Professional services
Credit Card Processing for Consultants
Consultants often invoice for a project, collect a retainer before work begins or take payment after a meeting. Client work may happen remotely, so card-not-present transactions can make up much of the activity. We explain how those payments are priced.
Credit card processing for consultants starts with what you already pay. Send one recent statement and a person reads your merchant account for consultants line by line. Free, with no obligation.
Short answer
Can a consultant get a merchant account?
Yes, most consultants can. Approval depends on the processor reviewing the business, the owner and processing history; nobody can promise approval. Use remote invoices for project retainers and a reader for payments after meetings. For a free review, send us one recent processing statement.
What businesses like yours need
What consultants need from processing
- Remote invoice payments
- Project deposits or retainers
- Card on file for authorized repeat billing
- Mobile payments at an in-person meeting
- Level 2 data when eligible business clients pay by card
Products that fit
Setup that tends to fit
Integrated invoicing or a virtual terminal can suit a consultant who bills remotely. A mobile reader is useful for occasional in-person payments away from the office.
Not sure what you have now? Your statement shows it. Compare common systems on our POS system comparison.
- Payment links and invoicingText or email a link or invoice your customer pays online.
- ACH and e-checksBank to bank payments for invoices, rent and larger tickets.
- Recurring billingMemberships, rent, retainers and autopay on a schedule.
- Virtual terminalTake card payments over the phone from any browser.
What to check on your statement
We check these and every other line during a merchant statement analysis. New to statements? Read how to read a merchant statement.
- Card-not-present rates on invoices
- Gateway fees for payment links or stored payment details
- Monthly minimums during gaps between client projects
Send one consultant statement. We read every line and tell you what each fee is.
Send your statement for a free reviewConsultants: common questions
Can a consultant qualify for a merchant account?
Most do. The processor decides approval based on the business, the owner and processing history. We help find a fit, but we cannot promise approval.
What should I send for the free review?
Send one recent monthly statement, including every page. A PDF or clear photos can be uploaded on our contact page for review.
Can I collect a project deposit by card?
A virtual terminal or invoice can accept a card payment remotely. Ask how deposits and later balances are represented in your reports.
Do client invoices count as card-not-present payments?
Yes, when the customer pays remotely rather than tapping or dipping a card in person. The pricing may differ, so check the statement lines.
Send one statement. We read every line, free.
Upload one recent statement from your consultant. A person reads every fee and explains it in plain English. Free, no obligation.