can be negotiated at start-up if the merchant can prove previous Internet sales.

In addition to the percentage (%) based per transaction commission, some merchant banks also charge a fixed monthly fee as well as a once-off activation/setup fee.

Cards Accepted through the Payment Gateway
All VISA and MasterCard transactions are automatically accepted through online payment gateways with standard Internet merchant accounts.

However, if you wish to receive credit card payments from American Express and Diners Club, you will have to contact them and register separately as one of their merchants. The merchant should be aware of the fact that American Express and Diners Club negotiate their own rates separately from normal merchant banks.