A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows businesses to accept and process electronic payment transactions, including credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods. For utility companies, it's essential for accepting customer payments efficiently and securely.
Most utility merchant account applications are approved within 24-48 hours. Our streamlined application process is designed specifically for utility companies, making approval faster than traditional merchant account providers. Once approved, you can begin processing payments immediately.
We offer transparent interchange-plus pricing with no hidden fees. Rates vary based on your processing volume, payment types, and utility-specific needs. Our rates are typically 30-40% lower than traditional processors. Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your utility's requirements.
We offer both contract and month-to-month options. Many utility companies prefer our month-to-month option for flexibility, while others choose our contract option for even lower rates. There are no cancellation fees with either option.
We provide various terminal options to fit your business needs: countertop terminals for office use, mobile terminals for field service, and virtual terminals for online processing. We also offer free terminal placement for qualified accounts. All equipment is EMV-compliant and includes the latest security features.
No, we do not charge setup fees for qualified utility accounts. We also provide free terminal programming and setup assistance. Our goal is to make the transition to UtiliCard as smooth and cost-effective as possible for utility companies.
Cash Discount Program
A cash discount program is a pricing strategy that allows businesses to offer a discount for cash payments while passing processing fees to customers who pay with credit cards. This helps utilities eliminate processing costs while providing customers with payment options.
Yes, cash discount programs are legal in all 50 states when implemented correctly. We ensure full compliance with all federal and state regulations. Our legal team keeps up with all changes in cash discount legislation to ensure your program remains compliant.
Most utilities save 3-4% on processing costs, which can amount to significant savings depending on your volume. For example, a utility processing $100,000 monthly could save $3,000-$4,000 per month. We provide detailed savings calculations during our consultation.
When properly implemented with clear signage and communication, most customers understand and accept cash discount programs. We provide training materials and signage to help communicate the program benefits to your customers. Many customers appreciate having payment options.
Working Capital
A merchant cash advance provides immediate funding based on your future payment processing volume. It's not a loan, but rather an advance on future sales. This can be useful for utilities needing quick capital for infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, or seasonal cash flow needs.
Funding can be available in as little as 24 hours after approval. The application process is simple and based primarily on your payment processing history rather than credit scores. Most utility companies are approved quickly due to their stable payment processing volumes.
Repayment is automatic through a small percentage of your daily credit card sales. This ensures payments are manageable and aligned with your cash flow. Terms typically range from 6-18 months, and there are no prepayment penalties if you want to pay off the advance early.
Technical Support
Yes! We integrate with most popular utility billing software systems including CSS, CIS, Banner, Oracle, and many others. Our technical team will work with you to ensure seamless integration with your existing infrastructure without disrupting your operations.
We provide comprehensive real-time reporting including transaction details, settlement reports, chargeback management, and custom reports for utility-specific needs. Reports can be accessed online 24/7 and can be exported in various formats including CSV, PDF, and direct integration with your accounting systems.
Yes, we provide 24/7 technical support specifically for utility companies. Our support team understands utility operations and can help with terminal issues, integration problems, and processing questions at any time. We also provide emergency support for critical payment processing issues.
We handle PCI compliance for you. All our systems are PCI Level 1 compliant, and we provide the necessary documentation and support to ensure your utility meets all compliance requirements. We also offer PCI compliance assistance and annual compliance validation.
Billing & Pricing
We use transparent interchange-plus pricing. You pay the actual interchange rate (set by Visa/MasterCard) plus our small processing fee. This ensures you always get the lowest possible rates with complete transparency. No markup on interchange rates like traditional processors.
No hidden fees, ever. Our pricing is completely transparent. You'll see exactly what you pay for interchange, our processing fee, and any applicable network fees. We provide detailed monthly statements showing every fee and transaction. What you see is what you pay.
Funds are typically deposited next business day for qualified accounts. We also offer same-day funding for utilities with urgent cash flow needs. All deposits are made via ACH directly to your business bank account, and you can track all settlements in real-time through our online portal.
We provide comprehensive chargeback management and protection. Our team handles the representment process and provides documentation to fight invalid chargebacks. We also offer chargeback prevention tools and alerts to help reduce chargebacks before they occur.
Additional Questions
Yes, we offer various mobile payment solutions including portable terminals for field service, mobile apps for customer payments, and tablet-based payment solutions for utility offices. All mobile solutions include EMV compliance and secure encryption.
Absolutely! We provide secure online payment portals that can be integrated into your existing website or provided as a standalone solution. Customers can pay bills, set up autopay, view payment history, and receive email confirmations. The portal is mobile-responsive and PCI compliant.
We specialize in recurring payment solutions for utilities. Our system handles automatic billing cycles, failed payment retry logic, customer notifications, and compliance with recurring payment regulations. We offer special low rates for recurring transactions.
No minimum processing volume is required. We work with utilities of all sizes, from small municipal utilities to large investor-owned utilities. Our pricing scales with your volume, so you get better rates as you process more transactions.
Getting started is easy! Contact us for a free consultation and rate quote. We'll analyze your current processing costs and show you potential savings. If you decide to move forward, we handle all the setup, integration, and training. Most utilities are processing within 48 hours of approval.
UtiliCard is specifically designed for utility companies. We understand your unique needs, regulatory requirements, and operational challenges. Our team has extensive utility industry experience, our pricing is tailored for utility transactions, and our support team understands utility operations. We're not just a payment processor - we're your utility technology partner.
Still Have Questions?
Our utility industry experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized answers to your specific questions.