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Getting started

This guide walks through applying for a Points Business merchant account and the first things to do after approval.

1. Apply

Select "Sign up for a Merchant Account" at Points Business or go to merchant signup. The application asks about your business, its owners, how you take payments today, and how much you expect to process.

Every application is reviewed by the POINTS team, and payment processing is subject to underwriting and approval. Approval is not guaranteed.

2. Underwriting review

Underwriting is the review that decides whether an account can be opened and on what terms. It usually looks at:

  • The owners' identity, credit, and background, plus required watch-list checks.
  • What the business sells, its website, and its reputation.
  • How orders are fulfilled and how far ahead of delivery the business takes payment.
  • Whether the business bank account can be verified.
  • Whether the application and documents are complete and accurate.

What can slow a review down

  • Missing or unclear information. A review can pause until it is supplied.
  • A bank account that cannot be verified. You may be asked for a voided business check or a letter from your bank.
  • No website. You may be asked for storefront photos or marketing materials.
  • Higher expected volume, a newer business, or credit questions. You may be asked for recent statements.

Answer requests from the POINTS team quickly to keep your application moving.

Estimate your volume honestly

Your application asks for your expected monthly volume, your average sale, and your largest single sale. If you are approved, these become your approved processing limits. Sales well above those limits can be held for review, so give realistic numbers. Never understate them to make approval easier.

3. After approval

If you are approved, your terms are confirmed in writing before you start. Read your merchant agreement before you sign it. Then:

  1. Watch for your welcome email. It explains how to sign in to the Merchant Dashboard and how to book a setup call with our support team.
  2. Book your setup call. Support walks you through your equipment or app, signing in to the dashboard, and finding your reports and deposits.
  3. Complete PCI compliance. See PCI and security.
  4. Set up how you will take payments. See POS and terminals, Tap to Pay, Payment Links, or Online payments.
  5. Run a test sale and confirm it shows up in the dashboard.
  6. Close out (batch) every day so your deposits are not delayed. See Deposits and batches.
  7. Review your first monthly statement and ask support about anything that is unclear.

Names you may see

Points Business works with a licensed payments partner and bank behind the scenes. Some statements, emails, apps, or forms may show their name, for example as "powered by." That is normal. Contact support if you have questions about a name you see.

Need help?

Email info@thepoints.io or call (833) 374-1518.