Banks are only lately getting comfortable with Internet commerce, but already a large number of companies can provide this service with an Internet Merchant Account. Try searching for "Internet Merchant Account" on a search engine or check out the eCommerce Directory. But be careful -- rates vary, and high rates can cut significantly into your profit margins.

Some typical rates at the time of this writing included a little over $3,000 for the processing software (or around $100 a month to lease the software) and 25 to 35 cents per transaction for Visa, MasterCard and American Express. That's over and above the 2.4 percent discount rate that the credit-card companies charge, so for low-cost items, those costs can add up quickly.

To get an Internet Merchant Account, you may also have to show the bank that you understand security and have put reasonable procedures in place. A hosting company that understands e-commerce can help you meet that requirement.

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he 2.4 percent discount rate that the credit-card companies charge, so for low-cost items, those costs can add up quickly.

To get an Internet Merchant Account, you may also have to show the bank that you understand security and have put reasonable procedures in place. A hosting company that understands e-commerce can help you meet that requirement.

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Talk to your existing bank about getting an Internet Merchant Account. Most banks have a program in place. If yours doesn't, consider changing banks. Shop around for the best deal. Monthly and per-transaction rates vary by provider and often also vary depending upon how much of the transaction you want to handle yourself. Small businesses may just want the money deposited in an account. Larger businesses may want to do their own credit checks or adjust pricing depending on the type of customer.

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