Last fall we wrote about the new Discover “On Us” Program that allows merchants that are new to accepting Discover to defer the cost for a whole year. For many businesses the summer months are their “busy season” and as such this program could add up to great savings all summer long. The “On Us” program offered from discovered is brought to merchants through Host Merchant services. When a customer uses a Discover card at checkout, merchants will not be charged any fees or interchange rates, so all the revenue stays in the businesses pocket.
More Details
First, to qualify for the program, merchants must not have accepted Discover cards in the last six months or be entirely new to accepting the following cards: Discover, Diners Club International, BCcard, China Union Pay, JCB, and DinaCard. To enroll in the program there are just four simple steps merchants must do:
- Apply before the deadline of December 31, 2013 (the sooner you apply the more you’ll save)
- Confirm your enrollment with a special test transaction
- Update signage in your brick and mortal retail store and/or update your website for ecommerce merchants
- Provide training on how to communicate the benefits of using Discover to pay for transactions
Voila. Once Discover has verified that your business qualifies you will receive written notice and within 10 business days a welcome packet with free signage and tips on how to increase sales by accepting Discover.
Test Transaction Instructions
You can use the following instructions to see if your terminal is currently set up to accept Discover cards.
Test your terminal using these simple steps:
- Prompt your terminal or point-of-sale device for a manual sales transaction.
- For BCcard, JCB, China UnionPay, DinaCard, and Rupay enter the following test card information:
Test card account: 6555 9000 0015 9720*
Expiration date: 09/14
Transaction amount: $1.00
CID: 458
Zip code (if necessary): 43054
- For Discover and Diners Club International cards, enter the following test card information:
Test card account: 6011 2023 0029 5223**
Expiration date: 07/14
Transaction amount: $1.00
CID: 045
Zip code (if necessary): 43054
- A “decline” status means the test was successful and your terminal is ready.
Benefits of the Program
While on the “On Us” program, every time you accept a Discover brand card, you will not have to pay the normal interchange rates and fees thus keeping more of the money from the sale in your pocket. Your customers also get the freedom of being able to choose their favorite card and possibly earning cash rewards or points. Host Merchant Services can even provide you with Discover signage to increase awareness that your business now accept Discover cards as payment.
Next Steps
This incredible offer only lasts until December 31, 2013. Pick up the phone right now and give us a call at 877-517-4678 to talk to one of our knowledgeable payment experts or fill out our quick sign up form and someone will be in touch with you shortly. The Discover “On Us” program, a quick easy way for your business to save more on credit card processing.
