Within the Merchant Credit Card Processing industry, there is a structure of service levels built into the system between the consumer and the card associations. Within this structure are Agents / Partners who serve on the front lines of processing, that bring these services directly to businesses. Agents typically contracts with ISOs and MSPs (independent sales organizations and merchant service providers) like MBN. At MBN, we offer some of the industry’s leading attributes for both merchants and agent partnerships that make us stand out.
If you’re an agent offering credit card processing to merchants… here’s 11 Non-Negotiables for a Strong ISO Partnership.
Number 1.
MBN offers Agents multiple processing platforms to choose from. Why is this important?
Each processor has different strengths, vertical coverage, pricing models, and underwriting nuances that affect your bottom line. Multiple processors increases flexibility for approvals, allows agents to offer their merchants the best price and fit available, and it prevents “single processor dependence” – giving you more leverage and greater stability in your negotiating power.
It gives you Tiered Pricing Flexibility, Interchange Optimization, Volume-Based Discounts, Custom Fee Structures, and Risk & Underwriting Flexibility… Creating a clear competitive advantage for Agents. Closing more deals with more competitive pricing… this equals more profit for you.

Number 2.
With a MBN merchant account, your clients Go Live in Minutes.
There’s nothing more important than closing the deal quickly. When a merchant is ready to make the choice, the last thing you need are delays that can influence buyer’s remorse. The #1 deal-killer in merchant services is time lag. If you close a sale but tell your merchant… oh, “you’ll be live in a week or two,” there’s a window for second thoughts or competitors to swoop in. Being able to say: “I can set you up right now and you’ll be processing today” – massively increases closing ratios.
We offer rapid underwriting and onboarding… if you have equipment on hand, it can be programmed and installed on site immediately. This is huge support power! Not only can you onboard new merchants the same day, but that same speed serves in the event of an emergency replacement. Merchants often fear downtime when switching processors. Instant setup removes this fear. Restaurants, retailers, and high-velocity businesses benefit the most — lost time equals lost revenue. This feature alone increases merchant confidence, builds trust and reduces churn risk.
This also serves seasonal and pop-up businesses. Sign more craft merchants doing fairs, expos, seasonal shops, food trucks. These merchants can start processing quickly without waiting for weeks of underwriting. Many agents promise quick approvals — but “same-day-go-live” puts any doubts in the dirt. It speaks for itself.

Number 3.
Cash Discount.
So many Agents and ISOs offer cash discount. But compliance can be a serious risk for your merchants. MBN has an exclusive partnership with DuoPricing – the industry’s ONLY fully compliant, patented cash discount software… (patent pending).
Why does compliance matter? Cash discounting and surcharging programs have been in a grey area for years. Card Association rules require very clear signage, receipt language, and price disclosure. States laws vary — some ban surcharging, and some allow dual pricing but not traditional cash discount.
Many “cash discount programs” are actually surcharges disguised as discounts, which can expose merchants and ISOs to fines, lawsuits, or shutdowns. Your merchants don’t have TIME to worry about compliance… so you’d better!
Cash Discounting gives your merchants the opportunity to greatly reduce and/or eliminate processing fees altogether. This is huge for conversions. And your margin stays intact. Your merchants can close with you and have peace of mind that their cash discount program is 100% compliant. This shifts the conversation.
This also serves seasonal and pop-up businesses. Sign more craft merchants doing fairs, expos, seasonal shops, food trucks. These merchants can start processing quickly without waiting for weeks of underwriting. Many agents promise quick approvals — but “same-day-go-live” puts any doubts in the dirt. It speaks for itself.

Number 4.
MBN offers Agents larger upfront bonuses for Enterprise-Size New Accounts.
When you board higher-volume or larger business accounts — it pays BIG.
You get not only the negotiating power to land the big accounts, but we also sweeten the deal. Bonuses give you the immediate revenue boost you need to compete among big business.
It’s a no-brainer.

Number 5.
Show me the Money.
MBN pays residuals by the 20th of every month. It’s a consistent, reliable payout you can depend on. As an entrepreneur, any added stability in payments secures your position in the field.
Inconsistent pay is a top reason Agents leave their ISO partnerships. MBN offers trust and stability. This translates into better service for your merchants.
We’re here to support your growth. Your income is never in limbo here.

Number 6.
MBN offers Multiple Banks with Bins.
This maximizes flexibility in structuring interchanges, risk categories, and international acceptance. It helps you support niche verticals that other banks might decline.
How this benefits you and your merchants:
More approvals equals fewer dead deals. If bank “A” won’t underwrite a merchant, bank “B” might.
Better pricing options.
A high-volume restaurant might run cheaper on one BIN than another because of how Visa categorizes MCCs. You can place merchants on the BIN that produces the best cost structure, giving you pricing leverage.
Specialized Vertical Support.
One BIN might allow e-commerce or card-not-present with higher tolerance for chargebacks, while another might be optimized for hospitality or retail. This gives you confidence to sell into more industries.
Portfolio
If all your merchants sit under one sponsor bank and that bank changes policy (tightens risk, alters fees), your portfolio is vulnerable. Spreading accounts across multiple banks/BINs insulates you.

Number 7.
MBN offers Merchant ETF Credits.
Early termination fees can deter many prospect merchants from switching. We’ve got you covered. MBN supports you with buyouts or credits to help you sign new accounts. We offer a wide structure depending on industry and category, so reach out for details here.
ETF Credits involve good underwriting strategy. MBN’s underwriters are seasoned industry professionals who know how to negotiate to find the best option available for your merchant.
When mentioning ETF to potential clients, be sure not to make broad claims such as — “we remove the switching penalty” to we’ll credit you up to “blank” dollar amount for you to switch.
Bottom line: ETF credits are a surgical takeover tool. Use statement-credit pacing, clear eligibility, and clawbacks to win deals, keep merchants, and protect margin.

Number 8.
Custom Pricing Schedules — “You need it, we build it”.
MBN offers tailored pricing models for unique merchants. This greatly supports competitive pitches, opens doors to unusual industries, high-volume merchants, or special fee structures.
Bottom line — you can close deals others can’t.
Win niche verticals, protect margins while still closing, and compete with enterprise and big-volume deals.
Overall, MBN’s pricing structure for even basic merchants is extremely competitive. Our ability to customize pricing increases your leverage and closing power. No cookie-cutter plans here.

Number 9.
Close Out Batches as late as 1pm EST.
This may sound trivial — but to the right merchant, this is pure gold. It helps restaurants, bars, and late-night businesses that batch out after midnight. And it reduces chargeback exposure from unclosed batches.
It affects funding speed, merchant cash flow, and your selling power.
Your merchants LOVE this because it gives them faster access to their funds — a merchant who forgets to close out won’t lose a whole day’s worth of sales in settlement delay. And it reduces human error costs and improves cash flow.
This helps you retain merchants, increase satisfaction and loyalty long term, and for a high ticket / high volume merchant – this late close out can mean BIG MONEY that stays in their pocket. It’s icing on the cake.

Number 10.
Residual Ownership, Loans & Buyouts.
With MBN, Agents retain ownership of their portfolio residuals and have options to borrow against or sell them.
This supports you in long-term wealth creation, on-demand cash influx for emergency or expansion, and total buyouts offer exit opportunities. It’s your money – you’re in control.
Residuals offer a passive income stream even if you slow on new sales. MBN gives you options, freedom and leverage to customize your unique business experience.
We see you as a valued partner, and our support proves it.

Number 11.
Upfront Loan to Start Your Business.
MBN offers upfront funding to cover startup costs. This is a unique partnership feature. For new agents just starting out, this levels the playing field. Scale faster without waiting for residuals to build up.
This gives you financial breathing room to navigate the stress of shifting from paycheck to entrepreneur. You can focus on sales, not survival. Experienced agents can use this as a growth accelerator, to scale aggressively.
Unlike many of our competitors, MBN does everything in-house. We provide all the services you’d normally need from different providers – all in one place.
We are a family owned and operated business with 30 years industry experience. We offer BIG processor benefits with small processor service. It’s the best of both worlds. We are a true value partner – and our commitment is to give you and your merchants with the best pricing and service available.

Conclusion
If you’re an agent who is tired of hopping around from ISO to ISO, a partnership with MBN can provide you with an elevated support and value experience you’ll be hard-pressed to match elsewhere.
We offer your merchants the most cost effective and up to date processing options available, and we support you and them in house. You and them will speak to live representatives who are trained and available when you need them. Contact us today to learn more about our Agent Program.


