What is a merchant account and how do you choose the right provider?

When a customer pays via a payment method (like a debit or credit card) the funds don’t go directly into your business bank account. They need a place to sit until the transaction is approved. This is where your merchant account comes in; it’s essentially a holding pen for your funds.

The merchant account is provided by your acquiring bank or payment service provider. For example, with Adyen, you get one automatically when you start accepting payment with us. The question is, how do you choose the right provider to ensure you get paid as quickly and efficiently as possible?

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about merchant accounts, their role in the payment process, and how to find the right partner to set you up for success.