We have provided answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you don’t find the answer here, please contact us.
A customer is claiming to have an additional authorization on their credit card. How does this type of thing happen, and how can I get it removed?
You can verify closed check amounts in your batch detail report. The final amount listed in this report is what your customer will end up being charged. Usually customers that complain about extra charges are seeing an extra pending authorization that was not finalized. The authorization will drop off the cardholder’s account automatically. The only way to remove the extra authorization quicker is to contact the cardholder’s bank and request that they release the authorization.
Who is Merchant Link and what is the difference between Merchant Link, my processor and my bank?
Merchant Link provides products and services that remove the risk and hassle of payments for merchants. Our solutions include the Merchant Link Payment GatewayTM.
- A payment gateway facilitates the transfer of information between a point of payment (such as a point of sale terminal, property management system or cash register) and the front-end processor or bank. A payment gateway acts as a kind of translator, traffic cop and bodyguard – interpreting and directing data streams through a secure route to the appropriate destination, quickly and accurately.
- The payment gateway sends transactions to the processor, and the processor facilitates the processing of payments for your bank. The processor will check the credit card details received with the respective card’s issuing bank (such as Bank of America) or card association (such as Visa) for verification. Depending on the information received, the transaction will ultimately be authorized and settled, or declined.
- The bank is the financial institution that has an agreement with you to accept (acquire) deposits generated by bankcard transactions. This is why the bank is referred to as the “acquiring bank” or “acquirer.”
For more, check out our Credit Card Processing 101 series.
How do I change processors or bank accounts?
The best place to start is by contacting your POS/PMS reseller or dealership. The dealer will then coordinate with Merchant Link to make the change. If you don’t know who your local dealer is, contact our support team and based on your business location we can determine who your dealer is.
How do I add an accepted form of payment to my account?
First, contact your processor to have the new form of payment established. Then, the processor will notify Merchant Link of the change and we will perform testing to ensure the new form of payment is set up correctly. We then notify your dealership of the change and your dealer works with Merchant Link’s Installation Team to make the necessary adjustments to your point-of-sale system.
How do I check the status of a new site?
Simply contact our Implementation Team at 301-562-5026 or
implementation@merchantlink.com.
I need help with an authorization or settlement issue and my credit card support contract with Merchant Link is not current. How can I get help?
If you are a MICROS customer, in order to get assistance, you need to renew your credit card support contract (or CA/EDC support) with your MICROS dealership. One-time support is available for a fee through the MICROS corporate office at 800-937-2211.
How do I issue a refund/credit on my POS system?
The steps required to issue a refund are specific to your point-of-sale system and equipment. If you are using a MICROS POS system, please try following the steps listed below. If they do not work as stated, or if you are using a different POS, please contact your point-of-sale dealership for assistance.
- Pick up or open a check.
- Press the ‘void key’.
- Type in the $ amount to be credited.
- Choose the OPEN FOOD or OPEN LIQUOR keys (preferably something that doesn’t charge tax).
- Go to the Pay screen.
- Choose the CC auth key (i.e. Authorize credit card key, card will dial out for approval). WARNING: Using the Manual Authorization key to credit a customer will cause the batch to fail.
- Enter the Credit card number or swipe the card.
- Enter the Expiration date.
- Check to make sure the amount is ‘negative – $’ before closing check.
What are Merchant Link’s hours of operation?
Merchant Link’s Technical Support Team provides round-the-clock support, 24 x 7 x 365. Our Implementation and Installation Teams are available during regular business hours. Phone numbers and hours are as follows:
Implementation Team
301-562-5026
Mon-Fri, 7:30am– 5:30pm EST
(Get status updates on installations; initiate an order)
Installation Team
301-562-5169
Mon-Fri, 8:00am– 7:30pm EST
(Schedule an installation; perform an installation)
Technical Support Team
301-562-5001
24 hours, 7 days a week
(Get help with all other support issues)
I have a new employee that needs to get set up on BizPortal. Where can I send my request and what information is needed?
Send the request to
support@merchantlink.com and include first and last name, position, and email address of the new user.
How do I add AMEX Direct?
First, contact your POS/PMS reseller or dealership. The dealer will then coordinate with Merchant Link to add this service. If you don’t know who your local dealer is, contact our support team and based on your business location we can determine who your dealer is.
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