RESOURCE / TWIN HORN

Gateway versus merchant account

Separate the software that transmits a transaction from the agreement that authorizes the merchant to accept it.

One checkout may involve a POS, gateway, processor, acquiring program, and sponsor bank. Knowing each role makes a proposal easier to compare.

Merchant account and underwriting

The acquiring program reviews the legal business, activity, channels, and risks, then sets the account terms. Its approval is not conferred by installing a plugin.

Gateway and POS

A gateway routes payment data between a checkout and processor; the POS records the sale. A particular integration may support some methods and devices but not others.

Settlement and service

The provider agreement controls settlement and disputes. Ask who supports an outage, who changes the gateway configuration, and how reports reconcile.

QUESTIONS THAT MATTER

Good answers make
better decisions.

Can I open only a business bank account and process payments?

No. A deposit account alone does not authorize card acquiring or provide a supported payment network.

Can Twin Horn be my main support contact?

Yes, for coordination and merchant support; the approved provider controls underwriting and funds.