Why Choose Mercury Payment Systems?

Credit and Debit Card Services
Check Processing
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)

Gift Cards

Gift Card FAQ
 
 

WHY CHOOSE MERCURY PAYMENT SYSTEMS?
 

 


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CREDIT AND DEBIT CARD SERVICES

PAYMENT PROCESSING
Mercury Payment Systems provides complete processing capabilities for all major credit, debit, and purchasing cards. Mercury and its partner, Global Payment Systems, process billions of transactions a year, authorize the transactions in seconds, and then direct the information to the appropriate card network for payment. With one of the most reliable networks in the industry, you can be assured of quick connections and continuous service.

VIRTUAL TERMINAL
Process transactions on the web with Mercury iPhone app or with a mobile browser! Mercury Virtual Terminal™ provides three new ways to process credit and gift transactions—anytime, anywhere! Mercury Virtual Terminal is a free, PCI-compliant solution for internet-based credit and gift card payment processing. And, Mercury VirtualTerminal is the only virtual payment platform that processes gift cards. Depending upon which platform you choose, transactions can be swiped through a magnetic stripe reader, swiped via the iDynamo secure card reader or manually entered.

DISCOVER PROCESSING EFFICIENCY
Mercury is at the forefront of IP Payment Card Processing. In partnership with Datacap, we have developed an integrated processing solution so that POS dealers and their merchants only need to support one system, instead of a multi-vendor environment. Our swipe-to-settlement services are the most comprehensive available, including everything necessary for accepting the nearly 800 million cards now in the hands of American shoppers:
 

Transaction authorization and data capture

Settlement and funds movement through HSBC Bank

Online access and reporting


A POWERFUL REPORTING TOOL
Mercury understands how vital transaction reporting is to your business. Mercury Payment Systems offers real-time web reporting to review transactions virtually instantaneously. This versatile internet-based platform offers a vast array of reporting options designed to satisfy your company’s reporting requirements. With this product you can:

 

Perform research queries and generate reports on all Mercury supported transaction types

Review transaction history

Generate a statement according to whatever timeframe you choose

You can specify a date or amount range, view by operator, shift, invoice, or whether the transactions were approved or declined. You can also view by transaction and card type, a reference number, whether or not a transaction was voided or batchclear/closed, cardholder name or by batch number. Merchants can retrieve all transaction details on any transactions they select.


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CHECK PROCESSING

One of the most vital aspects of your business is financial safety and security. With the proliferation of check use for all types of purchases - more than 18 billion yearly, and expected to increase 20 percent by the year 2005 - it becomes harder and harder to minimize loss at the point of sale, while trying to increase your sales growth. Mercury Payment Systems, a world leader in IP Payment Processing, offers the total check payment solution for personal checks with a variety of cost-effective products to meet every retail need for check guarantee and verification.

In conjunction with our partner, Global Payment Systems, Mercury Payment Systems offers the following services through the Global Payments @dvantage service:

 

Check Verification and Check Recovery

Check Guarantee


CHECK VERIFICATION AND CHECK RECOVERY
Global Payments' Check Verification and Check Recovery @dvantage program combines cost-effective protection against check fraud loss at the point-of-sale, and a comprehensive check recovery program. Using multiple comprehensive national databases that are updated on a daily basis, Global Payments is able to verify the validity of a check in less than 3 seconds - well before valuable merchandise leaves the store. And Global Payments makes the check collection process easier for hundreds of thousands of merchants every day with a check recovery program that maintains a customer-sensitive approach -- effectively recovering merchant funds while preserving customer good will. Global Payments takes check payment protection to the next level with check recovery services that provide 100% reimbursement of the face value of every check collected.

Features:
 

Reimburses merchant 100% of face value on collected checks

Provides recovery services at no monthly fee to the merchant; check writers absorb the cost of service charges

Utilizes the Internet, post office, credit bureau, and utility receipts to ensure quick contact with check writers

Features skip tracing services to quickly alert collectors of potential updated NSF check writer data

Offers strategic electronic check re-presentment services with E-Collect program

Provides both information and control with comprehensive paper-based or online reporting


Benefits:
 

Maximizes collection potential with comprehensive, state-of-the-art recovery systems

Improves merchant profitability with 100% return of collect funds

Removes merchant from the collection activity, allowing increased focus on business
Increases collection rates by 5 to 20 percent over current ratio with E-Collect re-presentment program
Absorbs potential customer animosity on behalf of merchant


CHECK GUARANTEE: ACCEPT CHECKS WITH CONFIDENCE
Global Payments' Check Guarantee @dvantage services make accepting a check from anyone with a valid ID as safe as accepting cash. Global Payments premier check guarantee offering, Xpress Check, fits the requirements of most merchants, in every market, as it provides the coverage and protection needed to accept customer check payments at the point of sale without risk. Merchants receive 100% of the face value of checks returned from authorizing banks when utilizing this flagship check service.


Features:

 

Authorizes both credit card and check transactions via a single solution

Provides fast, easy, and accurate transaction processing at the point of sale

Optional check reader works with your terminal or point of sale solution speeding service and eliminating cashier keyed errors

Utilizes multiple national check information databases updated daily for maximum protection

Performs both negative and positive file checks

Authorizes checks in less than 3 seconds

Provides seven-day reimbursement

Returns 100% of the face value of dishonored checks to the merchant

Offers customizable combined check guarantee and verifications programs with Choice Xpress solution

 

Benefits:
 

Increases sales through larger transactions and impulse purchases

Heightens profitability by lowering transaction processing costs

Improves customer service with liberal check acceptance policy
Decreases risk of loss associated with check fraud
Increases service efficiency and eliminates keying errors with check reader support
Optimizes cash flow by automating the check processing cycle
Eliminates erroneous turndowns by providing accurate customer information


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ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER

Mercury Payment Systems has added Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) processing to the payment acceptance options offered to our merchants. The EBT card has dual capabilities in a retail environment. An EBT Food Stamp customer is able to purchase eligible food items from grocery stores and convenience stores with their benefits card, eliminating the traditional paper Food Stamp process. The EBT card can also be used like a debit card for cash benefits. The card can be used by qualified EBT customers to receive cash from an ATM, pay for goods and services, and receive cash back with a purchase from participating merchants. EBT transactions are PIN-based, just like debit.

IF MY STATE OFFERS FREE EQUIPMENT AND TRANSACTIONS, WHY SHOULD I USE A THIRD-PARTY PROCESS FOR EBT?
Although free equipment sounds like a good deal, it may not be the best solution for you if...
 

Your checkout counter space is at a premium. Two sets of equipment at checkout consume valuable counter space and require expensive retraining for checkout personnel.

You need to provide EBT service in all lanes. Since most states provide lane equipment based on food stamp dollar volume, your store may not qualify for EBT equipment in all lanes. Obviously this situation limits your store's flexibility in opening and closing lanes and potentially causes long lines at checkout - a customer service nightmare.

You want to accept ALL forms of electronic benefits as they become available. Some states' terminals only support food stamp benefits. As EBT ramps up, cash benefit programs such as TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and, eventually, Social Security will become electronic, and you will not want to miss the revenues generated by recipients of these programs.

You don't currently offer debit (ATM card) payments, but would like to. Why not leverage EBT payments by adding debit to your payment menu? You can use the same PIN pad and terminal to offer EBT, credit and debit payments to your customers.


WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER MERCURY PAYMENT SYSTEMS AS MY EBT PROCESSOR?
Mercury is your best partner for EBT processing if...

 

You want to use or upgrade your existing store equipment rather than adding another terminal in your lanes. Mercury supports EBT transactions on many different in-store solutions and is adding more all the time. From large chains to single-store operators, Mercury Payment Systems has a system that will meet your needs.

You want easy settlement and reconciliation. Nobody makes settlement easier than Mercury Payment Systems. Although debit, credit and EBT networks have different daily cutoff times that complicate store reconciliation, Mercury insulates you from this hassle, providing your funds, reports and billing based on your end-of-day. This service saves your accounting staff hours of valuable time.

You have stores in multiple states. Mercury is committed to providing the best EBT service available for magnetic stripe programs throughout the U.S. A single EBT format insulates retailers from each program's different requirements, enabling you to add EBT services in available states with no software changes. We can also provide consolidated EBT transaction data for multiple states.

You want to accept EBT payments from neighboring states. Mercury can give you access to EBT cards for multiple states on a single system. Since each state supports only its own benefits, you would need to add an EBT terminal for each state whose EBT benefits you want to accept.


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GIFT CARDS

Gift cards are the top gift choice for consumers all year long. Take advantage of Mercury's
FREE gift card transaction processing to generate new revenue and build brand awareness.
 

FREE gift card transaction processing

FREE account maintenance

FREE customer care

FREE balance inquires

Several pre-designed Express program card choices, or design your own custom cards


CUSTOM GIFT CARDS
Mercury's Custom gift cards are an affordable way to get customized gift cards. You get great looking cards that you design. Plus, you also get real-time Web reporting, and
FREE gift card processing. Customized envelopes, hanging presenters, gift card sleeves, tent cards and acrylic displays can be ordered to promote your gift card program.



EXPRESS GIFT CARDS
The Express Program is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to get started with gift cards. It provides all the basic ingredients for gift card success: great looking cards with your logo, Point of Sale merchandising, real-time Web reporting and FREE gift card processing. Choose one of several card designs, send in your logo, and you will receive your complete gift card package within a few weeks from proof approval.

Choose from one of the following designs:
 

 

 

 

 

   


Package includes:
 

500 cards with black logo

500 standard presenters

5 table tents

1 acrylic display

1 display insert


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GIFT CARD FAQ

Q. Why use electronic gift cards versus paper certificates?

Q. What are the benefits of this program?

Q. How does the gift card work?

Q. How soon can the card be redeemed?

Q. How do I get the customer with an existing card to add more value?

Q. How do I get my employees fired up about the gift card program?

Q. In a nutshell, what are the advantages of Mercury gift cards?

EXPRESS GIFT CARD FAQ

Q. What is the Express Gift Card Program?

Q. How do I order Express Gift Cards?

Q. How quickly will the gift cards be shipped?

Q. What is the minimum amount of cards I can order?

Q. Can I reorder gift cards?


Q. When should cards be reordered?


Q. What if I want to create a look of my own?

CUSTOM GIFT CARD FAQ

Q. In creating my card design, what dimensions do I have to work with?


Q. What types of electronic format do you accept for artwork?


Q. Do you accept camera ready artwork?


Q. How many gift cards can I order?


Q. What is the time frame for receiving my completed gift card order?


Q. When should cards be reordered?

Q: Why use electronic gift cards versus paper certificates?

A: The electronic gift card concept is quickly becoming the medium of choice for retailers across the country. Among the significant reasons are: No cash back (value remaining after partial redemption stays on the card, ensuring additional opportunities to solidify the customer relationship or retain funds) and real time data capture (virtually eliminates both the losses associated with paper gift certificates and costly tracking and accounting).

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Q: What are the benefits of this program?

A: Electronic gift/stored value cards are convenient (carried in wallet with other plastics), secure (cannot be photocopied) and act as a "billboard in a wallet."

Q: How does the gift card work?

A: When a customer asks to purchase a gift card, the merchant takes a card from inventory and activates it for the dollar amount desired by swiping the card through his/her integrated Point of Sale terminal. The card is now ready to be used at any participating store location.

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Q: How soon can the card be redeemed?

A: The gift card may be used immediately after activation. Gift card transactions are processed in real time.

Q: How do I get the customer with an existing card to add more value?

A: This is a very important revenue generator and can be very profitable for your business. The use of incentives will entice consumers to add value to the card. For example, if a customer adds $50 to his existing card, offer to give that customer $55 worth of value or offer discounts or additional services specific to gift card users. The "add-value" feature of this card program offers limitless marketing opportunities to enhance customer relationships, increase purchase frequency, and build brand awareness.

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Q: How do I get my employees fired up about the gift card program?

A: Incentives, incentives, incentives—a concept that works with customers and employees alike! A reward program encouraging friendly competition between employees will build a strong, goal-oriented team while promoting your new and dynamic gift card program.

Q: In a nutshell, what are the advantages of Mercury gift cards?

A: MercuryGift is designed to provide fast and affordable gift card processing to merchants of all sizes and types. Some of the advantages of working with Mercury’s gift card program include:
 

State of the art processing at the Point of Sale (POS)

Easy activation, redemption, and reloading

Real-time web reporting

24/7 live customer and technical support


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Q: What is the Express Gift Card Program?

A: The Express Gift Card Program is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way for merchants to get started selling gift cards. It provides all the basic ingredients for gift card success: great looking cards, Point of Sale merchandising and program reporting.

Q: How do I order Express Gift Cards?


A: Simply
Contact Us or speak to a customer service representative by using our Live Chat. Specify which card design you would like, the color, and the font that you would like to use for your business name.

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Q: How quickly will the gift cards be shipped?

A: Cards for the Gift Card Express Program are preprinted and warehoused for rapid fulfillment. Most orders will ship within 2 weeks after proof approval.

Q: What is the minimum amount of cards I can order?

A: An initial order of 500 cards is required to start the program. These cards come with POS tools: 500 presenters, 5 tent cards and an 8.5 x 11 acrylic display with a colorful insert promoting your gift card program.

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Q: Can I reorder gift cards?

A: Yes! Express Gift Card reorders are submitted to Mercury Payment Systems. Please
Contact Us or speak to a customer service representative by using our Live Chat for a re-order form.

Q: When should cards be reordered?

A: Merchants should always be aware of their card supply so as not to deplete their inventory during peak seasons. Keep in mind that when reordering cards, the process will take 2-3 weeks from proof approval.

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Q: What if I want to create a look of my own?

A: If you wish to create your own look Mercury has a Custom Gift Card Program, which is discussed in the next section. For additional information, please
Contact Us or speak to a customer service representative by using our Live Chat.

Q: In creating my card design, what dimensions do I have to work with?

A:
The finished card size is: 3 3/8" (3.375) x 2 1/8" (2.125). A Magnetic Stripe (two track LoCo.300 oersted, 7/16" or 5/16") is placed 3/16" from the edge of the back of the card. Art work that bleeds must extend 1/8th" beyond the edge of card. A 1/8" trim safety margin inside of the card edge is recommended for all type and essential art elements. The card’s dimensions are the same as a standard credit card.

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Q: What types of electronic format do you accept for artwork?

A: We currently accept digital files for both the Mac and PC platforms with any of the following programs: Quark Express 5.0 or lower Adobe Photoshop 6.0 or lower Adobe Illustrator 9.0 or lower Macromedia Freehand 8.0 Adobe PageMaker 7.0 or lower Corel Draw 8.0 (Win) & 6.0 (Mac) In Design 2.0 (Mac Only). All high res tif, eps and vector.

We accept files via floppy disk, 100 MB zip disks (IBM and Mac), CD, e-mail file size below 20 MB, and can download from your ftp site.

Q: Do you accept camera ready artwork?

A: Yes, we accept separated film and camera ready artwork. Photocopies and pre-printed materials (business cards, brochures, etc.) are not suitable for high-quality graphic production, but are sometimes used. Complete card design services are available for a moderate fee.

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Q: How many gift cards can I order?

A: An initial number of 1,000 custom cards is required to start the program.

Q: What is the time frame for receiving my completed gift card order?

A: Once acceptable artwork has been received, an electronic proof will be created and distributed via email within 3 to 5 business days. A color paper proof can also be sent upon request for a $25 fee. Once the proof has been signed, production requires approximately 30 business days.

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Q: When should cards be reordered?

A: Merchants should always be aware of their card supply so as not to deplete their inventory during peak seasons. Keep in mind that when reordering cards, the process will take 30 days from proof approval.

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