John --

Just what I've picked up in doing some research.

It all starts with getting a merchant account, which allows you to process credit card payments. This requires a credit check on the company as well as some other information to ensure you're a going concern.

If you're then processing payments via the web, you'll need to use a service to connect to the various credit card providers.

I've copied some links which may be of some help. No warranties expressed or implied. <g>

Jay

GOVERNMENT BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION
http://www.fms.treas.gov/eft/

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUP
http://www.nacha.org/

VENDORS
http://www.nationaleft.com/
http://www.americaneft.com/
http://www.tcscan.com/ -- Canadian
http://www.paybyweb.com/ -- web only and considerably more expensive
http://www.paymentprocessor.net/
http://www.ebseft.com/eft.html -- has demo disk


>Hi to all!
>
>Does anyone know how to process a payment using credit cards online.
>
>For example, if a user enters his/her credit card account number via keyboard or inputs in via magnetic stripe, how can we automatically contact the appropriate credit company and approve the transaction? I always have access to the internet.
>
>Thanks in advance!