This is more expensive that processing transactions manually offline. Some MAPs only offer their complete line of features if you purchase their hosting plan and Web site building tools. If you are planning to use different software or hosting services, then make sure to evaluate how your MAP will interface with your system. This fee similar to the fee that you commonly have to pay to get money from a cash machine. Watch out for these fees, if you are planning to sell a lot of low priced, or low margin, items.
Most MAPs charge a flat monthly fee just for the merchant account itself.
This means that even if you have very little activity in the form of transactions, you will still have to pay for the merchant account. These set-up costs can cover any special software or telecommunications equipment that you will need to process transactions. This is usually deducted as a percentage of your sales. As you can see there are significant expenses associated with collecting payments online through credit card processing. Therefore, it is important that you research many different MAPs before deciding on which plan will offer your the best solution.