{"id":1565,"date":"2025-10-22T07:48:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T07:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platforms.globalpayments.com\/en\/?p=1565"},"modified":"2025-10-22T07:48:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T07:48:55","slug":"how-to-prepare-your-software-users-for-merchant-underwriting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platforms.globalpayments.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-prepare-your-software-users-for-merchant-underwriting\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prepare your software users for merchant underwriting"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As a software company getting ready to or thinking about embedding payments into your platform, there is much to consider. One point of consideration is the merchant underwriting process and the onboarding experience you\u2019re creating for your customers. What\u2019s involved in merchant underwriting is not always clear to merchants from the beginning, further complicating the tedious process. We\u2019ve equipped you with everything you need to know to properly prepare your software users for this important milestone to create a more seamless experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does the merchant experience look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Merchant underwriting is a risk evaluation that every merchant must go through before they can accept electronic payments. For more information on what merchant underwriting is, check out our blog: The essential elements of merchant underwriting for software companies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is an overview of what a typical merchant underwriting process may look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Gather documentation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Your merchants will need to gather all necessary documentation and submit their merchant account application. In the next section, we touch upon these specific documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Review application<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The underwriter will review your merchant\u2019s submitted application. The time it will take for them to complete their review may depend on a variety of factors, and it can take a few days up to a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Follow up<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The underwriter will reach out if they require any other information or clarification from the merchant. It is common for underwriters to ask for more documentation at this point in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Application decision<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The payment processor will approve or reject the application. Applications may be rejected due to falsified or inconsistent information provided on the application, sales of prohibited or high-risk items, or known links to fraudulent or risky activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Onboarding and implementation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The merchant onboarding and implementation<\/a> begins. For software companies who choose to work with Global Payments for Platforms, we will be there to guide you through the entire process, so you can do the same for your merchants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The documents needed for merchant underwriting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A big point of friction during the merchant underwriting process is when your customers do not have the correct documentation ready and available to complete their application. To avoid this common frustration, it\u2019ll be important to set clear expectations with your merchant and ensure that they have the following documents available when beginning this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the application form, for each tax ID or Social Security Number associated with a merchant business, they should provide the following documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n