European merchant account for US clients?

[JohnPati]

Hi, new it this. I'm setting up an e-biz that is based in Poland, selling to US clients online. Would there be any problem with functionality, or otherwise, if I used a European merchant account along with a US web host? Just curious because I won't be in the US for a while to set up a US merchant acctount. We are a US registered biz that is manufacturing and selling from Poland.

[Corey Bryant]

Due to the cross-border acquiring regulations of Visa, Cardservice is the only MAP that I know of that will support foreign merchants although we cannot relaly advertise it (due to Visa rules as well).

For a United States merchant account, you need at least a United States bank account, United States address and United States phone number. If you have this - then a merchant account can be set up via the internet. It is a bit higher (4%) but that is sometimes cheaper than what some other MAPs charge

But if you have a merchant account already - chances are pretty good that you should be able to accept payment(s) from all over the world

-Corey

[JohnPati]

"Due to the cross-border acquiring regulations of Visa..."

Thanks Corey. We'll probably register in the States, which is our best option (it just invovles waiting longer). Not familiar with these regulations, though, where could I find them?

[Corey Bryant]

You can check Visa's website but I have only seen them once before when I was at a meeting at a MAP.

And unfortunately, those rules are also always being re-interpreted to the benefit of Visa / MasterCard

-Corey

[JohnPati]

Thanks Simon and Witam!

I took a first look at Paylane and it looks interesting although they give no info like rates, etc. w/o application. I'll contact them. How long have you been with them? I'm curious to know about your experiences with selling to US customers, for example - do they hesitate to buy from a European merchant; but I'll post that in another question soon.

[john82]

chronopay- this to be an excellent system suitable to your need.

[topguy29]

Barclay's is also probably a much better choice for your country. No need really to have a US merchant account. Barclay's will allow you to accept transactions from the world