Here are a few things to consider when you're considering establishing a merchant account for your business:

General experience. How long has the merchant account provider been in business? As a business owner, you know it isn't necessarily true that the newest businesses are the most suspect. But in the world of merchant account providers, especially as more and more businesses have begun accepting credit cards in recent years, the number of less-than-honest account providers has significantly increased. While that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider newer account providers, you should be more critical of their claims and offers.

Specific experience. Some merchant North American Bancard Agent Program account providers may have substantially more experience dealing with specific types of businesses, and less experience with others. Make sure the account provider you select has ample experience dealing with businesses that are similar to yours, as well as with Internet merchant accounts. These accounts can often identify the best rates and deals for your business type. And make sure the account provider has experience dealing successfully with fraud. If your business is growing, consider account providers who are able to meet your current business needs, as well as your future needs.