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Credit Card Processing for General Contractors
A general contractor may collect a project deposit, bill at milestones and take a final payment after the work is done. Some clients pay by card on site, while others use an invoice sent after a visit.
Credit card processing for general contractors starts with what you already pay. Send one recent statement and a person reads your merchant account for general contractors line by line. Free, with no obligation.
Short answer
Can a general contractor get a merchant account?
Yes, most general contractors can. The processor bases approval on the business, the owner and processing history, so nobody can promise approval. Track project deposits, milestone invoices and final payments against each job. Send one recent statement and we will review it free.
What businesses like yours need
What general contractors need from processing
- Project deposits and milestone payments
- Card-not-present invoice payments
- On-site mobile payments at a job location
- Card on file for approved scheduled charges
Products that fit
Setup that tends to fit
A mobile reader suits job-site collections, while a virtual terminal or invoicing setup can handle remote payments. Choose a setup that keeps deposits and later project charges easy to identify.
Some general contractors also look at a cash discount program. Rules vary by state and by card brand, so read how cash discount credit card processing works and confirm with your provider before you use one.
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.
- Tap to pay and mobileAccept tap, digital wallets and cards on a phone or tablet.
- ACH and e-checksBank to bank payments for invoices, rent and larger tickets.
- Virtual terminalTake card payments over the phone from any browser.
Systems we often see
POS systems and processors for general contractors
We are not an official partner or reseller of any POS brand. Brand names are used only to describe the systems we see on statements.
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 pricing on invoices matters when clients pay remotely
- Keyed transaction surcharges can affect payments entered by hand
- Deposit or settlement timing matters when suppliers and crews need to be paid
Send one general contractor statement. We read every line and tell you what each fee is.
Send your statement for a free reviewGeneral contractors: common questions
Can a general contractor 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 statement review?
Send one recent monthly statement with every page included. A PDF or clear photos work. Upload it on our contact page and a person will read each line.
Can I take a deposit by card and collect the balance later?
Many setups can take a deposit and a later payment. The statement and processing setup should make those charges clear.
Can clients pay an invoice remotely?
A virtual terminal or invoicing tool can let clients pay without meeting you at the job site. Remote card payments may be priced differently from in-person payments.
Send one statement. We read every line, free.
Upload one recent statement from your general contractor. A person reads every fee and explains it in plain English. Free, no obligation.