So what exactly is a merchant account? Essentially, it’s what allows you to accept payments online. A merchant account is a special type of business bank account that lets your business accept different types of payment—typically debit and credit card payments — necessary for online purchases. Every time someone pays for something with a credit card, funds are transferred to a merchant account that a merchant holds with a bank. The merchant is responsible for all the transactions on their account, and every bank has its own terms of service.

Once you decided on an account, you’ll send a cover letter that answers any potential questions or concerns. Elaborate on any steps that you’ve taken to mitigate risk, be straightforward and honest about potential issues, and spotlight any important experience or qualities that make you stand out from your competitors.

Finally, a word of warning: do your homework before applying for an ecommerce merchant account and choose a reputable provider. Be wary of “free” ecommerce merchant accounts or those that offer cash back if you find another deal. Make sure you protect your financial information, read all the fine print, and research everything carefully.

Consumers value speed and convenience, making online shopping a preferred avenue for purchasing needed items. The rise in ecommerce has also given rise to multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, digital gift cards, alternative methods (PayPal), and mobile wallets. Mobile has become an increasingly popular way to shop, accounting for 50% of ecommerce transactions.

Services such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay have been on the rise to keep up with payments for continuity subscription merchants’ products and services. Alternative payment methods like PayPal have also garnered attention for ease-of-use.

The bottom line is that customers each have a preferred way to pay; not offering that method could turn valuable customers away. This is particularly true of continuity subscription merchants who are looking to keep customers around for the long-haul and who must go the extra mile to provide streamlined payment options. Offering a wide variety of payment methods and currencies is the best way to attract a wide base of customers and retain them long-term.

Continuity subscription merchants should work with a payment processor that offers a robust payment gateway with many payment options. A trusted payment processing partner can help you toggle options to best serve the needs of your customers.

Everyone who’s shopped on Amazon even once since 1997 knows about one-click payments. Patent-protected since then, one-click purchase capabilities are now in the mix for all eCommerce vendors. Because Amazon’s patent expired.

App users frequently abandon their shopping carts because it’s Too Much Trouble to enter 30-40 characters to complete an order. But they’ll do it once to set up an account, and continue shopping. Labeled the end of an era by some, it’s good news for m-commerce.

Of all the mobile commerce trends in play today, one-click payments may increase revenues most directly for app developers who choose to implement their own one-click purchase capability. Simplify the user experience, and see your repeat customer revenue skyrocket.