I am with RBS for business banking and they are associated, and or run Worldpay, this is something that is going to be vital for our website.

I tried applying for Sagepay but gave up after they mentioned a 'merchant account number' as i didn't have one, they also wanted me to apply with someone called The Bank of Scotland, didn't even know what that was for and if it was worth the form filling in or just more junk..

Anyhow, I called RBS and the snotty lady there said that they can't sort me out with one as i need trading history of at least 6 months, i had previously explained that i was new to trading/business/selling which should have prompted her to assume i have NO history.

I'm a little bit stuck now, i don't like the thought of just accepting PayPal and Bank Transfer etc, we want to show our legitamacy and give customers piece of mind when paying, i set up a business account for this exact purpose.

Any advice or help?

Thanks guys.

Originally Posted by x_Emily_x

I am with RBS for business banking and they are associated, and or run Worldpay, this is something that is going to be vital for our website.

I tried applying for Sagepay but gave up after they mentioned a 'merchant account number' as i didn't have one, they also wanted me to apply with someone called The Bank of Scotland, didn't even know what that was for and if it was worth the form filling in or just more junk..

Anyhow, I called RBS and the snotty lady there said that they can't sort me out with one as i need trading history of at least 6 months, i had previously explained that i was new to trading/business/selling which should have prompted her to assume i have NO history.

I'm a little bit stuck now, i don't like the thought of just accepting PayPal and Bank Transfer etc, we want to show our legitamacy and give customers piece of mind when paying, i set up a business account for this exact purpose.

Any advice or help?

Thanks guys.

Try the FSB or Retail merchant services both will charge a Yearly fee but will give you a merchant account with very good rates.

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Thank you..

http://www.rbsworldpay.com/products/...inessplus&c=UK £75 set up fee.. Is that normal?

Yes, a set up fee is normal, but like PCDropship said it might be worth joining someone like the FSB.

When we first set up our merchant account it worked out a hell of a lot cheaper to join the FSB and get unlimited FREE merchant numbers than to just set up a merchant account on its own. You also get quite a few other benifits such as legal advice ect

High St banks won't just give online merchant accounts to new traders, they will want evidence of trading, will probably want to visit where the goods are held, will want to know some sort of transaction history/forecast - it's all to do with protecting consumers as they can't just be held responsible for letting anyone trade online taking CC payments.

I bank with RBS and use Streamline for online payments - which they recommended. You'll need to pay a fee to get a merchant account set up and then the associated online, account/transaction charges which will depend on your 'spend' with them.

You are honestly better off just using PayPal whilst you get started

FSB would be the way togo....free Legal advice and sometimes cover is worth the subscription.....!

I wouldnt use Paypal though! they are vultures!!!! Fees are way to high, Streamline is a good option...

I wouldn't advise using paypal for such high payments like you will be receiving....

Im thinking of scrapping it for Premier after our chargeback yesterday.

We use Streamline in store so im guessing that can be set up on line :dunno:

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Last edited by Tracy; 05-11-2009 at 01:45 PM.

I wouldn't ever promote PayPal either but in this case I'm not sure what other options there are TBH.

There's been a huge crackdown on taking card payments online with PCI/DSS compliance etc. they don't just hand accounts to anyone these days.

Im also looking for other options so that customers can use their credit/debit card to pay for goods online.

HSBC want 12 months trading history.

Any other good choices for startups?