Merchant accounts for doctors, vets, opticians and dentists
Here we look at medical payment processing, enabling you to find the best account using our industry tips.
Medical payment options
There is no doubt about it, we are heading towards a cashless society. Doctors, vets, opticians, dentists and alternative therapy practitioners are no exception with some taking up to 90% of payments via credit and debit cards. Here we look at how to secure the best medical merchant accounts for both face-to-face payments and over the phone. We look at each specific industry and explore individual requirements for medical credit card processing.
Doctors merchant services
Although in the UK we are incredibly lucky to receive free healthcare, some NHS run surgeries still require the facility to accept credit card processing within the doctor’s office, examples of this include; additional vaccination payments and insurance health reports, which are normally charged at a nominal fee. Often these payments are taken over the phone rather than in person, when the appointment is booked or the report ordered. This can be done using a card machineor a virtual terminal, where customers card details are entered in a similar way to an online ‘check out.’ Securing GP merchant services is relatively straight forward and can be done using a mainstream account or provider. However, applying for merchant account for pharmacies is deemed high risk more details of which can be found here.
Vet credit card processing
Veterinary merchant services are often focused around face to face payments, using wireless terminals based at a reception point within the premises, however it doesn’t have to stop there, some surgeries use portable terminals for offsite visits and automated invoicing and billing for easy online payments. Our experts can talk you through the options available to you, finding the most suitable and affordable ways to accept card payments within veterinary clinics.
ENQUIRE TODAYCard machines for dentists and opticians
Both private and NHS dentist and opticians charge for treatments which are normally made after the appointment within the practice. However, some require the ability to accept recurring payments for dental plans and monthly subscriptions, both are available through one merchant account. Our team of industry experts can help meet your business requirements working alongside your current medical booking andpayment systems if needs be.
CALL US TODAYCredit card processing fees for medical professionals
Fee’s involved with card processing vary from provider to provider, however we have a few tips which will ensure you get the bestlow costcredit card processing for your medical office. Following the three simple points below will mean that you do not pay over the odds;
- Comparing accounts and quotes like-for-like is key when finding the right account for your needs. It sounds obvious, however merchant still fall into the trap of comparing accounts on rates alone. Watch out for hidden fees.
- Review your merchant account and payment gateway providers regularly. This allows new providers the opportunity to undercut what you are paying currently and therefore will save your company money. Merchants often remain with the same provider for the duration of their business, which could cost them thousands.
- Fees are negatable, meaning that when searching forcredit card processing for medical business big or small, you should get at least three different quotes. Negotiating between a few providers will ensure you get the very best deal available to you at that time.
How Merchant Advice Service can help
Merchant Advice Service work closely with medical credit card processing companies and brokershere in the UK and Europe. Speak to our industry experts about your requirements from online automated medical bill payment facilities to face-to-face payments for alternative therapy providers. Our service is free of charge, enabling you to speak with an advisor suited to your business needs first time around.
ENQUIRE TODAYDeclined application for card processing (Dentists)
Dentist merchant account applications can be declined by high street banks because of increased risk which comes with cosmetic work within surgeries – including minor cosmetic services such as botox and teeth whitening. Examples of this also include incomplete course treatments.
Alternative card processing can be found by using a provider who has a specialist risk appetite within medical practice. Speak to our experts for further advice.
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Libby James
Merchant Services Expert
Libby James Co-founded Merchant Advice Service alongside David Bird in 2016. Her finance background, coupled with retail and customer service experience, gave Libby the drive to bring transparency and non-biased advice to the world of merchant services. Having come from the heavily regulated mortgage and insurance industry, Libby found it puzzling that other financial sectors lacked regulation and transparency leaving customers confused and unable to make informed decisions when it came to accepting card payments. This was soon to become Libby's obsession!
With the help of some of the industry’s best, Libby began to research acquiring banks, complex terminology/regulation, and the problems customers experience within merchant services and payment gateway markets. She spent years on sourcing solutions for complex clients, which previously others were unable to assist with. Libby established relationships with brokers and banks which would soon form the cornerstone of Merchant Advice Service. As a result Libby has been featured in high-profile publications across the web.
Libby is proud to be the entrepreneur’s champion, supporting start-up businesses regularly. Her industry insights can often be found on LinkedIn where she provides free of charge advice and money saving pointers. It’s safe to say she has her finger on the pulse of everything card payments related.
Libby speaks of her experience in founding and running Merchant Advice Service…
‘Merchant Advice Service is one of my greatest achievements to date. We help business owners to overcome card processing issues which can become detrimental to their business. We assist SME’s in finding suitable card payments solutions, helping them create their vision. Each and every day is different, exciting and fore filling. As technology advances I can’t wait to see the way in which the merchant services market advances, and I’m pleased that our business will play a part in educating company owners along the way.’
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