What is a MID in payment processing? Let’s break it down!
We all know the basics when it comes to finance and money, but when it comes down to industry jargon and abbreviations, things can get a little bit confusing.
So, what exactly is a “MID”? A MID, or a Merchant Identification number is a unique number used to identify you by a Bank or payment processor. The number or code allows everyone involved in the transaction to identify you as a business whenever someone makes a purchase on your website. This also allows the movement of the funds from the issuing bank to the acquiring bank and makes it easy for the transaction to be made.
Next, is, why do we even need a MID in the first place? Well, to accept card payments on your website is the answer! It would be impossible to accept payments on your eCommerce store or at an online business without having a MID attached to your company.
And how do you get your Merchant Identification Number? In order to obtain a MID, you need to be approved and have your merchant account opened with an acquiring bank or payment processor (like BrightCart). With BrightCart, you can open a merchant account to accept Visa & MasterCard payments at your checkout easily. Keep in mind though, that different payment processors issue different MIDs, so you might need to keep track of what MID connects to which provider.
With that in mind, where can you find your Merchant Identification Number if you need it? Well, the first step would be to simply ask your provider and they will give it to you, but if you are in a rush and need to find it quickly, you can use 3 main ways to get it:
- Check your merchant statement that you either receive from BrightCart or your payment service provider monthly or that you download from your back office.
- If you have a physical POS (Point of Sale) and you are a bit technical you can check if your MID is displayed there
- Your back office. This might not be possible depending on your configuration, but it’s worth giving it a go.
In any case, it’s super important to get set up correctly so it’s a good idea to use a knowledgeable provider who can set you up and help you maintain your account. If you are interested in getting a card acquiring service, just drop us a message using our contact us form. We will be right next to you!
