A merchant account is a specialized bank account that allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments. It holds funds temporarily after authorization until they’re settled into your main business account. Merchant accounts are issued by acquiring banks or payment processors and come with specific terms, fees, and underwriting requirements. This account acts as the connector between card transactions and your business income.

Getting the right merchant account setup is foundational to running a reliable payment operation. AltoPay helps ensure your merchant account matches your industry, risk profile, and volume expectations. Tracking account performance — like approval rates, reserves, and dispute ratios — gives you visibility into how your acquirer views your business. A properly configured merchant account supports both daily operations and long-term growth.