Integrated Merchant Alliance, Inc.

I want to begin accepting payments with credit cards. What kind of hardware do I need?
Many factors determine the kind of hardware you will need, including: type of merchant account you want to establish (e.g., e-commerce, retail or mail order), the type of industry you're in, how many transactions you have a day, type of transactions you'll be processing, how many locations your business has, etc. Once we have all of this information, we will be better able to advise you on the type of equipment you'll need to be able to process credit cards.

What kind of training do you provide?
We provide various training for our customers. We provide personalized training and continuing education for our merchants. In addition to initial training, we'll also provide you updates on industry-related rule and regulatory changes.

What are your technical support hours?
We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

How is IMA, Inc. different from its competition?
At IMA, our primary focus is always our customer. When our customers are successful, we're successful. As your one-stop shop for products and services, we want to surpass your expectations. We offer the best value in the business by combining our responsive customer service with reliable systems, competitive interchange rates, and powerful products.

Can I see transaction information now, without having to wait for my statement?
Our web-based reporting tools like Resource Online can provide you with up-to-date daily transaction information.

What is check verification? Do I need it?
Check verification is a service that provides merchants with varying degrees of insurance against bad check losses by verifying the authenticity of each check and/or its presenter. Checks are verified through a national database gathered from retailers who upload bad check information. While check verification service is not required, this service does help keep your business losses to a minimum.

What are debit cards?
Debit cards at the point of sale are an alternative payment method. When goods or services are purchased with an ATM Debit Card, the funds are removed from the customer's checking account. In addition to the standard ATM cards, many banks also issue the Visa Check Card and/or MasterCard's Master Money Card - both of which can be used in either an online or offline debit arena.

What is the difference between online debit and offline debit?
The difference between these two debit choices is whether a PIN (personal identification number) is used at the point of sale. When a PIN is used the transaction becomes "online" and funds are immediately withdrawn from the cardholder's available funds. When an offline debit transaction occurs, funds are not withdrawn until the transaction processes - usually 2-4 days after the sale. Debit card transactions are the fastest growing point-of-sale payment method today. The acceptance of this payment method continues to remain popular because customers and merchants both appreciate the convenience and ease of using debit cards to purchase merchandise and services.

What is Check Conversion?
This new service from CrossCheck makes taking checks as simple and fast as taking credit cards.  This system effectively eliminates paper checks at the merchant's location by converting a paper check into an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) that is processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH).
This check process, expedites funds availability and reduces bank charges such as return check fees. Funds are automatically placed into the merchant's account, reducing the need to fill-out daily deposit slips and travel to the bank. Check Conversion also eliminates the chance of loss from robbery, since store personnel make the deposit for checks the same as for credit cards (from the terminal).  This allows consolidation of funds for multi-location merchants. Counterfeiting is curtailed, as the check reader can detect non-MICR ink checks.

What is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?
EBT is the automation of cash or cash-like benefits through electronic authorization, data capture and settlement processes. This is accomplished with the use of plastic magnetic-striped cards at the point-of-sale terminal. The end result is the elimination of coupon benefits distribution. The electronic process results in increased security, thereby reducing fraud and benefit misuse.

What is a stored value program?
A stored value program allows you to offer your customers a proprietary card pre-loaded with value for future purchases.