
What is a merchant of record?
A merchant ID number, also known as a merchant number or MID, is a unique code that enables smooth processing of credit and debit card transactions for your business. It’s essentially an identifier that’s specifically designed to streamline payment procedures.
MIDs play a crucial role in identifying your merchant account. When a customer provides their payment details during a transaction, the MID ensures that your merchant account is accurately designated as the recipient of the funds.
Throughout the transaction process, the MID travels alongside the customer's payment information, facilitating communication among important parties involved, i.e. the merchant acquirer, card issuer, and payment processor.
Think of the MID as a mailing address on an envelope, directing the funds to their intended destination.
It all comes down to receiving funds. Your business needs a merchant ID to ensure a smooth flow of customer payments from their bank to your company’s account. Without this unique identifier, funds from customer payments would never reach your bank account.
However, while every business accepting card payments needs a merchant ID number, the process of actually getting one may vary. Depending on your payment-processing provider and the financial institution hosting your merchant account, you may or may not be provided with a merchant ID number.
We should note that Checkout.com users don't have direct involvement with their merchant ID number. As a comprehensive end-to-end payment-processing solution, Checkout.com provides the functionalities of a merchant account, removing the need for users to establish a separate merchant account.
Think of your merchant ID as an account number that facilitates payment transfers.
The credit card processing landscape involves various entities working together, often subcontracting specific responsibilities to different providers, resulting in multiple layers of business.
Transaction information is passed between these parties, which means your MID acts as the ID for your specific business, designating you as the recipient of the payment. In essence, having a merchant ID number is essential for receiving funds. If you accept credit card payments, it implies that you already have a merchant ID in place.
Learn more: What are payment rails?
Securing your own MID is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to set up a merchant account with a card processing company. This involves providing essential business information, undergoing a credit check, and agreeing to the processor's terms and conditions
It’s not uncommon to have more than one MID, but the majority of businesses typically need just one. However, if you own multiple businesses, each with its own merchant account, then you'll have separate MIDs for each of them.
Let's say you own an independent plant store that has a cafeteria inside. In this case, you’ll want to maintain separate merchant accounts — and consequently, separate merchant IDs — for the plant store and the cafeteria, despite them being part of the same overall business.
If your business operates in multiple locations you might also need more than one MID.
Each MID essentially functions as a separate channel, helping maintain order and organization in your finances.
Yes. In the unfortunate event that a payment processing platform revokes your merchant account, you’ll no longer be able to use your MID number.
For example, one potential cause for businesses losing their merchant accounts and corresponding merchant ID numbers is the accumulation of excessive chargebacks.
Chargebacks happen when a customer initiates a refund request with their card issuer, then, if the chargeback is deemed valid, the customer gets a refund.
Several factors can contribute to chargebacks, including:
Even if your chargeback rate is within acceptable limits, your payment processor reserves the right to revoke your MID number if suspicions of fraudulent activity arise surrounding your business.
Learn more: What is the Mastercard Excessive Chargeback Program (ECP)?
Your merchant ID number isn’t publicly available in a searchable database, for added security, much like how personal bank account numbers aren’t disclosed to the public. However, finding your merchant ID is typically a straightforward process.
Here are a few methods to help you in your merchant ID number lookup:
With Checkout.com, you can grow revenue and optimize costs quickly and easily by accepting payments online through our all-in-one platform. It couldn’t be easier to get started – all you have to do is integrate our flexible payments platform once, then capture more value in every transaction.
Talk to our sales team for more information on how to increase sales while keeping customers coming back for more.