Chamber Merchant Services
The British Chambers of Commerce are working with First Data, part of the Bank of Scotland group, to bring members of accredited Chambers a quality service for processing debit and credit cards at extremely competitive rates, with discounted terminal hire and NO service fees.
What level of spend is required?
The service includes rates for all levels of card spend, from businesses who are new to card transactions right up to those turning over more than £175k per annum. There is a wide range of terminal types available, including a new type which is specifically aimed at the smaller volume user and costs as little as £13.16 a month to hire.
What if I am an existing First Data customer?
BCC have agreed that existing First Data customers will be eligible for the special rates. They should call their Account Manager and request the Chamber member preferential terms. Customers of other payment service providers are also eligible to apply.
Can all businesses benefit?
All businesses who are members of an accredited Chamber are eligible to apply. All applications are risk assessed before services are provided, and there are very few categories where service may be denied or a higher tariff imposed due to their high risk profile. Factors influencing your risk profile include your business type (some activities associated with Travel or subscription services are considered higher risk, for example) and the proportion of Cardholder Not Present transactions you wish to process. However all applications are profiled individually so it is always worth completing the application form.
How do I sign up?
Simply contact First Data’s customer service team on 0800 652 5808, being sure to state that you are applying under the Chamber preferential scheme and telling them which Chamber you are a member of. Within 48hrs you will be sent an application pack containing a pre-printed application form. Assuming that the information you submit is complete, it can take as little as 17 days for your business to be live with your new terminal.
What are the costs?
Costs involved in accepting card payments are as follows:
- Terminal hire. This covers the equipment you will need to have on site in order to process credit and debit card payments. The terminals offered included Chip & PIN functionality and can be static or portable. Our specially discounted rates are from £13.16 + VAT per month.
- Joining fees. This is normally around £150, but is FREE to chamber members switching from another provider, and only £25 for those new to card payments.
- Monthly service charge. Many providers have a minimum charge each month. This has been waived for Chamber members.
- Transaction charges. You will be charged a small percentage of each transaction as a processing fee, or a flat rate charge for a debit card transaction. The rates for this vary depending on your total card turnover, and again BCC have negotiated significant discounts.
For more information please contact the Membership Team on 01302 341000 or email chamber@doncaster-chamber.co.uk