Quick answer

Merchant services typically accept a wide range of payment types to meet both in-person and online needs. Choose a provider that matches your sales channels and the payment preferences of your customers.

Common payment methods

  • Credit and debit cards — Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover.
  • Mobile wallets and contactless — Apple Pay, Google Pay, NFC tap-to-pay.
  • ACH and eChecks — bank-to-bank transfers for invoices and larger transactions.
  • Invoicing & virtual terminals — keyed payments for phone or mail orders.
  • Recurring/subscription billing — automated renewals and stored credentials.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and installment options.
  • Gift cards and loyalty programs — stored-value acceptance and tracking.
  • QR and alternative payments — QR codes, regional wallets, and some crypto options where supported.

What to check with a provider

  • Integration with your POS, ecommerce platform, or API.
  • Multi-currency and international processing if you sell abroad.
  • Reporting, reconciliation, and fraud tools to simplify operations.