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A high risk merchant account makes it possible for businesses to accept payments via credit and debit cards. With today's business atmosphere, the success of a business is pegged to its ability to accept credit and debit payments. It's the easiest and fastness way which a transaction is carried out and makes a high risk merchant account a perfect fit for a small business.

A merchant account ordinarily comes with the provider's payment gateway. The provision by the merchant provider of a payment gateway is that it allows for screening of credit cards during the transactions stage thereby limiting cases of fraudulent transactions. Due to the high sales volume and multiple transactions associated with online businesses, small businesses can leverage their fraud risk by operating a high risk merchant account. It's through provision of a high risk merchant account that fraud and security related challenges that are likely to face small businesses are addressed.

Small businesses can use a high risk merchant account to grow their business. Providers of these accounts are known to offer around the clock customer support coupled with the account's ability to give any small business the capacity to accept and process transactions globally. A high risk merchant account thus presents small businesses the opportunity to increase their sales volume and profits.

Credit cards offer an alternative source to funding small businesses. Small businesses can leverage on credit cards to fund their operating costs, these cards present access to funding much faster and without the usually hassle and paperwork that comes with applying for a bank loan. However, caution should be applied when using credit cards as a funding option, fees and penalties are usually charged to a credit card transaction if the use of the credit card is not closely monitored.

A small business also has the added advantage of enjoying other benefits other than just accessing cash, like the leveraging of reward programs.  Businesses are therefore advised to check with their credit card processor to check what benefits are available to them.

Credit cards benefit a business by giving it tidy and neat records. Credit cards generate reports on a routine basis like monthly or quarterly and even yearly. In fact these records are made available upon request. This presents better record keeping practices for the business concerned.

Cash advances offer an alternative source to those businesses that would not ordinarily qualify for traditional sources of funding due to either debt ratios, credit scores or duration in business. With a cash advance such a business would be able to meet its working capital requirements. Below are some of the benefits associated with a cash advance to small businesses.

• Fast approval
• Less paperwork 
• Could be tax deductible
• Does not reflect on the applicant's credit report
• Flexible payment schedules 
• Does not ask for personal guarantee
• Minimal or no application fees 

Many start-ups end up being financed by savings or equity. External borrowing for small businesses is pegged on the various funding options and their respective requirements.  Great options are always available, so make sure to check with your trusted financial advisor before making any final decisions.

Author Bio
I'm an electronic payment expert and the co-founder of eMerchantBroker.com from Los Angeles, CA, the #1 high risk processing company in the country.  I enjoy hiking, dining and discovering new music. When I'm not working in the electronic payments industry, you can most likely find me producing and writing music. Add me to your circles at Google+ to learn more.