What is a payment solution?
A payment solution is a combination of technology and merchant services that helps a business accept, process, manage, and monitor customer payments. It may include a virtual terminal, ecommerce gateway, merchant account, recurring billing, reporting, PCI compliance support, or back-office billing. Clearwater Processing creates tailored processing environments based on how a business collects payments.
What is a virtual terminal used for?
A virtual terminal is a web-based credit card processing tool that allows merchants to manually enter and process card transactions from an internet-connected device. It can be useful for businesses accepting payments by phone, email, invoice, or other remote methods when a physical card terminal is not being used. Clearwater includes virtual terminal capabilities within its merchant services offerings.
Can I send invoices and get paid by card?
Yes. Clearwater Processing offers custom invoicing that lets you send invoices clients can pay by card, including dual pricing and zero-fee programs. Invoice payments appear in your merchant reporting and can sync with QuickBooks or Xero, so payment records stay connected to your accounting software. With next-day funding, card payments on invoices reach your account quickly.
Can I process client payments when I'm away from the office?
Yes. As long as you have an internet connection, you can process card payments through the web-based virtual terminal from any internet-connected device, whether you're at home, in the office, in the car, or waiting at the airport. You can also send invoices from the road, so clients can pay without waiting for you to get back to your desk. No special hardware is needed to take payments on the road.
What invoicing features does Clearwater Processing offer?
Clearwater Processing’s custom invoicing lets you bill clients for the work you have done and let them pay by card. You can choose dual pricing or a zero-fee (surcharge) program for your invoices, bill repeat clients on a schedule through recurring billing, and have automatic card updating refresh cards that are about to expire so those payments keep going through. Paid invoices appear in your merchant reporting, can sync with QuickBooks or Xero, and are backed by next-day funding, so you can see what is paid, what is outstanding, and when the money arrives.
What do I need to take client payments from home, the car, or the airport?
You need an internet connection and a device with a web browser, such as a laptop or tablet. The virtual terminal is web-based, so you sign in from wherever you are, whether that is your home, your office, the car, or the airport, and process the payment there. Because the card is not in front of you, collect the billing address and card security code with each keyed payment, and use a secure, trusted connection rather than open public Wi-Fi when you take payments while traveling.
Can I bill repeat clients automatically instead of sending a new invoice each month?
Yes. For clients you bill the same amount on a regular schedule, such as monthly retainers, service plans, or memberships, recurring billing charges the card on file automatically, so you do not have to send and chase a new invoice each cycle. Clearwater can also automatically update customers’ cards that are about to expire, which saves time and retains revenue automatically.
Do invoice payments sync with QuickBooks or Xero?
Yes. Clearwater Processing integrates with QuickBooks and Xero, so invoice payments and other card transactions can sync with your accounting software without changing the accounting system you already use. That cuts down on manual entry and makes it easier to reconcile paid invoices against your deposits and merchant reporting.
Can payment processing software support recurring billing?
Yes. Clearwater Processing offers recurring billing solutions for merchants that process subscription-based or repeating transactions. Automatic updates for expiring cards mean fewer interrupted payments and less time spent collecting new card numbers. Availability and the appropriate setup depend on the merchant’s processing environment and billing requirements.
Can I accept payments online with these tools?
Yes. Clearwater Processing offers ecommerce payment gateways with simple API integration for accepting card payments online. Gateway solutions can be connected with merchant websites or software environments and include capabilities such as reporting, PCI compliance support, and support for all card types as described in the service offering.
Does Clearwater Processing offer payment software integrations?
Yes. Clearwater Processing can integrate credit card processing into custom-built software applications using payment gateways, virtual terminals, and back-office billing capabilities. The company also offers QuickBooks and Xero integration. These options are intended to connect payment acceptance with existing business or accounting workflows while supporting reporting and PCI compliance management.
How can I understand the fees on my merchant statement?
Clearwater Processing reviews merchant statements from providers such as local banks and national processors. The analysis explains confusing charges and identifies hidden fees or potential savings opportunities. Clearwater reports that clients average 10%–30% in savings through statement analysis, though results vary by account, processing activity, and existing agreement.
Is customer support available for payment processing issues?
Yes. Clearwater Processing provides US-based backend support 24/7/365. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7am to 10pm EST and Saturday from 8am to 10pm EST. Clients also receive access to their dedicated representative’s personal cell phone number for more personalized assistance.
What types of businesses can use these payment tools?
Clearwater Processing serves businesses of all sizes and markets solutions to organizations such as law firms, retail shops, online sellers, contractors, professional firms, event businesses, distributors, service companies, developers, and other merchants. Available tools can include virtual terminals, gateways, recurring billing, invoicing, reporting, and integrations selected around how the business accepts payments.
Can I offer dual pricing or a zero-fee program on my invoices?
Yes. Clearwater Processing’s custom invoicing supports dual pricing and zero-fee (surcharge) programs. Card-network rules and applicable state laws set disclosure and other requirements for these programs, so confirm what applies to your business before launching one.