Industries · Apply online
Everyday businesses
Card processing for everyday businesses — stores, restaurants, hotels, online shops and service providers.
How it works for your business
Most businesses complete one application: who you are, who owns the business, how you take payments and where funds settle.
If you sell online or by phone (card-not-present), the application asks a few extra questions about your website, delivery and refunds.
Eligibility. Approval, pricing and terms are set by the processing partner and its sponsor bank. Nothing on this page is an approval.
What kind of business?
What you’ll need
Needed for every application
- Driver's license or passportUpload a photo of your ID instead; we never ask for your SSN here.
- Articles of Incorporation or OrganizationFormation documents for the legal entity.
- EIN letter (SS-4)IRS assignment letter. Not a Social Security card.
- Voided check or bank letterAttach the image. Do not type routing or account numbers into this form.
- Drop-shipment agreement or in-house letterDrop-shipment agreement, or an in-house letter on company letterhead.
Helpful if you have them
- Last 6 months of bank statementsIf available. A recent statement can also support your business address.
- Last 6 months of processing statementsIf available. Useful when you already process cards.
- Bank letterUse this if you are attaching a bank letter instead of a voided check.
- Proof of addressIf available. A utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old.
- Website confirmationIf available. A screenshot or other proof of the live website.
- Product list or catalogIf available. A file or link listing what you sell.
- Certificates of analysis (COAs)If available.
Only if underwriting asks
- Year-to-date financialsIf requested.
- Latest business tax returnIf requested.
- Business license or registrationIf requested.
- Website ownership confirmationIf requested.
- Refund / return policyIf requested.
- Cancellation policyIf requested.
- Terms of serviceIf requested.
- Fulfillment / shipping policyIf requested.
- Customer contracts or service agreementsIf requested.
- Delivery / proof-of-service policyIf requested.
Source: Cliq Merchant Application (2025-10-21) document checklist. Underwriting may ask for more.
Preparation tips
- Have your legal business name exactly as registered, and your EIN letter.
- Use a business bank account for settlement.
- Make sure your website shows your refund policy, contact details and prices before you apply.
Tips help you prepare; they are not underwriting requirements.
Questions
How long does it take?
The application can be finished in one sitting if your documents are ready. Underwriting time is set by the processing partner.
Do I need processing statements?
Only if you already take cards — they are useful, not required, for new businesses.
Who approves my account?
The processing partner and its sponsor bank. Merchant 360 helps you get a complete application to them.
AI assistant
Meet Pyper — your friendly guide through the entire journey.
Pyper explains each step, finds what’s missing and drafts the next message — only from what you’re allowed to see. Pyper is an AI assistant: it never approves accounts or gives legal advice, and a person is always a click away.
Ready when you are
Save as you go and come back any time. Your agent can help at every step.