Merchant FAQs
Answers to common questions — all in one place.
Setting Up a New Merchant Account
Contact a Constellation Payments representative at 888.244.2160, option 1, or sales@csipay.com to get started. Our trained representatives will provide you with the online application, and secure, two-way email service with encryption to submit your supporting business documents.
To open a new merchant account, you will need to:
1) Complete an online application.
2) Provide supporting business documents.
Our trained representatives will provide you with detailed instructions and our secure, two-way email service with encryption to submit your supporting business documents.
Once your application is approved, your software provider will then finish the last steps of getting your software connected for processing payments.
There are a few supporting business documents that we’ll need to set up your new account:
- Driver’s license/passport or a state-issued ID
- Voided check or letter from your bank
- Business verification information such as a government-issued business license, signed operating agreement, or signed partnership agreement
Note that due to anti-money laundering laws, these documents can change from time to time.
Once the signed application has been submitted for approval, a decision will be rendered within 1-3 business days. Note that certain circumstances can delay the underwriting process such as if a merchant’s credit is frozen.
While most merchants are approved, every application is unique and is subject to the underwriter’s final decision.
Along with the ability to process payments, your new account will include:
- Comprehensive PCI Compliance and Protection program with hands-on help throughout your yearly PCI renewal and quarterly security scans
- Online payments portal with access to merchant processing statements from the past 13 months
- A customer search database with real-time reporting tools
- Simple statements with charts and graphs for a quick visual read of monthly fees and volume trend, plus helpful tables that break down transactions
- Online case management tools to help you effectively manage chargebacks and retrievals
- Funding alerts sent by text, so you know the moment funds have been settled and processed to your account
Banking and Payments
Funds are electronically deposited by an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction into your designated bank deposit account.
You are typically funded within 2 business days from when you submit your batch of payments. Note that under some circumstances funding can take up to 5 days and bank holidays may impact funding.
Yes. We offer Fast-Track Funding which enables you to get your funding the same day. Contact a Constellation Payments representative at 888.244.2160 or sales@csipay.com for more information.
VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Billing will occur the first week of the month for last month’s processing.
Yes. Every month you will receive an electronic statement that details all your payment information for the month. Each statement includes charts and graphs for a quick visual read of monthly fees and volume trend, and helpful tables that break down transactions.
Software Integration
Your Constellation Payments representative will notify your software provider, so that your software provider can finish the last steps of getting your software connected for processing payment cards.
Our current integrations include:
- 123Signup
- 97Display
- Advanced Utility Systems
- Campsite
- Common CENTS Solutions
- eFit
- Emphasys Software
- EZFacility
- Harris ERP
- Harris Local Government
- Jonas Fitness
- MembersFirst
- Member Solutions
- MoversSuite by EWS
- Optima Management Software
- Pike13
- SignMeUp
- Snap Fitness
PCI Compliance
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) — commonly referred to as just PCI — is a set of standards designed to ensure that all organizations that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
Yes. Working with a software provider that is PCI-certified, or a merchant services provider, like Constellation Payments that is PCI-certified, does not exempt a business from having to show compliance.
You are required to comply and show compliance through a certification process.
As part of our onboarding process, you will receive a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) along with step-by-step instructions on how to register with a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). Once the questionnaire is completed, you’ll download your validation certification that is used to demonstrate your compliance with PCI.
You are required to renew your PCI compliance certification on an annual basis — and depending on your type of business, may be required to perform quarterly security scans.
Our PCI Compliance and Protection program will help you! As part of the program, you’ll receive hands-on assistance and email action reminders to guide you throughout your yearly renewal and quarterly security scans.
With the PCI Compliance and Protection program, you’ll receive hands-on help throughout your yearly PCI renewal and quarterly security scans. Also included in the program are phone call and email action reminders, a security policy template, device security scan, network perimeter scan, PAN detection scan, and up to $20,000 in Breach Financial Assistance.
What Our Clients Say
Rueben Nelson
“I’m continually amazed by the value I receive. Constellation Payments has made it easier and more convenient for our customers to pay through multiple payment options. That’s translated to more on-time payments and less delinquent accounts for us. Plus, the level of service and support that is given is just exceptional. The support team is responsive, knowledgeable, and always willing to help solve any problem that may arise.”
Todd Spears
“Constellation’s service is impeccable; their team is responsive, and they actually care that you’re a customer. I’ve already directed over 5 new businesses to their service.”
Take the Next Step
Make payments a simple part of your business. Fill out the form below for more info, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.