If you’re like most people, you probably use your smartphone for just about everything – from keeping in touch with family and friends, to managing your finances, and even shopping online. So why not use it to accept credit card payments as well?
Accepting credit card payments via smartphone is becoming increasingly popular, especially among small businesses and sole proprietors. After all, it’s a convenient and easy way to get paid, without having to lug around a bulky point-of-sale (POS) system. Plus, there are plenty of great apps available that make accepting credit card payments on your phone with Host Merchant Services a breeze.
In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to accept credit card payments on your phone. We’ll also recommend a few of our favorite apps to help you get started.
How to Accept Credit Card Payments on Your Phone?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start accepting credit card payments via smartphone:
1. Choose a Credit Card Processor
The first step is to choose a credit card processor. This is the company that will actually process your credit card payments and deposit the funds into your bank account. There are dozens of great options out there, but we recommend using a processor like Square or PayPal. They’re both widely used and trusted, and they offer competitive rates.
2. Sign Up for an Account
Once you’ve chosen a credit card processor, you’ll need to sign up for an account. This is usually a fairly simple and straightforward process. You’ll just need to provide some basic information about yourself and your business.
3. Download the App
Most credit card processors will have a smartphone app that you can use to accept payments. So once you’ve signed up for an account, go ahead and download the app.
4. Set Up Your Account
Once you have the app downloaded, you’ll need to set up your account. This usually just requires entering some basic information about yourself and your business, as well as linking a bank account.
5. Start Accepting Payments!
Once your account is all set up, you’re ready to start accepting payments! To do so, simply open up the app and follow the instructions. Most apps will have you enter the amount of the sale and then swipe or insert the customer’s credit card. The customer will then sign the screen to authorize the payment.
And that’s it! After the customer has signed, the funds will be deposited into your account, typically within a few days.
A Few Tips for Accepting Credit Card Payments on Your Phone
Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of accepting credit card payments on your phone:
1. Use a Card Reader
If you’re going to be accepting credit card payments on your phone, we recommend using a card reader. This is a small device that plugs into your phone and allows you to swipe or insert credit cards. Most processors will sell these for a few dollars, and they’re definitely worth the investment.
2. Get a Receipt Printer
Another great accessory to consider is a receipt printer. This allows you to print out receipts for your customers, right from your phone. Again, most processors sell these for a reasonable price, and they can be a huge help in keeping track of sales and customer information.
3. Keep Your Phone Charged
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to make sure your phone is always charged when you’re out accepting payments. After all, if your phone dies in the middle of a sale, you won’t be able to finish the transaction. So keep an eye on your battery level and make sure to keep your phone plugged in when you can.
4. Use a Protective Case
If you’re going to be using your phone to accept payments, it’s a good idea to invest in a protective case. This will help to safeguard your phone against drops and other damage. After all, the last thing you want is to break your phone in the middle of a sale.
5. Have a Backup Plan
Even with all of these precautions, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. So it’s important to have a backup plan in place. For example, you might want to keep a spare phone on hand, just in case your primary phone dies or is lost. Or you might want to consider using a point-of-sale system, in addition to your phone, to accept payments.
No matter what, it’s important to be prepared for anything when you’re accepting credit card payments on your phone. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your transactions go smoothly and without any issues.
Accepting credit card payments is a great way to make it easier for your customers to pay you. And thanks to smartphone apps, it’s easier than ever to accept payments on the go. Just follow these tips and you’ll be up and running in no time!