Online merchant North American Bancard Sales Partner accounts work in a similar way to retail accounts, but there is no machine to swipe the credit card through. Instead, the consumer fills out a form on the website they are purchasing goods or services from with their credit card information. When they submit the card information, it goes through a series of procedures which will ultimately accept or decline the transaction. Again, when accepted, the issuing bank transfers the amount of the purchase to the merchant's bank. If an online business wishes to succeed, a merchant account is imperative, as cash transactions are nearly impossible, and there is no terminal for the consumer swipe a credit card through.
Mail Order/telephone accounts work nearly the same way as online accounts, but instead of the consumer typing in the credit card information at a website, they are giving it to the merchant via telephone or paperwork submitted through the mail. After the merchant enters the credit card information into their network, the process is the same as retail and online accounts. The customer's card will either get declined or accepted. Upon being accepted, the customer will receive their goods/services.