- Most credit unions offer merchant services through a referral or agent partner.
- Compare pricing transparency, equipment, integrations, support and how deposits settle.
- Merchant services settling into the credit union strengthens the operating account.
Almost every business needs to accept card payments. If a business member gets merchant services elsewhere, their daily card deposits often follow. Offering merchant services through a trusted partner keeps that money and that relationship with you.
How credit unions offer merchant services
- Referral programs: the credit union refers the member and may earn a share of revenue.
- Agent programs: the partner processes under the credit union's brand, with more involvement from your team.
What to compare
- Clear pricing and contract terms for your members.
- Point-of-sale equipment, online payments and mobile options.
- Integrations with accounting and industry software.
- Next-day or same-day settlement into the credit union account.
- Local support and a dedicated contact for your staff.
- Revenue share and reporting for your institution.
Merchant services partners in the credit union space
Credit unions work with partners such as Paysafe, Priority Payments and Payroc. Each has different strengths, so match the partner to the businesses you serve. Our vendor guide shows where merchant services fits in the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
Can credit unions offer merchant services?
Yes. Most do so through a referral or agent partnership with a payment processor.
Does a credit union earn revenue from merchant services?
Many partnerships include a revenue share, which varies by partner and program.
Why should merchant deposits settle at the credit union?
Settling card deposits into the credit union keeps the operating account active and deepens the relationship.