General Credit Card Guidelines

Merchant Service Overview | Credit Card Payments

This topic applies to users of the QuickBooks Desktop POS Merchant Service. What if I use another Service?

Accepted Card Types

Allowed credit card types are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB. Up to three credit card payments can be accepted on a single transaction. You can specify the specific card you accept in company preferences.

Using a Credit Card Reader

The QuickBooks Desktop POS Merchant Service does not require a card reader to process credit card transactions. However, you may get a lower rate when using a card reader to authorize these transactions (see below). The credit card payment procedures refer to card readers and PIN pads for use with credit card transactions. See Credit, Debit, and Gift Card Hardware for more information on supported card readers.

Card Not Present

The QuickBooks Desktop POS Merchant Service does not require that the credit card be present to authorize a transaction; however, you do need to have the customers name, ZIP code, card number, and expiration date. "Card not present" fees apply. Refer to your QuickBooks Desktop POS Merchant Service agreement for more information.

Address Verification Service

Point of Sale performs an address verification on all credit card transactions that are entered manually (not swiped or inserted). The service checks if the customers ZIP Code, and optionally street address, matches the address currently on file at the cardholders bank and alerts you if there is a mismatch. Learn more.

Card Verification

It is mandatory to enter the card verification code for your transactions. Point of Sale can also perform a check of the card verification code when manually entering card information. This verification helps to confirm that the customer actually has the card in his/her possession at the time of the sale. You are alerted in the event of a mismatch with the card issuer records. Learn More.

Credit Card Settlement

Although credit card transactions are authorized immediately, funds are not transferred to your bank account until the transactions are settled by running the End of Day procedure. It is important that you settle transactions daily to avoid paying higher fees on your credit card transactions.

Related Topics

Protect your customers' card data

Take payment by credit card

Credit card returns