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International Merchant Account and Payment Gateway Services

Your International Merchant Account Specialists

The world is offering unprecedented opportunities for growth in ecommerce. Regardless of your home country, people often shop internationally looking for hard to find items and the best deal. The only road blocks to reaching global audiences is your companies ability to get your products in front of consumers and to accept payments for the products and services they want. That is why Durango Merchant Services exists.

Who is Durango Merchant Services?

Founded in 1997, Durango Merchant Services specializes in providing international merchant accounts for a wide range of businesses including but not limited to the travel industry, memberships, subscriptions and software-as-a-service, ecommerce sites and other high-risk sectors often bypassed by traditional banks. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by high risk industries such as these, Durango offers tailored, reliable payment processing solutions that help ensure smooth international transactions. Our mission is to deliver customized support and solutions, enabling a wide range of businesses to succeed and expand globally with an international merchant account, despite industry complexities.

What Sets Durango Merchant Services Apart from the Rest?

  • Deep understanding of the high-risk sector
  • Decades of experience in securing International merchant accounts
  • Robust network of banking relationships
  • State-of-the-art payment processing software
  • Customer specific consulting to help get approval
  • Omni-channel payment support
  • Recurring billing capabilities
  • 24-48 Hour Payouts
  • Focusing on the growth and stability of our clients
  • Personal account manager with 10+ years of experience
  • eCheck Processing through ACH
  • Solid reputation in the payment industry
  • Ten's of thousands of merchants placed
  • Premium service for the high-risk sector

What is an International Merchant Account and How Can You Obtain One?

An international merchant account is essential for businesses looking to operate globally, enabling them to accept and process payments in multiple currencies. This type of account enhances customer convenience by allowing them to pay in their local currency, potentially increasing sales and customer satisfaction. To obtain one, businesses need to assess their needs, identify suitable providers, and gather necessary documentation such as business registration and financial statements.

The application process involves compliance with international regulations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, to prevent fraud and ensure the legality of transactions. Once the account is set up, businesses must integrate it with their payment systems, conduct thorough testing, and continuously monitor transactions to maintain security and efficiency. This strategic step not only facilitates smoother transactions but also expands the business’s global reach and growth opportunities.

Why Is An International Merchant Account Considered A Niche Type of Payment Processing Account?

An international merchant account is considered a niche type of payment processing account primarily because it caters to specific needs that are not typically addressed by standard merchant accounts. These accounts are designed for businesses that operate across international borders and need to handle multiple currencies and navigate diverse banking regulations.

This type of account allows businesses to accept payments in different currencies and convert them into their home currency, often integrating sophisticated security measures to comply with various international anti-fraud and anti-money laundering regulations. The complexity of managing transactions across different regulatory environments, dealing with exchange rate fluctuations, and ensuring customer satisfaction across diverse markets makes international merchant accounts highly specialized. As such, they require more specific setup and maintenance efforts compared to regular merchant accounts, aligning them closely with the needs of businesses engaging in global commerce.

For over two decades, Durango Merchant Services has been assisting businesses with international operations in opening merchant accounts. With a presence in the US, Canada, the EU, and beyond, our services cater to businesses worldwide. Our PCI-compliant gateway supports multi-currency functionality and is equipped with advanced fraud detection and chargeback protection technologies. Contact us today to begin accepting payments and streamline your international business operations.

Challenges and Opportunities in Securing an International Merchant Account

International Merchants are seen as high-risk by banks and payment processors for a a lot of different reasons, which all add to the perceived and real risks of the industry. Getting a handle on these reasons can really help business owners operating internationally tackle the challenges and grab the opportunities. Here’s a brief rundown of the main hurdles you might face when trying to get an international merchant account, and some tips on how to smooth things out so you can focus on growing your business in this exciting and growing space.

Challenge 1: Regulatory Compliance Can Be Complex With An International Merchant Account

When setting up international merchant accounts, businesses must navigate the diverse regulatory landscape of each country. This includes adhering to local payment processing regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) standards, and customer data protection laws, such as GDPR in Europe. Compliance is something that businesses must address for legal operation and maintaining customer trust, but it can be complex and daunting, especially for businesses that are not well-versed in the specific legal frameworks of the countries in which they wish to operate. Ensuring thorough compliance is among the most important things merchants can do to successfully manage international merchant accounts and avoid legal complications.

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Merchant account providers and payment gateways can be invaluable tools for businesses expanding internationally, offering industry expertise in navigating the regulatory landscapes of different countries. These providers may have insights in local regulations, including payment processing rules, anti-money laundering (AML) standards, and data protection laws such as GDPR in Europe. They can assist businesses by offering their experience and expertise regarding the intricacies of compliance, which reduces the administrative burden and mitigates risks associated with non-compliance. This allows businesses to focus on growth without being bogged down by the complexities of regional legal frameworks.

One of the main tools to help with compliance is a robust payment gateway. Payment gateways enhance security and smooth the localized payment processes, implementing robust security measures like PCI DSS and encryption technologies to protect transactions. A powerful gateway can also adapt payment processes to fit local preferences, supporting popular regional payment methods and currencies, which enhances customer satisfaction and increases transaction completion rates. Regular updates and monitoring by these providers ensure that businesses remain compliant with current and evolving regulations, providing ongoing support and minimizing the risk of disruptions due to regulatory changes. This comprehensive support system is crucial for businesses looking to expand their operations internationally and maintain compliance efficiently.

Challenge 2: Currency and Exchange Rate Management in an International Merchant Account

Managing multiple currencies is a crucial aspect of operating international merchant accounts. Businesses face the challenge of handling exchange rate fluctuations, which can significantly impact pricing strategies, profitability, and accounting practices. To effectively deal with these issues, it’s vital to set up a merchant account capable of handling various currencies and performing efficient currency conversions. While this is essential for conducting seamless international transactions, it can be technically complex and administratively burdensome. Ensuring that your merchant account is equipped to manage these aspects smoothly is key to maintaining financial stability and accuracy in international markets.
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Durango Merchant Services, working alongside Durango Pay Payment Gateway, offers merchants a robust suite of payment solutions tailored to address the intricacies of currency and exchange rate management in global markets. With support for multiple currencies, merchants can easily accept payments from customers around the world without the headache of manually managing every currency conversion. Real-time exchange rate conversion provides merchants with real-time rates at the time of transaction, safeguarding against the impact of currency fluctuations on pricing and profitability. This streamlined process improves the purchasing experience for international customers, increases satisfaction and reducing barriers to making more sales.

In addition to currency support, Durango Merchant Services and Durango Payment Gateway provide merchants with transparent pricing structures and comprehensive reporting tools. These features empower merchants to make informed decisions regarding pricing strategies and financial management in international markets. Industry leading security measures safeguard sensitive payment information, while dedicated support from experienced teams ensures that merchants receive personalized assistance to navigate currency management challenges effectively. Together, these solutions enable merchants to expand their global reach, increase cross-border sales, and deliver exceptional payment experiences to customers worldwide.

Challenge 3. Fraud & Security Risks Rise With International Payment Processing

Fraud and security risks grow when merchants begin to sell in international markets through their merchant accounts. With each new market comes unique challenges and vulnerabilities, as different regions may exhibit varying levels of risk and encounter distinct types of fraudulent activities. This makes putting into practice robust security measures and tailored fraud prevention strategies really important. It is the imperative of every business to safeguard transactions and protect sensitive payment information effectively. Taking a proactive approach helps merchants mitigate risks specific to each region, fostering a secure and trustworthy environment for international transactions conducted through their merchant accounts.

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Durango Merchant Services and our state of the art payment gateway can help merchants tackle the unavoidable problem of fraud and security risks in international merchant accounts. We like to think of our gateway as our own cyber superhero! It has endless compliance and fraud detection capabilities and uses some of the most advanced payment technology, like end-to end encryption and real-time transaction fraud detection to suss out questionable purchases before they even happen.

Our service doesn't end at providing automated tools to mitigate fraud—through years of experience and hard earned expertise, we can help develop customized strategies too help meet your needs. With cutting edge algorithms and smart learning skills, our team can give advice on how to use our payment gateway for tailored fraud-busting techniques to fit the different environments of each region you're selling in. Our friendly & knowledgeable support team is here to guide you through some of the complexities of international fraud prevention, making sure you're prepared with knowledge and information to keep your merchant account secure.

Challenge 4. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers in International Payments

Navigating cultural and linguistic barriers is of primary importance in managing international merchant accounts. To succeed in diverse global markets, businesses must learn about and accommodate the unique cultural and linguistic intricacies of each region. This involves tailoring websites and payment processes to resonate with local languages and cultural preferences, to foster trust and encourage consumers to engage in financial transactions, ultimately driving sales and expanding their international footprint.
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Merchants can utilize the expertise of Durango Merchant Services account managers and our payment gateway technical support to configure your merchant account to be customized for the regions you operate in. Additionally, we can guide you to plugins and other ecommerce tools that allow language detection so your ecommerce store is always displayed in the language and in the currency of your users.

Opening an International Merchant account is an amazing way to inspire yourself and staff to learn more about the culture and customs of the nations you wish to serve. There are so many nuances from preferred colors to holidays and, of course, regulations. Durango Merchant Services is here to help you set up your payment gateway properly to handle currency exchanges and advise on useful technologies to help with language barriers. The rest is up to you! We encourage all our clients to leran more about the cultures and countries where they are operating, it enriches everyone.

Challenge 5. Banking Infrastructure and Partnerships & International Payment Processing

Establishing relationships with local banks or finding a global payment processor that can offer reliable services in multiple countries is often a challenge. Different countries have varying levels of banking infrastructure quality, and in some regions, it might be difficult to find stable and cooperative banking services that meet international business needs.
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With the support of an international merchant account provider like Durango Merchant Services, overcoming the challenge of banking infrastructure and partnerships becomes more manageable. Durango Merchant Services leverages its established network and expertise to facilitate relationships with local banks and global payment processors across multiple countries. By tapping into their extensive connections and industry knowledge, Durango Merchant Services helps businesses navigate the complexities of international banking, ensuring access to reliable and cooperative banking services that meet the unique needs of international commerce. This enables businesses to streamline their payment processes, mitigate risks associated with banking infrastructure disparities, and focus on expanding their global operations with confidence.

Durango Merchant Services is a Top International Merchant Account Provider!

Durango Merchant Services is always seeking ways to stay ahead of trends and provide turn-key solutions for businesses payment processing needs. We have created a simple, yet robust merchant service program that allows businesses to both accept card payments and make bank payments.

Our pricing plans are clear and easy to understand with no hidden costs offering your business attractive rates and excellent value for your money. This is all delivered through a top-notch, experienced account manager for the life of your account. We like our merchants to think of their account manager as a helpful business consultants that guide you through the intricacies of international merchant accounts.

Durango Merchant Services’ Actuarial Service provides on-going analysis of Transaction and Chargeback data enabling us to provide early warning signs against a potential exposure of fraud. In addition we provide a robust set up of fraud detection and rule-making software so you can continually improve your fraud prevention strategy while maintaining frictionless transactions. We don’t like to be confused and we don’t think others like it either. Our US-based customer support team – each with an average of 10 years of experience – provide clear and jargon free help on a variety of topics important to your business. Want to start accepting card payments or learn how to use the Account Management System and fraud detection software? We have you covered.

Our merchant accounts come bundled with a variety of goodies that will make your payment processing strategy and implementation robust and smooth. Our bundle includes Virtual Terminal, e-Invoicing, recurring billing, multi-currency accounts and bank payment acceptance, and more – all available at no additional cost. With monthly news headlines of another data breach or growth in card not present fraud, we understand that vigilance is of utmost importance and when it comes to security, we don’t mess around. Durango Merchant Services’ payment processing system has the highest level of data security and is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant providing you with peace of mind that you are well protected.

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Typical Prices & Fees For International Merchant Accounts:

  • Credit card Discount rates that range between 1.95% and 4.95%
  • Secure Connection Authorization fees ranging from: $ 0.15 to $0.25
  • Bank Check Monthly installments: rates ranging from $15.00 per month to $60.00 per month

Typical Terms in a Credit Card Processing contract:

  • Bank Check Free Application Processing
  • Credit card Rolling reserve requirements that range from: 0% to10%
  • Secure Connection Variable contract lengths including availability of month to month
  • Secure Connection Direct financing with regular deposits
  • Secure Connection Minimum processing: $5,000 minimum for US accounts, $50,000 for international accounts
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Dive Deeper Into Payment Processing & International Merchant Accounts

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How Do I Open An International Merchant Account?

Durango Merchant Services has written a detailed and straightforward guide to assist potential clients with understanding the process of applying for international payment processing. Our knowledgeable sales team and account managers are specialists in payment processing and are always available to provide support. Durango Merchant Services offers expert advice and clear explanations throughout the process, ensuring you have all the help you need. This comprehensive approach helps you improve your chances of successfully securing an international merchant account.

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How Do I Configure My Payment Gateway For An International Merchant Account?

Durango Pay Gateway is perfectly suited to meet the specific needs of the international merchants. It’s incredibly versatile—whatever you need, chances are it can handle it. This gateway integrates seamlessly with over 150 shopping carts, from WooCommerce to Shopify, making it a breeze to use regardless of your platform. It’s also omni-channel ready right out of the box, which is ideal for travel businesses operating across multiple sales channels. Plus, it comes equipped with robust fraud detection and prevention tools as well as chargeback management features, helping you keep transactions secure and minimizing financial risks.

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How do I increase my credit card processing limits?

Want to boost your credit card processing limits for your International business? Here’s the strategy: demonstrate a solid track record of consistent and reliable transactions, and ensure your business finances are robust and healthy. Minimizing chargebacks and maintaining a strong bank balance can significantly improve how transaction handlers view your business. We encourage you to have an open discussion with your account manager about your expansion plans—it might just be the key to securing more favorable terms.

Trade is not just about buying and selling goods, but also about forging connections and building relationships between different cultures.

Some Resources to Help You Thrive Selling And Taking Payments Internationally

So you are ready to start selling your products in international markets. It constantly astonishes us how such a big world can be made more manageable through incredible tools and platforms that allow us to connect internationally like never before.

Gone are the days where if you want to sell in another country you have to go to a trade show, visit the country itself and manage all the regulatory hurdles yourself. In today’s world if you can get an international merchant account and have familiarity with platforms that allow you to sell or buy internationally then you are already 75% of the way to success.

Below are a few online marketplaces that have handled a lot of the ground work to allow merchants to easily sell their products internationally. They can be great resources to either wet your feet in the international market or as a repository of information and guidance on how to sell and accept international payments successfully.

Selling internationally on Amazon offers a significant opportunity to expand your business reach by tapping into a global customer base using Amazon’s trusted and extensive infrastructure. With services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), sellers can leverage Amazon’s logistics, handling everything from shipping to customer service, which simplifies managing international operations. This platform also boosts your brand’s credibility and visibility across different markets, making it easier to attract customers who might be hesitant to purchase from an unknown website.

However, the venture comes with its challenges, including navigating diverse regulatory landscapes that involve complex tax laws and import duties, adapting to cultural differences, and overcoming language barriers. Additionally, each international market has its own competitive dynamics and consumer preferences, which may require tweaking your marketing strategies and product offerings. To succeed, sellers should make full use of Amazon’s tools designed for global selling, conduct detailed market research, and ensure their product listings are thoroughly localized to resonate with the intended audience in each country.

Selling internationally on eBay offers a great opportunity to access a global audience and expand your market presence significantly. eBay provides various tools, such as the Global Shipping Program (GSP), which simplifies the complexities of international shipping and customs, allowing sellers to ship their products to eBay’s domestic shipping center, from where eBay handles the international logistics. This exposure not only increases visibility but also helps diversify your customer base, which can mitigate risks associated with relying on a single market. However, the process comes with challenges such as navigating different regulatory environments, managing logistics, and overcoming cultural and language barriers. Each country has its own regulations concerning taxes, shipping, and product standards, which can be complex to follow and subject to frequent changes. Additionally, dealing with multiple currencies and ensuring secure payment options for international customers are essential but can complicate operations. Successful international selling on eBay requires utilizing the platform’s tools effectively, adapting listings to local markets, and staying updated on international trade regulations to ensure smooth and compliant transactions.

Selling internationally on Rakuten offers the unique advantage of accessing niche markets, particularly in Japan, where the platform enjoys widespread popularity and trust. Rakuten’s robust customer loyalty program can significantly enhance customer retention by incentivizing purchases with points usable across Rakuten’s extensive network of services. Additionally, Rakuten supports international sellers with tools like translation and customer service assistance, easing the entry into markets that might otherwise pose significant language barriers.

However, the challenge of penetrating these markets lies in competing with established local vendors who are deeply familiar with consumer preferences and market dynamics. This requires international sellers to deeply understand and cater to local tastes, a task complicated by the need to navigate complex logistics and comply with diverse regulatory environments, including taxes and import laws. Success on Rakuten thus depends heavily on effective localization of product offerings and marketing strategies, as well as a keen understanding of and compliance with local regulations to ensure smooth and lawful operations.

Durango Merchant Services Can Provide International Merchant Accounts in Dozens of Countries

Durango Merchant Services works with several gateway processors and suppliers with sponsor banking relationships that provide both US based national and international credit card processing solutions for businesses that operate internationally. We can provide international merchant accounts in the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, US & UK Territories as well as Puerto Rico.

Why Durango Merchant Services for International Processing?

Whether you are in a high risk or low risk industry, our expert team of international processing experts will make sure your business is optimized to successfully process transactions from anywhere in the world.

Durango Merchant Services has one of the highest approval rates in the industry we can find a processing bank for almost any company generating international e-commerce, multi-currency, or high risk merchant accounts. Our strong relationships around the globe allow us to provide competitive rates and industry leading approval delivered through world-class customer service.

  • Competitive Rates
  • Accept Multiple Currencies & Deposits
  • Accept Payments from Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, China UnionPay and JCB
  • Accept Google Pay and Apple Pay
  • Providing Accounts in the USA, Canada, the European Union and United Kingdom
  • Integration with 150+ Shopping Carts
  • Robust Chargback prevention and Management tools
  • eCheck Processing through ACH
  • Industry Leading Fraud Detection & Prevention Tools
  • Dedicated Account Manager with a Decade or more of experience in the payment processing industry.

Durango Merchant Services Is Here To Help Secure Your International Merchant Account for Global Payments:

Our dedicated team has negotiated on behalf of more than 35,000 clients.  We understand the back and forth and give and take of negotiating processing accounts for high risk merchants, including hundreds of international merchant accounts.

We know that there aren’t always easy answers. But remember, there is almost always a way forward and if you can make it through the first 3 years with a good track record, life will become much easier and your business will be better for it. Read our guide to how to apply for a International merchant account below.

How to Open an International Merchant Account?

Applying for international merchant services, given the high-risk status of cross border transactions, requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to increase your chances of approval and start processing payments and selling internationally.
travel-merchant-account
Estimated Time Needed: 3 days
Total Cost: 0 USD

Required Documents:

-> Business License: A copy of your business license
-> Articles of Incorporation: If your business is incorporated, you'll need to provide your articles of incorporation or other business registration documents that confirm the business structure and ownership.
-> Tax Identification Number (TIN): Your business’s tax ID number, such as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in the United States, is necessary for tax and identity verification purposes.
-> Personal Identification: Copies of personal identification documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, of all major owners of the business (typically those owning 25% or more).
-> Financial Statements: Recent financial statements (balance sheet, income statement) and bank statements (usually the last three to six months) to assess the financial health and stability of your business.
-> Processing History: If applicable, historical payment processing statements (typically for the past three to six months). This is particularly important if you’re switching providers or have had previous merchant accounts, as it demonstrates your transaction volumes and chargeback rates.
-> Business Plan: Some processors might require a detailed business plan, especially for new businesses, outlining your business model, marketing strategies, revenue projections, and risk management approaches.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

-> Full compliance with industry regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Laws in the United States.
-> Website Compliance to national ecommerce standards.

Detailed Roadmap for Opening an International Merchant Account:

Step 1: Assess Your Business Needs
Before you begin, evaluate what you need from an international merchant account. Consider the currencies you want to accept, the types of payment (like credit cards, e-wallets, or direct bank transfers), and the countries from which you'll be accepting these payments. This assessment will guide you in choosing the right merchant account provider that can meet your specific requirements.
Step 2: Research Potential International Payment Processing Providers
Look for merchant account providers that specialize in international transactions. Research their fee structures, transaction rates, and the currencies they support. Check reviews and testimonials to gauge the reliability and customer service of the providers. It's crucial to select a provider that is reputable and offers robust fraud protection and security measures.
Step 3: Prepare Necessary Documentation
Gather all required business documentation that providers might need. This typically includes business registration and licensing documents, bank statements, a detailed business model, and possibly past tax returns. International accounts may require more documentation to comply with cross-border financial regulations.
Step 4: Apply for the International Merchant Account
Once you have selected a provider and prepared your documents, you can apply for the merchant account. This process may involve filling out an application form and submitting your documents for review. Some providers might also require a personal or phone interview to better understand your business operations.
Step 5: Undergo Compliance and Credit Checks
The provider will conduct a thorough review of your application, which includes compliance checks and credit evaluations. This is to assess the risk associated with your business, especially for international transactions that are typically subject to higher scrutiny due to varied regulations and increased risk of fraud.
Step 6: Set Up Payment Gateway
Once your merchant account is approved, you will need to set up a payment gateway if it's not already integrated with the merchant services. The payment gateway will allow you to accept payments online securely. This might involve some technical setup on your website or e-commerce platform to ensure that the payment processing is seamless and secure.
Step 7: Test the Payment System
Before going live, thoroughly test the payment system to ensure that it works correctly across different scenarios (like different card types, currencies, etc.). Check for any issues in transaction processing, security features, and the user experience. This step is crucial to avoid any customer dissatisfaction due to payment failures.
Step 8: Go Live and Monitor Transactions
After successful testing, you can start accepting international payments. It’s important to continuously monitor transactions for any unusual activity that might indicate fraud. Regular reviews of transaction reports and feedback from customers can help you tweak the system for better performance and security.
Step 9: Stay Compliant with International Regulations
Ensure ongoing compliance with international financial regulations, which might include GDPR for customers in Europe, PCI compliance for card transactions, and other local laws in the countries you operate. This might involve regular audits and updates to your security protocols and compliance measures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, many international merchant account providers offer multi-currency functionality, allowing businesses to accept payments in various currencies. This feature facilitates transactions with customers worldwide and simplifies currency conversion processes, enhancing the flexibility and convenience of international payments.
International merchant account providers typically implement robust security measures to address the unique risks associated with cross-border transactions. These may include advanced fraud detection systems, PCI compliance, and encryption technologies to protect sensitive payment information. Additionally, international accounts may offer enhanced chargeback protection to mitigate the risks of disputes and fraudulent transactions across different regions.
The fees for international merchant accounts can vary depending on factors such as transaction volume, currency conversion rates, and the specific services offered by the provider. Common fees may include setup fees, monthly account fees, transaction fees, and currency conversion fees. It's essential to carefully review the fee structure provided by the merchant account provider to understand the costs involved and ensure transparency in pricing.
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