Getting started
What you need to open a merchant account
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What do I need to start accepting credit cards online?
To open a merchant account you need a tax ID, bank account details, a government ID, your business address, and usually a few months of statements.
Plainly put: processors ask for these documents to verify who you are, confirm where your funds will be deposited, and understand how your business operates. The Merchant Primer uses Avendo's checklist as its model because it is short and clear: about 10 minutes to complete if you have everything ready, and one application goes out to multiple eligible processors.
The merchant account checklist
| Document | Why processors ask |
|---|---|
| SSN, EIN, or ITIN | Identifies you or your business for tax and verification |
| Voided check or bank letter | Confirms the account and routing number for deposits |
| 3 months of processing statements | Shows sales volume and history; bank statements work if you have none |
| Business address and contact details | Confirms where and how the business operates |
| Government-issued ID | A driver's license or passport verifies the owner |
Who can apply with Avendo today?
Avendo is built for businesses that take payments online: e-commerce, online subscriptions, SaaS, and memberships. It cannot yet onboard in-person (card-present) or point-of-sale businesses, or stores built on Shopify, Wix, Square, or GoDaddy, and says it is working toward supporting them. It currently supports custom-cart integrations; WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento may need a compatibility review.
What happens after you apply
- You share the basic details. Processors need them before they can approve a merchant account.
- Avendo sends them to eligible processors. Everything is collected in one place, so you apply once instead of separately with each processor.
- You start processing. Once approved, processors compete on price for each transaction, and all your transaction data and reports sit in one dashboard.
You can review the requirements on Avendo's credit card processing application page. Once you are set up, our guides on tokenization and chargebacks cover the next things to learn. For the complete picture, see how to accept credit card payments online.
Tips for a faster approval
- Make sure the name on your bank letter matches the business name on your application.
- Have your website live with clear products, prices, refund policy, and contact details.
- Use your most recent full months of statements so volume figures are current.
- If you are switching providers, include your latest processing statement.
Questions before you apply?
Avendo's team answers questions about onboarding, existing accounts, and how it fits with the checkout you already have. Contact them to see whether its processors can support your business and what you could save.
Common questions
What do I need to apply for a merchant account?
Most processors ask for the same core items. Avendo's checklist is typical: your SSN, EIN, or ITIN; a voided check or bank letter showing your account and routing numbers; three months of processing statements, or bank statements if you have none; your business address and contact details; and a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
How long does the Avendo application take?
Avendo estimates about 10 minutes to complete its application if you have your documents ready. You apply once and Avendo sends your details to eligible processors for review, so you do not repeat the process with each one. Approval timing then depends on each processor's review of your business.
What happens after I apply?
Avendo collects your details in one place and sends them to eligible processors, which use them to verify who you are, confirm where funds will be deposited, and understand how your business operates. Once processors accept your account, they compete on price for each transaction, and you get your transaction data and reports in one Avendo dashboard.
What if I do not have processing statements?
You can still apply. Avendo's application asks for three months of processing statements, and if you do not have them, three months of bank statements work instead. Processors use these to understand your sales volume and history. A brand-new business without either should contact Avendo to ask how its processors handle new merchants.
Can I accept credit card payments without a business?
Generally yes, as a sole proprietor using your Social Security number, since many processors and payment facilitators accept individuals. Avendo's application accepts an SSN, EIN, or ITIN, whichever tax ID applies to you. You still need a real product or service, a bank account for deposits, and a government ID to pass verification.
How do I contact Avendo?
Use the contact page on Avendo's website at avendo.tech/contact-us. Its team answers questions about onboarding, existing accounts, and how Avendo fits with the checkout setup you already have. You can also start with the application directly if you already know your business takes payments online through a custom checkout.