How does 82 North work?
You create a page hosted by the 82North secure servers, then create a link from your website to your secure page on 82North. We don't do websites, we make your website work for you and your constituents.
Once your page is set up and your online gateway is live, you will have the url of Your page hosted on the secure 82North server. You give that url to your webmaster who will put the link on your website. When people click on the link, they will be sent to Your page on 82North. They will see the 82North url in the browser, but frankly most people have no idea they have left your site.
TIP: have the link to Your site on 82North "open in a new window".
TIP: For a donation page, have the Donate Now! button at or near the top of every page of your website. Don't make people go hunting for the Donation page!
What is a merchant account?
A merchant account allows you to accept credit cards. You can choose to take Visa/MasterCard, Discover, and Amex. Almost everyone has a Visa or MasterCard, but people really like to use their Discover and Amex for the reward programs - remember, it is all about rewards!
What does a merchant account cost?
You can create your own relationship with whatever merchant account provider you would like to use. We have found Metro Merchant Services (MMS) to be the most cost-effective. What 82North needs is the online gateway - make sure when you inquire about a merchant account that you get the cost for an online gateway and a card not present account. Many merchant account providers don't tell you those costs - we won't say they are not honest, we just think they don't understand what you need. The most common online gateway through account providers is Authorize.net. You will find Auth.net charges $100 for setup, $20/mo and .20 per transaction. MMS charges less than that, which is why we suggest having them be part of your solution.
IMPORTANT: many organizations think having a merchant account is a cost they do not want to take on. HOWEVER, remember that the merchant account you use is a form of marketing - that one additional "touch" to that constituent on their credit card statement. MMS charges $150/yr for the merchant account (including the online gateway) - that is CHEAP marketing. You spend more than that on printed material which goes quickly out of date!
If you have questions about merchant accounts, give us a call and we are happy to walk you through what questions to ask. Even if you don't end up as an 82North client - that is just the way we are!
What is a card security ID?
Your card security ID number (also called a "card verification code" or "security code") is a three-digit or four-digit number printed on most major credit cards and debit cards. (Please see the examples below.)
Where can I find the card security ID?
You can find the card security ID on the front of most American Express cards and on the back (in the signature panel) of VISA, Discover and MasterCard cards. Please see the examples below.
What if my card doesn't have a card security ID?
Not all credit and debit cards have a card security ID number. If your card does not have one, please leave the 'Card Security ID Number' text box blank.
What if I can't read my card security ID?
If your card has a card security ID number but you cannot read it, you cannot use that card to complete your transaction. Please contact your credit or debit card issuer for assistance with the problematic card, or use another card.
Why does 82North.com request card security IDs?
We request your card security ID number to enhance the security of your transaction. The ID number appears on the card itself, and by requesting this number, we are helping to ensure that the cardholder is actually holding the card. This practice reduces the chance that an unauthorized person is fraudulently using your credit or debit card. We do not permamently store security ID numbers in our system. We will request the ID number whenever a customer uses a credit or debit card to make payments or donations online.
What cards does 82 North accept?
82 North accepts the following cards:
- MasterCard
- Visa
- American Express
- American Express Blue
- American Express Optima
- Discover