Internet Acquiring for Merchants: What It Is and How to Choose a Reliable Provider
Modern businesses cannot function without accepting online payments (Internet acquiring). Internet acquiring (processing) is a convenient and secure way to receive payments from customers worldwide. In this article, we will discuss what internet acquiring (processing) is, how it works, who it is suitable for, its advantages and disadvantages, and why you should choose SharPay for payment processing.
What is Internet Acquiring?
Internet acquiring is a technology that enables merchants (business owners) to accept payments via bank cards and e-wallets online. It allows transactions to be processed through payment gateways integrated into websites, mobile apps, or other platforms.
The acquiring process involves three main parties:
- Merchant (seller) – receives payment from the buyer.
- Buyer – makes a payment for goods or services.
- Acquirer (bank or payment provider) – processes the payment and transfers funds to the merchant.
What You Need to Know Before Connecting Internet Acquiring?
Before choosing a payment service, consider the following factors:
– Business type. Low-risk businesses can easily connect acquiring services, while high-risk businesses (casino, betting, gambling) require specialized providers.
– Supported payment methods. Besides bank cards, it’s essential to consider e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, and online bank transfers.
– Fees. Payment providers charge a fee for processing transactions, which can range from 1% to 7% depending on the business category.
– Security. Reliable acquiring services must comply with PCI DSS standards and use 3D-Secure technology.
– Integration. The payment gateway should be easy to integrate into your website or platform.
Who Needs Internet Acquiring?
This tool is essential for businesses operating online. Key categories include:
Online stores – accepting payments for goods.
Subscription services – Netflix, Spotify, online courses.
Betting, gambling, and casinos – require reliable providers with expertise in high-risk sectors.
Travel agencies and airlines – process payments for bookings.
Freelance services and SaaS companies – work on a subscription-based model.
How Does Acquiring for Merchants Work?
The payment processing procedure includes several steps:
- The client selects a product on the merchant’s website.
- The client enters their card details on the merchant’s website or the payment provider’s page.
- The request is sent to the acquiring bank for verification.
- The bank forwards the request to the payment system (Visa, Mastercard).
- The payment system requests confirmation from the issuing bank (the buyer’s bank).
- The issuing bank approves or declines the transaction.
- Funds are deducted from the card and transferred to the merchant within 1-3 days.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Acquiring
Pros:
- Fast payment processing – funds are credited within a few days. The merchant instantly receives a notification that the payment has been processed and will be securely credited.
- Convenience for customers – support for card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
- Process automation – reduces the workload on accounting.
- High-security standards – PCI DSS compliance ensures data protection.
Cons:
- Transaction fees – vary depending on the business category.
- Chargeback risks – disputes may lead to refunds for customers.
- Limited banking support for high-risk businesses – acquiring may be harder to connect.
Why Choose SharPay for Acquiring Services?
SharPay is a reliable payment provider offering convenient solutions for merchants across various risk levels.
Benefits of SharPay:
- Acquiring services for high-risk businesses.
- Lower fees compared to competitors.
- Fast connection – from 24 hours.
- Support for all major payment systems.
- Fraud protection and chargeback management.
Conclusion
Internet acquiring is a vital tool for businesses accepting online payments.
Choosing a reliable provider like SharPay will help you avoid payment issues, minimize fees, and ensure transaction security. Connect internet acquiring today and expand your business opportunities!
Online Acquiring: What the Word Actually Covers
Online acquiring is the part of the payment chain where the money is claimed from the customer’s bank and delivered to yours. The gateway shows the form, the acquirer does the claiming — and only a licensed institution can do the second part.
For a merchant this matters in one practical way: when a payment fails, the reason almost always sits on the acquiring side, not in the checkout. Declines by issuer, limits, risk rules and settlement delays all live there.
Internet Acquiring Bank or Payment Institution
Card acquiring is provided either by a bank or by a licensed payment institution working with a sponsor bank. The difference shows up in four places:
- Speed of onboarding — a payment institution usually reviews faster than a bank
- Appetite for risk — banks decline whole verticals by policy, providers underwrite case by case
- Settlement terms — the cycle and the reserve are negotiated, not fixed by the licence
- Support — who answers when a batch of transactions is declined at 2 a.m.
High-Risk Acquiring: What Changes
High-risk acquiring is not a separate technology. It is the same card processing with different commercial terms, because the provider carries more chargeback exposure:
- MDR of 3% to 5% depending on the vertical, against roughly 1% for low-risk retail
- A rolling reserve — 10% held for 180 days as standard
- Fixed penalties for disputes: 50 EUR per refund, 100 EUR per chargeback
- Closer monitoring of the chargeback ratio, with a review when it climbs
We work with companies registered in Europe and do not accept applications from the United States or the United Kingdom. Gambling and adult are accepted when the operator holds the required licences; nutra and supplements are not accepted under any conditions. Terms are on the merchant account page.